Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I become registered in the state of Alabama?
There are two different ways you can become registered in Alabama. They are as
follows:
Reciprocity: An individual who is a registered architect in another state and
holds an NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards)
certificate may be registered in the state of Alabama. This process can be
accomplished through the MY NCARB RECORD portal on NCARB's home page
www.ncarb.org
Examination: An individual who holds a first professional degree in architecture
from a NAAB-accredited university, completes the NCARB Intern Development Program (IDP)
and passes all divisions of the Architect Registration Exam® becomes a
registered architect in Alabama. For eligibility an examination information, visit this
link on our web site:
http://www.boa.alabama.gov/Interns/Exams.aspx?m=interns
Once the application and council record are received from NCARB, it usually
takes at least two weeks for the Board to process your application, provided
there are no problems with your application.
3. I have allowed my registration to lapse in your state. What do I need to do to
become registered again?
Click
Here for More Information
Alabama requires a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education per Calender year,
all of which must be health, safety, and welfare related. (For detailed
information, see our
continuing education information sheet.)
No. Alabama does not offer a temporary architect registration.
6. I have not received my Authorization to Test and I have met all the ARE
requirements with the Board. What do I do now?
Call Prometric (test vendor) at 1-800-896-2272, Monday through Friday,
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. eastern time.
7. How long does it take to receive my scores after I sit for the exam?
Scores should be received in two to four weeks.
8. Who do I contact to change my address?
9. I’m trying to "overnight" some information to your office, but my carrier will
not accept the Board's zip code. Please use the zip code for our street address--36104.
10. When is a registered architect required?
(a) All buildings 2,500 square feet or larger that are erected, enlarged, or
altered require the services of a registered architect, unless the building is a
single-family residence, farm building, or utility building.
(b) All buildings erected, enlarged, or altered that are intended for the
assembly occupancy of people regardless of size require the services of a
registered architect.
(c) All buildings erected, enlarged, or altered that are intended for use as an
education facility regardless of size require the services of a registered
architect.
11. May I submit a proposal for architectural jobs in the state of Alabama without being
registered?
No.
12. Which building code does the state of Alabama use?Contact the local building department in the municipality where the project is
located concerning the edition which has been adopted in that jurisdiction.
If there is no local building department, the State Fire Marshal becomes
the Authority having jurisdiction.
13. Is an Architect needed for a renovation project?
Yes, if the renovation results in a change to a more
restrictive occupancy type.
14. Is an Architect required on a roofing replacement project?
Maybe. If the project calls for an exact replacement for
maintenance of the building, an architect is not
required. If the roof pitch is altered or if new roofing materials will be used,
either an architect or engineer should be employed to evaluate whether the
buildings structure will support the new roof.
15. If plans for a metal building plan have the seal of a professional engineer
on them, is there any
need for an architect's seal?
Once occupancy type is established, an architect is required for design of
the interior spaces ,
unless otherwise exempted.
16. Does an Architect have to sign, date, and seal every architectural sheet in a set of
drawings?
Every architectural sheet must be sealed. There is no requirement concerning a
date or signature.
17. Can an architect place his seal on engineering plans?
Generally speaking, no. An architect can seal engineering drawings if:
(a) The architect designs a minor engineering item, but not a complete
engineering system;
(b) The architect's design includes an addition to the main engineering system
and does not affect the primary engineering system; or
(c) The engineering item is a small, incidental part of the project.
18. Can an architect bid for a project?
Architects are encouraged not to provide a price for services until the
client has selected a firm
or architect based on professional qualifications.
19. Can an architect have more than one office?
Only if there is an architect resident and regularly employed in each office. An
architect may not
supervise more than one location.
20. How do I obtain a Certification of Authorization as mentioned in the Alabama
Registration Act?
Click
here for
more information.