ARCHITECT License in Texas
Quick Answer
To become a licensed architect in Texas, you must hold a degree, complete work experience, and pass the ARE. Continuing education is required for renewal. Contact the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners for current fees.
- Exam
- ARE - Architect Registration Examination
- Timeline
- 7-10 years (education + experience + exam)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Annual
Requirements
ARCHITECT license in Texas
Estimated Costs Est.
- Exam Fee
- $1,410
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your ARCHITECT license in Texas. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Texas licensing board.
ARCHITECT Salary in Texas
Entry Level
$58,680
Median
$85,770
Experienced
$139,140
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed ARCHITECT in Texas.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Specific type of conviction prohibited
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — ARE - Architect Registration Examination
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 7-10 years (education + experience + exam).
ARCHITECT Licensing in Texas: What to Know
Texas's COS listing indicates a degree is required, third-party exam (ARE) is required, work experience is required, and continuing education is required for license maintenance. Specific criminal convictions are prohibited. The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE) oversees all registrations and is one of the few standalone architect boards in the country. NCARB certification facilitates reciprocal registration. Texas architects must comply with the Texas Accessibility Standards in addition to ADA requirements, and projects may be subject to various local building codes as Texas has no mandatory statewide building code.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a ARCHITECT license in Texas?
- The process typically takes 7-10 years (education + experience + exam), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a ARCHITECT license in Texas?
- You need to pass the ARE - Architect Registration Examination. Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare ARCHITECT requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.