How to Become a Architect in Illinois
In Illinois, a Architect license typically requires a state exam, and a $235 exam fee.
Designs buildings and oversees construction compliance. Requires a NAAB-accredited degree, AXP experience hours and the ARE (NCARB). Requirements change — always confirm with Illinois Architects' Examining Committee (IDFPR) before paying.
Licensing steps in Illinois
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Age and background check rules vary — confirm with the state board.
- 2Complete pre-license education
Required training hours are not published here — check with the state board for the current figure.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam is administered by Prometric (NCARB ARE).
- 4Pay fees and get licensed
Exam fee $235
- 5Stay current
License renews every 2 years with 24 hours of continuing education.
Architect requirements — Illinois at a glance
| Education hours | — |
| Exam vendor | Prometric (NCARB ARE) |
| Questions (national/state) | — / — |
| Passing score | — |
| Exam fee | $235 |
| Application fee | — |
| License fee | — |
| First-attempt pass rate | not published |
| Retake rule | — |
| Renewal | every 2 years · 24 CE |
| Reciprocity | Yes — NCARB Certificate enables licensure by reciprocity |
Official source: Illinois Architects' Examining Committee (IDFPR) ↗
Transferring a Architect license between states
NCARB Certificate and reciprocal licensure. Architects transfer through NCARB reciprocity. All 55 U.S. jurisdictions accept the NCARB Certificate, and 25 of them require it for a reciprocal licence — so the Certificate is the practical gate for multi-state practice.
55 jurisdictions currently use it. Illinois is not currently a participant — plan on Illinois's own application route.
Check whether your destination jurisdiction requires the Certificate using the NCARB Licensing Requirements Tool. Mechanism data retrieved 2026-09-13.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a Architect license in Illinois?
After completing the required education, most candidates need 4-12 weeks of study before the exam. Total timeline depends on scheduling.
How hard is the Architect exam in Illinois?
Official first-attempt pass rates are not published by Illinois; check the state board.
What does the Architect license cost in Illinois?
The exam fee is $235
Can I transfer my Architect license to Illinois?
NCARB Certificate and reciprocal licensure: Architects transfer through NCARB reciprocity. All 55 U.S. jurisdictions accept the NCARB Certificate, and 25 of them require it for a reciprocal licence — so the Certificate is the practical gate for multi-state practice. For Illinois specifically, our dataset notes: Yes — NCARB Certificate enables licensure by reciprocity.
Plan your Architect licensing in Illinois
Work the road in order — check what Illinois requires, price the prep, lock a study schedule, then keep the license current.
- 1. Confirm requirements — education hours, fees and the board that issues it.
- 2. Budget the prep — exam + application + license + course costs before you pay.
- 3. Study to the exam — the Architect exam blueprint and a dated study plan.
- 4. Sit the exam — what to bring, where to test, and the retake rule if you miss.
- 5. Stay licensed — renewal cycle, CE hours, and Illinois reciprocity.
Architect tools for Illinois
Every step of the Illinois Architect road has a free tool — from the first requirements check to renewal and reciprocity.
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with Illinois Architects' Examining Committee (IDFPR) (retrieved 2026-08-20).