ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

TITLE 68: PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
CHAPTER VII: DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
SUBCHAPTER b: PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
PART 1150 ILLINOIS ARCHITECTURE PRACTICE ACT OF 1989

Section 1150.10 Education Requirements and Diversified Professional Training Requirements

Section 1150.20 Category II - Education Requirements and Diversified Professional Training Requirements for Individuals Whose Education Was Initiated Prior to January 1, 1990 (Repealed)

Section 1150.30 Application for Licensure by Acceptance of Examination

Section 1150.40 Examination

Section 1150.50 Approved Architecture Programs

Section 1150.60 Licensure by Endorsement

Section 1150.65 Inactive Status

Section 1150.70 Restoration

Section 1150.75 Fees

Section 1150.80 Professional Design Firm

Section 1150.85 Acts Constituting the Practice of Architecture Pursuant to Section 5 of the Act

Section 1150.90 Standards of Professional Conduct

Section 1150.95 Architecture Complaint Committee

Section 1150.100 Renewals

Section 1150.105 Continuing Education

Section 1150.110 Granting Variances

Section 1150.APPENDIX A Categories of Diversified Professional Training (Repealed)

Section 1150.APPENDIX B Historical Summary of Minimum Requirements to Qualify for Examination for Licensure as an Architect in Illinois

Section 1150.APPENDIX C Historical Summary of Examination Requirements

Section 1150.ILLUSTRATION A Architect Seal and Signature Requirements

ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

TITLE 68: PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
CHAPTER VII: DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
SUBCHAPTER b: PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
PART 1150 ILLINOIS ARCHITECTURE PRACTICE ACT OF 1989
SECTION 1150.10 EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS AND DIVERSIFIED PROFESSIONAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Section 1150.10 Education Requirements and Diversified Professional Training Requirements

The education and diversified professional training required for initial licensure under the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989 [225 ILCS 305] ("Act") are set forth in this Section. Applicants shall meet the requirements set forth in this Section.

a) Education Requirements

Applicants shall prove that they meet one of the following education requirements:

1) Applicants with a professional degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) not later than 2 years after termination of an applicant's enrollment, or with a professional degree in architecture from a Canadian university certified as accredited by CACB; or

2) Completion of the education requirements as specified in the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Education Standard. This includes the requirement that applicants with a degree from a program not accredited by NAAB or CACB must obtain an Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA)-NCARB Evaluation Report prepared by EESA, which is administered by NAAB. Applicants must establish an NCARB record in order to request an evaluation; or

3) Completion of the education requirements as specified in the NCARB Foreign Architect Program. Applicants with a degree gained from a program outside of the U.S. or its territories must satisfy the education requirements as specified in the NCARB Foreign Architect Program. Applicants must establish an NCARB record (national dossier of an applicant's education, exam history and experience documentation which has been verified by NCARB) as part of the Foreign Architect Program requirements with NCARB.

b) Diversified Professional Training Requirements

1) An applicant must complete the Architect Experience Program (AXP), formerly known as the Intern Development Program (IDP), of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), 1401 H Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005, as set forth in the NCARB AXP Guidelines (2024, no later additions or amendments included). (A copy of these Guidelines is available from NCARB.)

2) To satisfy diversified professional training requirements, each applicant must acquire a minimum number of training hours in prescribed experience categories and tasks and in accordance with the requirements set forth in the NCARB AXP Guidelines. An applicant who has satisfied the training requirements is expected to have been exposed to the comprehensive practice of architecture. Accordingly, each applicant must demonstrate that the training undertaken has been sufficiently diversified as to include exposure to each of the training categories set forth in the AXP Guidelines. (An applicant with the required number of training hours may nonetheless be denied approval of training if that training is not diversified.)

3) Program Requirements

A) A "licensed architect" is a person licensed to practice architecture in the jurisdiction in which the individual practices.

B) A person practices as a "principal" by being:

i) A licensed architect; and

ii) The person in charge of the organization's architectural practice, either alone or with other licensed architects.

C) A person who has completed the minimum education requirements is actively participating in the diversified professional training program, and maintains in good standing a training record as required by this Section, may use the title "architectural associate", but may not use the term "architect" and may not independently engage in the practice of architecture.

c) All applicants for initial license, shall utilize NCARB to collect, evaluate and certify all training data and records required for compliance with this Part.

d) The verification of training shall be submitted to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation − Division of Professional Regulation ("Division") at the time of application.

e) If the accuracy of any submitted documentation or the relevance or sufficiency of the training is questioned by the Division or the Architecture Licensing Board ("Board") because of discrepancies or conflicts in information, a need for additional information or clarification, the applicant will be requested to provide such information as is necessary.

(Source: Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 10074, effective July 23, 2025)

TITLE 68: PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
CHAPTER VII: DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
SUBCHAPTER b: PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
PART 1150 ILLINOIS ARCHITECTURE PRACTICE ACT OF 1989
SECTION 1150.20 CATEGORY II - EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS AND DIVERSIFIED PROFESSIONAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHOSE EDUCATION WAS INITIATED PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 1990 (REPEALED)

Section 1150.20 Category II - Education Requirements and Diversified Professional Training Requirements for Individuals Whose Education Was Initiated Prior to January 1, 1990 (Repealed)

(Source: Repealed at 22 Ill. Reg. 15324, effective August 10, 1998)

ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

Section 1150.30 Application for Licensure by Acceptance of Examination

a) An applicant for licensure as an architect by acceptance of examination shall file an application on forms supplied by the Division. The application shall include:

1) Proof of successful completion of the examination set forth in Section 1150.40;

2) Proof of successful completion of the necessary education and training, as required by Section 1150.10.

A) The proof shall include official transcripts completed by the school, college or university attended, and certification of completion of the training requirements.

B) Applicants who received their education in a foreign country shall have the education comprehensively evaluated, at their expense. The Board will review all transcripts and the comprehensive evaluation submitted to the Division to determine if the education meets the requirements set forth in Sections 1150.10. Applicants shall:

i) Establish an NCARB record and request an Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA) Evaluation Report prepared by and administered by NCARB; or

ii) Satisfy the requirements through the NCARB Foreign Architect program.

3) Certification that the applicant has read and understands the Act and this Part; and

4) The required fee.

b) If an applicant fails to submit all required items for licensure under the Act within 3 years after filing an application, the application shall expire and be denied. The applicant may, however, make a new application for licensure accompanied by the required fee, and furnish proof of meeting the qualifications for licensure in effect at the time of new application.

c) The Division shall examine each application to determine whether the applicant has submitted the required supporting documentation set forth in subsection (a). If the application is lacking the required items or is questioned by the Division, the application shall be submitted to the Board for review and recommendation. The Division shall either issue a license to the applicant or notify the applicant in writing of the reason for the denial of the application.

d) An applicant has one year from the date of notification of successful completion of all the examination and experience requirements to apply to the Division for a license. If an applicant fails to apply within one year, the applicant shall be required to again take and pass the examination, unless the Division, upon recommendation of the Board, determines that there is sufficient cause for the delay that is not due to the fault of the applicant. [225 ILCS 305/12(e)]

(Source: Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 10074, effective July 23, 2025)

ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

Section 1150.40 Examination

a) The examination for licensure as an architect is a computer-based examination prepared by NCARB. An applicant who has a conferred NAAB accredited professional degree, EESA-NCARB equivalent degree or is an applicant actively participating in an NCARB accepted Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) option within an NAAB-accredited professional degree program in architecture, may begin taking the NCARB ARE with concurrent enrollment in the AXP.

b) As of November 1, 2016, the ARE 5.0 examination consists of the following divisions:

1) Practice Management;

2) Project Management;

3) Programming & Analysis;

4) Project Planning & Design;

5) Project Development & Documentation; and

6) Construction & Evaluation.

c) All divisions are graded with a score of pass or fail. To pass the examination, the applicant must achieve a passing grade on each division of the examination.

d) An applicant failing a division may repeat that division test after the applicant's unsuccessful attempt, pursuant to NCARB requirements.

e) A passed exam division shall remain valid throughout the delivery of the exam version under which it was taken, as well as the next exam version.

f) If an applicant does not complete all divisions of the ARE before the end of the next ARE examination version delivery, the divisions passed under the previous ARE version will be retired, and the applicant shall be required to retake the divisions passed under the prior ARE version examination to satisfy the examination requirement to be licensed.

g) Applicants who fail to achieve the required passing score in any division of the examination will be afforded unlimited opportunities to repeat the failed parts of the examination subject to the Act and NCARB requirements.

h) The provisions of this Section shall be waived for an applicant for licensure as an architect who makes application in form and substance satisfactory to the Division pursuant to the standards set forth in Section 1150.30 and causes to be filed with the Division, in addition to the individual's application, proof of successful completion of the NCARB examination administered pursuant to the standards in this Section in another jurisdiction. The proof of successful completion must be forwarded directly to the Division from the jurisdiction in which the examination was taken.

i) Divisions of the examination passed in another jurisdiction will be accepted toward licensure in this State if the division was not subsequently failed.

j) Examination Review

The Division does not allow for review of NCARB examinations for applicants who failed a division and abides by the outcome of the examinations provided by the test administrator.

(Source: Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 10074, effective July 23, 2025)

Section 1150.50 Approved Architecture Programs

a) An architecture program, upon recommendation of the Board, shall be approved by the Division if it meets the following minimum criteria:

1) The educational institution is legally recognized and authorized by the academic jurisdiction in which it is located to confer any of the degrees required for licensure.

2) Has a faculty that comprises a sufficient number of full-time instructors to make certain that the educational obligations to the student are fulfilled. The faculty must have demonstrated competence in their area of teaching as evidenced by appropriate degrees from reputable professional colleges or institutions; and

3) Maintains permanent student records that summarize the credentials for admission, attendance, grades and other records of performance.

4) Has a curriculum that confers a first professional degree in architecture and is accredited by NAAB or CACB.

b) In determining whether a program should be approved, the Division shall be bound by accreditation by NAAB or CACB.

(Source: Amended at 41 Ill. Reg. 3966, effective April 7, 2017)

ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

Section 1150.60 Licensure by Endorsement

a) An applicant who holds an active license or registration to practice architecture under the laws of another state, the District of Columbia, a territory of the United States, or foreign country, all hereinafter referred to as "jurisdiction" and who desires to become licensed by endorsement shall file an application with the Division together with:

1) Either NCARB Council Certification or other proof of qualifications and licensure as follows:

A) NCARB Council Certification, issued by and forwarded directly to the Division by NCARB, showing proof of having met the requirements established in the NCARB Certification Guidelines with a NAAB/CAAB professional degree or one of the following alternate NCARB pathways:

i) Education Alternative (two-times AXP) program; or

ii) Foreign Architect Program; or

iii) One of the following Mutual Recognition Agreements: Australia and New Zealand; Canada; Mexico; or United Kingdom.

B) Other Proof of Qualifications and Licensure

i) Proof that the applicant has met requirements substantially equivalent to those in force in this State at the time of original or subsequent licensure by written examination in the other state or jurisdiction, including official transcripts and affidavits of training and experience on forms prescribed by the Department; and

ii) A certification by the jurisdiction of original licensure and any other jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has ever been licensed, including the date of issuance of the applicant's license and the current status of each license; the basis of licensure and a description of all examinations by which the applicant was licensed in that jurisdiction and the date of passage of any such examinations; and whether the records of the licensing authority contain any record of disciplinary action taken against the applicant;

2) The required fee as set forth in Section 1150.75; and

3) Certification that the applicant has read and understands the Act and this Part.

b) The Division, upon recommendation from the Board, may require an applicant applying from a foreign jurisdiction to take and pass the required examination specified in Section 1150.50 of this Part, to verify the applicant has satisfactory knowledge and competence of U.S. accessibility, building, energy conservation, electrical, fire, plumbing, etc. codes, to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

c) The Division shall examine each endorsement application to determine whether the requirements in the jurisdiction of original or subsequent licensure were substantially equivalent to the requirements then in force in this State. The Division shall either issue a license by endorsement to the applicant or notify the applicant in writing of the reason for the denial of the application.

d) The Division may, in individual cases, upon recommendation of the Board, waive passage of one or more parts of the examination upon proof that the applicant has been lawfully engaged in the practice of architecture in another jurisdiction for a minimum of 5 years and has provided evidence demonstrating competence in the area or areas of the examination being considered for waiver (i.e., architectural education, training, experience). If an applicant has previously failed to pass a part or parts of the examination, the applicant shall not be granted a waiver for that part or parts pursuant to this provision.

e) When the accuracy of any submitted documentation or the relevance or sufficiency of the course work or experience is questioned by the Division or the Board because of a lack of information, discrepancies or conflicts in information given or a need for clarification, the applicant shall be requested to:

1) Provide information as may be necessary; and/or

2) Appear for an interview before the Board to explain the relevance or sufficiency, clarify information, or clear up any discrepancies or conflicts in information.

f) If an applicant fails to submit all required items for licensure under the Act within 3 years after filing an application, the application shall expire and be denied. The applicant may, however, make a new application for licensure accompanied by the required fee, and furnish proof of meeting the qualifications for licensure in effect at the time of new application.

(Source: Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 10074, effective July 23, 2025)

ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

Section 1150.65 Inactive Status

a) Any licensed architect, who notifies the Division on forms prescribed by the Division, may elect to place their license on inactive status and shall be excused from the payment of renewal fees until the licensee notifies the Division of the desire to resume active status.

b) Any licensee seeking restoration from inactive status shall do so in accordance with Section 1150.70.

c) Any licensed architect or professional design firm whose license is on inactive status shall not practice architecture in the State of Illinois. Practicing or offering to practice architecture on a license which is on inactive status shall be grounds for discipline pursuant to Section 22 of the Act [225 ILCS 305/22].

d) Any professional design firm that notifies the Division on forms prescribed by the Division and submits evidence that the firm will no longer be offering services in the State of Illinois, may elect to place the firm registration on inactive status, and shall be excused from the payment of renewal fees until the registrant notifies the Division of the desire to resume active status.

(Source: Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 10074, effective July 23, 2025)

Section 1150.70 Restoration

a) A licensee seeking restoration of a license that has expired for less than 5 years shall have the license restored upon receipt of an application as provided by the Division and payment of $50 plus the lapsed renewal fee required by Section 1150.75 and proof of 24 hours of continuing education completed in accordance with Section 1150.105 and within 2 years prior to the date of submitting the application.

b) A licensee seeking restoration of a license that has been placed on inactive status for less than 5 years shall have the license restored upon receipt of an application as provided by the Division and payment of the current renewal fee as specified by Section 1150.75 and proof of 24 hours of continuing education completed in accordance with Section 1150.105 and within 2 years prior to the date of submitting the application.

c) A licensee seeking restoration of a license after it has expired or been placed on inactive status for more than 5 years shall file an application, on forms provided by the Division, for review by the Board, together with the fee required by Section 1150.75 and proof of 24 hours of continuing education completed in accordance with Section 1150.105 and within 2 years prior to the date of submitting the application. The licensee shall also submit one of the following:

1) Sworn evidence of active practice in another U.S. jurisdiction. The evidence shall include a statement from the appropriate board or licensing authority in the other U.S. jurisdiction that the licensee was authorized to practice during the term of said active practice;

2) An affidavit attesting to military service as provided in Section 16 of the Act; or

3) Other evidence of continued active practice of architecture for at least the last 2 years. Evidence shall be satisfied by one of the below:

A) Employment in a responsible capacity under the direct supervision and control of a licensed architect;

B) Lawfully practicing architecture as an employee of a governmental agency;

C) Teaching architecture courses in a college or university program accredited by the NAAB; or

D) Submit a written proposal to the Division for review by the Board of college level architectural courses, professional architectural association programs or certifications, or similar programs the licensee plans to complete (subject to pre-approval of the Board) to demonstrate continued evidence of practice and competence. Continuing education, as required in Sections 1150.70 or 1150.105, cannot be utilized for this requirement.

d) Any person seeking restoration of a license within 2 years after discharge from military service pursuant to Section 16 of the Act will be required to pay only the current renewal fee.

e) A signed and dated affidavit attesting the applicant has read and understands the Act and this Part.

f) When the accuracy of any submitted documentation or the relevance or sufficiency of the course work or experience is questioned by the Division or the Board because of lack of information, discrepancies or conflicts in information given or a need for clarification, the applicant seeking restoration may be requested to:

1) Provide information as may be necessary; and/or

2) Appear for an interview before the Board to explain the relevance or sufficiency, clarify information, or clear up any discrepancies or conflicts in information. Upon the recommendation of the Board and approval by the Director of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation‑Division of Professional Regulation (Director), an applicant shall have the license restored or will be notified in writing of the reason for the denial of the application.

g) A professional design firm seeking restoration of a license that has expired for any length of time shall have the license restored upon payment of the late fee plus any lapsed renewal fee required by Section 1150.75 and submitting proof of meeting the following current requirements:

1) Certificate of Good Standing from the Illinois Secretary of State or a copy of the letter or certificate received from the county clerk where an assumed name has been filed.

2) Proof of meeting the ⅔ requirements of Section 12 of the Act.

3) Proof that the Managing Agent-in-Charge is still a member of the Board/partner/member and a full-time employee.

4) Listing of all offices in Illinois and the name and license number of the architect for each location.

(Source: Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 19600, effective November 23, 2022)

ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

Section 1150.75 Fees

a) The following fees shall be paid to the Division and are not refundable:

1) Application Fees

A) The fee for application for a license as an architect is $175.

B) The application fee for a certificate of registration as a professional design firm is $150.

2) Renewal Fees

A) The fee for the renewal of a license shall is $125.

B) The fee for renewal of a certificate of registration as a professional design firm is $150 for the renewal period (See Section 1150.100(c)).

3) General Fees

A) The fee for the restoration of a license or registration, other than from inactive status, is $50 plus payment of all lapsed renewal fees, but not to exceed $425 for an architect license and $500 for a professional design firm.

B) There is no charge for the issuance of a replacement license or registration for a license that has been lost or destroyed, or for issuance of a license or registration with a change of name or address. Licenses or registrations are available electronically through the Department website.

C) The fee for a certification of a licensee's or registrant's record for any purpose is $25.

D) There is no fee to change the name of a professional design firm within the same business entity type; however, there is a $25 fee to change the business entity type of an existing professional design firm.

E) The fee to change the services offered by the professional design firm is $25.

F) The fee to change the name of a managing agent for a professional design firm is $25.

4) Additional Fees

A) Any person who delivers a check or other payment to the Department that is returned to the Department unpaid by the financial institution upon which it is drawn shall pay to the Department, in addition to the amount already owed to the Department, a fee of $50.

B) If the returned check or other payment as described in subsection (a)(4)(A) was for a renewal or issuance fee and that person practices without paying the renewal fee or issuance fee and the fee for a returned check, an additional fee of $100 shall be imposed.

C) The fees imposed by this Section are in addition to any other discipline provided under the Act for unlicensed practice or practice on a nonrenewed license. The Division shall notify the person that payment of fees shall be paid to the Department by certified check or money order within 30 calendar days after the notification.

D) If, after the expiration of 30 days from the date of the notification, the person has failed to submit the necessary remittance, the Division shall automatically terminate the license or certificate of registration or deny the application, without hearing.

E) If, after termination or denial, the person seeks a license or certificate, the person shall apply to the Division for restoration or issuance of the license or certificate and pay all fees due to the Division.

b) All of the fees collected pursuant to this Section shall be deposited in the Design Professionals Administration and Investigation Fund. [225 ILCS 305/19]

(Source: Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 10074, effective July 23, 2025)

ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

Section 1150.80 Professional Design Firm

a) Persons who desire to practice architecture in this State in the form of a corporation, professional service corporation, partnership, professional limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or sole proprietorship (if the sole proprietorship is conducting or transacting business under an assumed name in accordance with the Assumed Business Name Act [805 ILCS 405]) shall, in accordance with Section 21 of the Act [225 ILCS 305/21], file an application with the Division, on forms provided by the Division, together with the following:

1) For Corporations or Professional Service Corporations. Professional design firms shall meet the registration requirements of Section 12 of the Professional Service Corporation Act [805 ILCS 10/12]:

A) The name of the corporation and its registered address, the names of all members of the board of directors, and the name of the state and license number for each director who is licensed as an architect, structural engineer, professional engineer or land surveyor. To qualify under Section 21(b) of the Act [225 ILCS 305/21(b)], at least one member of the board of directors shall be an Illinois licensed architect and shall serve as a managing agent;

B) A signed and dated resolution adopted by the board of directors designating a member of the board of directors who is an Illinois licensed architect and full-time employee of the corporation as the managing agent in charge of the architectural activities in this State. The Illinois license number of the architect designated as the managing agent shall also be included in the resolution;

C) A copy of the authority to transact business under the Assumed Business Name Act [805 ILCS 405] issued by the Illinois Secretary of State for any assumed names of the corporation, if applicable; and

D) A certificate of good standing from the Illinois Secretary of State.

2) For Partnerships:

A) General

i) A copy of the signed and dated partnership agreement containing the name of the partnership, its business address and the names of all general partners. The name of the state in which each partner is licensed and the license number of each general partner who is licensed as an architect, structural engineer, professional engineer or land surveyor shall be listed on the application. To qualify under Section 21(b) of the Act [225 ILCS 305/21(b)], one partner of the general partners shall be an Illinois licensed architect and shall serve as a managing agent.

ii) A signed and dated resolution adopted by the general partners designating the general partner who is an Illinois licensed architect and a regular full-time employee of the partnership as the managing agent in charge of the architectural activities in this State. The Illinois license number of the architect designated as the managing agent shall also be included in the resolution.

iii) A copy of the partnership documentation bearing the stamp of the county clerk where the partnership has been filed.

iv) A letter or certificate from the county clerk where an assumed name has been filed, if applicable.

B) Limited Partnership

i) A copy of the signed and dated partnership agreement indicating it has been filed with the Illinois Secretary of State authorizing the partnership to provide architectural services. The partnership agreement shall contain the name of the partnership, its business address and the names of all partners. The name of the state in which each partner is licensed and the license number shall be listed on the application. To qualify under Section 21(b) of the Act [225 ILCS 305/21(b)], at least one member of the board of directors shall be an Illinois licensed architect and shall serve as a managing agent.

ii) A signed and dated resolution adopted by the general partners designating the general partner who is an Illinois licensed architect and a full-time employee of the partnership as the managing agent in charge of the architectural activities in this State. The Illinois license number of the architect designated as the managing agent shall also be included in the resolution.

iii) A copy of the authority to transact business under the Assumed Business Name Act [805 ILCS 405] issued by the Illinois Secretary of State for any assumed names of the partnership, if applicable.

iv) A certificate of good standing from the Illinois Secretary of State.

3) For Professional Limited Liability Company or Limited Liability Partnerships:

A) An application containing the name of the professional limited liability company or limited liability partnership, the business address and the members or partners of the company/partnership, the name of the state in which each is licensed and the license number of each member/partner. To qualify under Section 21(b) of the Act [225 ILCS 305/21(b)], at least one member of the members or general partners shall be an Illinois licensed architect and shall serve as a managing agent.

B) A signed and dated resolution of the members or partners designating a member of the company/partnership who is an Illinois licensed architect and a regular full-time employee as the managing agent in charge of the architectural activities in this State. The license number shall be included in the resolution.

C) For any assumed name, a copy of the authority to transact business under the Assumed Business Name Act [805 ILCS 405] issued by the Illinois Secretary of State.

D) A certificate of good standing from the Illinois Secretary of State.

4) For Sole Proprietorships with an Assumed Name (A sole proprietorship operating under the name of the licensee is not required to register as a professional design firm.):

A) An application containing the name of the sole proprietorship and its business address and the name and license number of the architect who owns and operates the business.

B) A letter or certificate received from the county clerk where an assumed name has been filed.

5) A list of all office locations in Illinois at which the corporation, professional service corporation, professional limited liability company, limited liability partnership, partnership or sole proprietorship provides architectural services. Each individual architectural office maintained for the preparation of drawings, specifications, reports or other professional work shall have a resident architect, licensed in Illinois and regularly employed in that office full-time who shall be responsible for overseeing professional work, and who shall serve as resident architect for that office only. Nothing in this Section shall relieve the managing agent in charge of architectural activities in this State of any legal responsibility for the overall supervision of the individual architectural offices.

6) A list of all assumed names used by the corporation, professional limited liability company, limited liability partnership, partnership, or sole proprietorship.

7) The fee required in Section 1150.75.

b) A professional design firm may designate more than one managing agent in charge of architectural activities. However, a licensee designated as managing agent may not serve as managing agent for more than one corporation, professional service corporation, professional limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or partnership doing business in Illinois.

c) Upon receipt of a completed application, the Division shall issue a registration authorizing the corporation, professional service corporation, professional limited liability company, limited liability partnership, partnership, or sole proprietorship to engage in the practice of architecture or notify the applicant in writing of the reason for the denial of the application.

d) Each corporation, professional service corporation, professional limited liability company, limited liability partnership, partnership, or sole proprietorship shall be responsible for notifying the Division within 30 days after any changes in:

1) The membership of the board of directors, members/partners of the professional limited liability company, limited liability partnership, partnership, or of the general partners;

2) The licensure status of any of the general partners, members/partners of the professional limited liability company, limited liability partnership, partnership, or any of the design professional members of the board or partners; and

3) An assumed name.

e) Each corporation, professional service corporation, professional limited liability company, limited liability partnership, limited partnership, partnership, or sole proprietorship shall be responsible for notifying the Division, in writing, by certified mail, within 10 business days after the termination or change in status of the managing agent. Thereafter, the corporation, professional service corporation, professional limited liability company, limited liability partnership, limited partnership, partnership, or sole proprietorship if it has so informed the Division, has 30 days to notify the Division of the name and license number of the architect licensed in Illinois who is the newly designated managing agent.

f) Failure to notify the Division as required in subsections (d) and (e) or any failure of the corporation, professional service corporation, professional limited liability company, limited liability partnership, partnership, or sole proprietorship to continue to comply with the requirements of Section 21 of the Act [225 ILCS 305/21] will subject the corporation or partnership to the loss of its registration to practice architecture in Illinois.

g) Sole Proprietorships. Any sole proprietorship owned and operated by an architect who has an active Illinois license is exempt from the registration requirement of a professional design firm. However, if the sole proprietorship operates under an assumed name, the sole proprietor shall file an application in accordance with subsection (a)(4) as a professional design firm with the Division indicating all assumed names utilized. A sole proprietorship shall notify the Division of any assumed name changes. Any sole proprietorship not owned and operated by an Illinois licensed architect shall be prohibited from offering architectural services to the public.

h) In addition to the seal requirements in Section 14 of the Act [225 ILCS 305/14], all documents or technical submissions prepared by the design firm shall contain the design firm registration number issued by the Division.

(Source: Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 10074, effective July 23, 2025)

TITLE 68: PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
CHAPTER VII: DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
SUBCHAPTER b: PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
PART 1150 ILLINOIS ARCHITECTURE PRACTICE ACT OF 1989
SECTION 1150.85 ACTS CONSTITUTING THE PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE PURSUANT TO SECTION 5 OF THE ACT

Section 1150.85 Acts Constituting the Practice of Architecture Pursuant to Section 5 of the Act

a) Design/Build

1) The design/build project delivery process is a process characterized for its single point of responsibility in managing, directing and coordinating the design and construction of a project whereby an entity signs a single contract with a client to provide a combination of services that includes architectural and construction services. Design, as used in the term design/build identifying the project delivery process, shall mean architectural services.

2) The design/build entity will not be required to register as a professional design firm pursuant to Section 21 of the Act and Section 1150.80 of this Part only if the architectural services in the design/build project delivery process are provided by the entity in accordance with the following:

A) An Illinois licensed architect practicing as a sole proprietorship or a professional design firm registered in Illinois to offer the practice of architecture, as set forth in Section 21 of the Act and Section 1150.80 of this Part, independently contracts with the entity and participates substantially in all material aspects of the offering and providing of architectural services relating to any bid process, contract negotiations, design, consultation, development, preparation and coordination of technical submissions, and verification of adherence to technical submissions and completion.

B) At the time of offering services, a written disclosure shall be given to the client by the entity identifying the architect who will be engaged by and is contractually responsible to the entity offering design/build project services.

C) The entity agrees that the architect will have direct supervision of the architectural work and the architect's services will not be terminated on the project without the immediate replacement by another architect mutually agreed to by the client and the entity.

3) A design/build entity shall not offer to provide or provide architectural services, unless the design/build entity is an Illinois licensed architect practicing as a sole proprietorship or registered professional design firm offering architectural services. Offering to provide architectural services shall include, but shall not necessarily be limited to, any tender of architectural services either independently or in combination with construction services by any sign, card, advertisement or other device that might indicate to the public that the entity is entitled to provide architectural services. However, an entity that is not an Illinois licensed architect practicing as a sole proprietorship or registered professional design firm offering architectural services may advertise the design/build project delivery process provided the advertisement does not imply to the public that the entity by itself is either entitled or qualified to offer or provide design services.

b) Architectural Competitions

1) Participants in architectural competitions in Illinois shall comply with the Act. All services, such as preliminary design and design development, are to be prepared by or under the direct supervision and control of an Illinois licensed architect.

2) If an architectural competition is conducted in an academic setting or the project is fictitious and will not be constructed, a person/professional design firm is not required to be licensed in Illinois.

c) Use of Title

1) A person, sole proprietorship, professional service corporation, limited liability company, corporation or partnership, or other entity practicing pursuant to an exemption from licensure contained in Section 3 of the Act shall not use the title "architect" or any of its derivations unless the person or other entity holds an active license as an architect or registration as a professional design firm in this State.

2) No person, sole proprietorship, professional service corporation, limited liability company, corporation or partnership, or other entity that practices architecture shall advertise or display any sign or card or other device that might indicate to the public that the person or entity is entitled to practice as an architect or use the title "architect" or any of its derivations unless the person or other entity holds an active license as an architect or registration as a professional design firm in this State.

3) No person, without possessing a valid license as an architect issued by the Division, shall in any manner hold himself or herself out to the public as an architect, attach the title "architect" or any of its derivations, or offer to render or render to individuals, corporations, or the public any architectural services as defined in the Act if the word "architect" or any of its derivations are used to describe the person offering to render or rendering them or describe the services rendered or offered to be rendered.

d) Prototypical Documents

1) "Prototypical documents" consist of drawings or specifications that are not intended as final and complete technical submissions for a building project, but rather are to serve as a prototype for a building or buildings to be constructed in more than one location, with minimal design changes or additions, except those required to adapt the prototype building or buildings to each particular site and to the regulations and codes that apply. Prototypical documents may or may not be premised upon laws, rules and regulations, or an adopted building code of a particular state, county or municipality, but shall be adaptable to the regulations or codes of each applicable construction location. Prototypical documents are generally not designated for a specific climate, weather, topography, soil, or other site-specific conditions or requirements, but are intended to be adapted to those and other site-specific conditions.

2) Prototypical documents shall be prepared by an architect licensed in any jurisdiction. Technical submissions for the construction of the project shall be prepared by or under the responsible control of an Illinois licensed architect.

3) The documents shall be identified as "prototypical documents". The name, address and seal of the architect who prepared the prototypical documents, and the date the documents were prepared, shall be provided on the first sheet of any bound set or loose sheets of documents utilized as prototypical documents.

4) Nothing in this Part precludes the use of prototypical documents, provided the Illinois licensed architect:

A) Obtains written permission from the architect who prepared or sealed the prototypical documents, and from the legal owner of the prototypical documents, to use, revise, amend and otherwise adapt the prototypical documents;

B) Thoroughly analyzes the prototypical documents, makes necessary revisions, and adds all required elements and design information (including the design services of engineering consultants, if warranted), so that the prototypical documents become suitable complete technical submissions, in full compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and site-specific requirements;

C) Independently performs and maintains on file the necessary calculations and analysis to verify the public health and safety suitability of all elements or features portrayed by the original prototypical documents; and

D) After analyzing, calculating and making revisions and additions, issues the technical submissions with his or her title block, Illinois seal and design firm registration number, as required (including the seals and design firm registration numbers of engineering consultants, as applicable), and maintains control over the use of the final adapted documents as if they were his or her original design, assuming full responsibility as the architect of record.

(Source: Amended at 33 Ill. Reg. 11477, effective July 22, 2009)

Section 1150.90 Standards of Professional Conduct

In order to safeguard life, health and property, to promote the public welfare, and to establish and maintain a high standard of integrity in the practice of architecture, the following Standards of Professional Conduct shall be binding on every person applying for or holding a license as an architect and on all partnerships and corporations authorized to practice architecture in this State.

a) Competence

1) An architect shall undertake to perform professional services only when the architect, together with those whom the architect may engage as consultants, are qualified by education and training in the specific technical areas involved.

2) An architect engaging in the practice of architecture shall act with reasonable care and competence, and shall apply the technical knowledge and skill that are ordinarily applied by licensed architects of good standing, practicing in the same locality.

3) An architect in designing a project shall take into account all applicable State and municipal building laws and regulations (e.g., the Illinois Environmental Barriers Act [225 ILCS 75]). While an architect may rely on the advice of other professionals, attorneys, engineers and other qualified persons (i.e., building code officials, authorized governmental officials) as to the intent and meaning of the regulations, once having obtained the advice, an architect shall not knowingly design a project in violation of those laws and regulations.

b) Conflict of Interest

1) An architect shall not accept compensation for his/her services from more than one party on a project unless the circumstances are fully disclosed and agreed to in writing by all interested parties.

2) If an architect has any business association or direct or indirect financial interest that is substantial enough to influence the architect's judgment in connection with the architect's performance of professional services, the architect shall fully disclose in writing to the architect's client or employer the nature of the business association or financial interest, and if the client or employer objects to that association or interest, the architect will either terminate the association or interest or offer to give up the commission or employment.

3) An architect shall not solicit or accept compensation from material or equipment suppliers in return for specifying or endorsing their products.

4) When acting as the interpreter of building contract documents and the judge of contract performance, an architect shall render decisions impartially, favoring neither party to the contract.

c) Full Disclosure

1) An architect, making public statements on architectural questions, shall disclose when he/she is being compensated for making those statements.

2) An architect shall accurately represent to a prospective or existing client or employer the architect's qualifications and the scope of the architect's responsibility in connection with work for which the architect is claiming credit.

3) If, in the course of the architect's work on a project, an architect becomes aware of a decision taken by the architect's employer or client, against the architect's advice, that violates applicable State or municipal building laws and regulations and that will, in the architect's judgment, materially and adversely affect the safety to the public of the finished project, the architect shall:

A) Report the decision to the local building inspector or other public official charged with the enforcement of the applicable State or municipal building laws and regulations;

B) Refuse to consent to the decision; and

C) In circumstances in which the architect reasonably believes that other such decisions will be taken, notwithstanding his or her objection, terminate the architect's services with respect to the project. In the case of a termination in accordance with this clause, the architect shall have no liability to the architect's client or employer on account of the termination.

d) Compliance with Laws

1) An architect shall not, in the conduct of his/her architectural practice, knowingly violate any state or federal criminal law of a state or territory of the U.S.

2) An architect shall comply with the licensing and registration laws and regulations governing architectural practice in any state or territory of the U.S. in which the architect is practicing or offering to practice architecture.

3) An architect shall neither offer nor make any payment or gift to a government official (whether elected or appointed) with the intent of influencing the official's judgment in connection with a prospective or existing project in which the architect is interested.

4) An architect shall not knowingly make a materially false statement or fail deliberately to disclose a material fact requested in connection with his or her application for a license or renewal thereof.

5) An architect shall not assist the application for a license of an individual known by the architect to be unqualified in respect to education, training or character.

6) An architect possessing knowledge of a violation of the provisions set forth in Sections 22, 23 and 23.5 of the Act by another architect shall report that knowledge to the Division.

e) Professional Conduct

1) An architect shall not sign or seal drawings, specifications, reports or other professional work for which the architect has not exercised responsible control as set forth in Section 14 of the Act; provided, however, that in the case of the portions of the professional work prepared by the architect's consultants, licensed under another professional licensure law of this jurisdiction, the architect may sign and seal that portion of the professional work if the architect has reviewed the portion, has coordinated its preparation and intends to be responsible for its adequacy pursuant to Section 14(2) of the Act. The signing and sealing of the work of a consultant by the architect does not exempt the consultant from signing and sealing professional work prepared by the consultant as required by the Act or by another licensure law of this jurisdiction.

2) When an architect signs and seals technical submissions not prepared by the architect, but prepared under the architect's responsible control by persons not regularly employed in the office where the architect is resident, those persons shall meet the requirements for licensure as an architect and professional design firm registration to offer or provide architectural services as set forth in the Act and this Part.

3) In the event of the death or incapacity of the architect, a subsequent architect may utilize the drawings, specifications, reports or other professional work produced by the deceased or incapacitated architect, after independent review, in order to complete the project.

4) An architect shall neither offer nor make any payment or gift, other than gifts of nominal value (including, but not necessarily limited to reasonable entertainment and hospitality), with the intent of influencing the judgment of an existing or prospective client in connection with a project in which the architect is interested.

5) An architect shall not engage in conduct involving fraud or wanton disregard of the rights of others.

(Source: Amended at 33 Ill. Reg. 11477, effective July 22, 2009)

Section 1150.95 Architecture Complaint Committee

a) The Architecture Complaint Committee of the Architecture Licensing Board, authorized by Sections 10 and 24 of the Act, shall be composed of at least 2 members of the Architecture Licensing Board, a Supervisor over Design Investigations and a Chief of Prosecutions over Design Prosecutions. The Director of Enforcement shall designate the Supervisor and Chief assigned to the Complaint Committee.

b) The Complaint Committee shall meet at least once every 2 months to exercise its functions and duties set forth in subsection (c). The Complaint Committee may meet concurrently with the Complaint Committees of the Land Surveyors Examining Board, the State Board of Professional Engineers and the Structural Engineering Board to discuss interrelated professional matters. The Complaint Committee shall make every effort to consider expeditiously and take prompt action on each item on its agenda.

c) The Complaint Committee shall have the following duties and functions:

1) To review investigative case files after an initial inquiry into the involved parties and their licensure status have been obtained. "Case file" means the allegation made against an involved party that resulted in a preliminary inquiry and other information being obtained in order to determine whether an investigation should be initiated or prosecution pursued. A "Formal Complaint" means the notice of allegations and charges or basis for licensure denial that begins the formal proceedings.

2) To refer the case file to the Supervisor over the Design Investigators for further action. The Complaint Committee shall give the Supervisor an indication as to the prosecutorial merit and relative severity of the allegations to aid in the prioritization of investigative activity.

3) To recommend that a case file be closed.

4) To recommend that an Administrative Warning Letter be issued and the case file closed.

5) To refer the case file to Prosecutions for review and action.

6) To report the actions of the Complaint Committee at each Board meeting and to present enforcement statistics such as the type of alleged violation.

d) In determining what action to take or whether to proceed with investigation and prosecution of a case file, the Complaint Committee shall consider the following factors, but not be limited to: the effect on the public's health, safety and welfare; the sufficiency of the evidence presented; prosecutorial merit; and sufficient cooperation from complaining parties.

e) At any time after referral to Prosecutions, the Division may enter into negotiations to resolve issues informally by way of a Consent Order. Factors to be considered in deciding whether to enter into settlement negotiations shall include, but not be limited to: the effect on the public's health, safety and welfare caused by the respondent's alleged conduct; sufficient investigation of the case; prosecutorial merit; relative severity of the respondent's alleged conduct; and past practices of the Division.

f) No file shall be closed nor Formal Complaint dismissed except upon recommendation of the Complaint Committee and/or approval by the Architecture Licensing Board. Those case files that previously have been before the Board and are the subject of a Consent Order or Formal Order of the Director may be closed without further recommendation or approval of the Architecture Licensing Board or the Complaint Committee.

g) Complaints Involving Imminent Danger to the Public

1) When a complaint is made to the Division that alleges that a building, or other structure that requires the involvement of an architect in its design, is under construction, construction is imminent, or construction has been completed, and an architect is not or was not involved in its design, the investigation of that complaint shall be expedited to ensure the health and safety of the public. This investigation will be referred to as an "Emergency Investigation".

2) An Emergency Investigation will be given priority attention and assigned to an investigator as soon as possible.

3) Once assigned to an investigator, the Division, through its investigator, will convene a meeting of the Complaint Committee by teleconference to determine if the complaint shall continue to be treated as an Emergency Investigation. Such meetings will be deemed an emergency and notice of the meeting shall be provided in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

4) Upon determination by the Complaint Committee that the complaint should be treated as an Emergency Investigation, the complaint will be investigated as soon as possible.

5) Upon completion of the Emergency Investigation, the investigator will again convene a meeting of the Complaint Committee by teleconference. This meeting shall also be considered an emergency and notice of the meeting shall be provided in accordance with the Open Meetings Act. The Complaint Committee will then decide whether to recommend to the Division that the complaint be referred to the Attorney General to seek a temporary restraining order and permanent injunction against the start or further construction of the project or, when the project has already been completed, to enjoin the use of the building or structure. The Complaint Committee will recommend that the case be referred to the Attorney General only upon a finding that the facts alleged in the complaint are credible and constitute an imminent danger to the public.

h) Disqualification of an Architecture Licensing Board member.

1) A Board member shall be recused from consideration of a case file or Formal Complaint when the Board member determines that a conflict of interest or prejudice would prevent that Board member from being fair and impartial.

2) Participation in the initial stages of the handling of a case file, including participation on the Complaint Committee and in informal conferences, shall not bar a Board member from future participation or decision making relating to that case file.

i) An informal conference is the procedure established by the Division that may be used for compliance review, fact finding, discussion of the issues, resolving case files, licensing issues or conflicts prior to initiating any Formal Complaint or formal hearing. An informal conference may only be conducted upon agreement of both parties. Informal conferences shall be conducted by a Division attorney and shall include a member or members of the Board. Board members shall be scheduled for informal conferences on a rotating basis.

(Source: Amended at 33 Ill. Reg. 11477, effective July 22, 2009)

Section 1150.100 Renewals

a) Every license issued to an individual under the Act shall expire on November 30 of each even numbered year. The holder of a license may renew the license during the month preceding the expiration date thereof by paying the fee required by Section 1150.75 and meeting the continuing education requirements set forth in Section 1150.105.

b) It is the responsibility of each licensee to notify the Division of any change of address. Failure to receive a renewal notice from the Division shall not constitute an excuse for failure to pay the renewal fee and to renew one's license.

c) Every license issued to a professional design firm under the Act shall expire on April 30 of each odd numbered year. The holder of the license may renew that license for a two-year period during the month preceding the expiration date thereof by paying the fee specified in Section 1150.75 and by certifying that the firm still meets the requirements of Section 21 of the Act and is in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State (if applicable) and has an active managing agent-in-charge.

d) Practicing or operating on a license which has expired or been placed on inactive status shall be considered unlicensed activity and shall be grounds for discipline pursuant to Section 22 of the Act.

e) It is the responsibility of each licensee to notify the Division of any discipline or conviction of or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any crime that is a felony under the laws of the United States or any state or territory thereof, or that is a misdemeanor, an essential element of which is dishonesty, or any crime that is directly related to the practice of the profession of architecture during the last renewal.

(Source: Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 19600, effective November 23, 2022)

ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

Section 1150.105 Continuing Education

The continuing education ("CE") required as a condition for license renewal under the Act is set forth in this Section. All architects shall meet these requirements.

a) Beginning with the November 30, 2004 renewal (for the period from December 1, 2002 through November 30, 2004) and every renewal thereafter, in addition to other requirements, an architect must have acquired continuing education for each 24-month period since the architect's last renewal of licensure, or be exempt from the continuing education requirements, as provided in subsection (h). Failure to comply with these requirements may result in non-renewal of the architect's license or other disciplinary action, or both.

b) A total of 24 CE hours must be obtained by the licensee for each renewal. CE hours need not be acquired within this jurisdiction, and may be acquired in-person or virtually.

1) A minimum of 16 core hours are required which must be relevant to safeguarding public health, safety, and welfare ("HSW"), and acquired in structured educational activities. The 16 hours shall include the following two courses:

A) Beginning with the November 30, 2020, renewal and every renewal thereafter, the total CE hours required shall include one hour of sexual harassment prevention training which shall meet the requirements of 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.400. A licensee that completed a course on sexual harassment prevention developed or offered by the Illinois Department of Human Rights pursuant to the Illinois Human Rights Act [775 ILCS 5], the licensee's employer, or an acceptable provider listed within this Section, may count that course toward the one-hour requirement under this Section. (See Section 2105-15.5 of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois [20 ILCS 2105/2105-15.1])

B) Beginning with the November 30, 2024, renewal, and every renewal thereafter, one hour of programs, courses, or activities related to design practices that reflect improved understanding of high winds or natural disasters.

2) The remaining 8 CE hours are elective and may be in related practice subjects acquired either in structured educational activities or individually planned educational activities.

3) A maximum of 12 qualifying CEs gained within six months from the current renewal deadline and not used for the current renewal period may be carried over to the subsequent renewal period but shall not include the requirements for high wind or natural disasters and/or sexual harassment prevention training, which must be satisfied during each pre-renewal period. CEs used in this manner must be documented on the appropriate Department-issued form.

c) Restored Licensees: In addition to other requirements as set forth in Sections 16 and 17 of the Act [225 ILCS 305/16 and 225 ILCS 305/17] and Sections 1150.65 and 1150.70 of this Part, a licensee who has placed their license on inactive status or has allowed a license to lapse for reasons other than active duty in the military service of the United States, as set forth in Section 16 of the Act [225 ILCS 305/16], and desires to have the license restored shall evidence completion of all continuing education hours that would have been required in order to maintain the license in an active status, not to exceed 24 CE hours.

d) Reporting and Record Keeping

1) Each renewal applicant shall certify, on the renewal application, to full compliance with the continuing education requirements set forth in this Section.

2) For auditing or restoration purposes, it is the responsibility of each renewal applicant to retain or otherwise produce evidence of compliance. The evidence shall be retained for at least 6 years following the renewal period for which the continuing education was taken. The evidence may include, but not be limited to the following:

A) Certificate of attendance;

B) Signed attendance receipts;

C) Sponsor's list of attendees (signed by a person in responsible charge of the activity);

D) Records showing activity claimed, sponsoring organization, location, duration, etc.;

E) A log of learning that may consist of diaries, summary of activities, photographs, public or organization records, receipts, etc.; or

F) Transcripts or records of continuing education credits maintained by an acceptable provider of continuing education as defined by subsection (f).

3) The Division may conduct random audits to verify compliance with continuing education requirements.

4) If the Division disallows any continuing education hours, unless the Division finds, following notice and hearing, that the licensee willfully disregarded these requirements, then the licensee shall have 6 months from notice of the disallowance to make up the deficiency by acquiring the required number of CE hours. Those contact hours shall not be used again for the next renewal.

5) When it is determined by the Division that the licensee has willfully disregarded these requirements, the licensee will be subject to discipline as set forth in Section 22 of the Act [225 ILCS 305/22].

e) Acceptable Activities

1) The following types of activities will qualify to fulfill the requirement for a minimum of 16 CE hours to be acquired in structured educational activities (all 24 hours may be acquired in these activities):

A) Attendance at short courses or seminars, dealing with architectural subjects and sponsored by colleges or universities.

B) Attendance at presentations on architectural subjects that are held in conjunction with meetings, conferences or conventions of architect professional organizations recognized by the Division to the extent that contact hours are credited only to that portion of the meeting, conference or convention that comprises the educational program.

C) Attendance at short courses or seminars, relating to professional practice or new technology and offered by colleges, universities, professional organizations or system suppliers.

D) Teaching or instructing an architectural course, seminar, lecture, presentation or workshop shall constitute 3 CE hours for each hour spent in the actual presentation. Teaching credit shall be valid for the initial presentation only. Teaching credit shall not apply to faculty teaching regularly scheduled curriculum courses at a college, university or other educational institution.

E) Architectural research and the authoring of published papers, articles, or books that are published or is formally presented to the profession or public. A maximum of 12 contact hours may be acquired in this activity.

F) Successfully completing structured architectural self-study courses, presented by correspondence, internet, television, video or audio, ending with examination or other verification processes. The contact hours acquired for this activity shall be as recommended by the program sponsor.

G) College or university credit courses dealing with architectural subjects or business practice. Each semester hour shall equal 15 contact hours. A quarter hour shall equal 10 contact hours.

H) CE hours spent in educational tours of architecturally significant projects, when the tour is sponsored by a college, university or professional organization.

2) The following types of activities will qualify for the maximum of 8 CE hours allowed to be acquired in individually planned educational activities that are self-directed:

A) Professional service to the public that draws upon the licensee's professional expertise on boards and commissions, such as: serving on planning commissions, building code advisory boards, urban renewal boards, code study committees or regulatory boards.

B) CE hours for serving as a mentor or supervisor for the AXP required to satisfy the diversified professional training requirements pursuant to Section 1150.10. This service to an associate, or associates, shall be consistent with the responsibilities set forth in the April 2025 of the NCARB AXP Guidelines for an associate's intern's mentor and supervisor.

C) CE hours spent in planned activities, such as business and practice efficiency, business development, personal improvement, new skills and general education related to the practice of architecture.

D) CE hours spent in unstructured self-study tours of architecturally significant projects when there is a clear objective to maintain and strengthen competency in a design or technical field.

E) Actively participating on an architectural board, in a technical or professional society or organization shall be the equivalent of 2 contact hours. CE hours shall be limited to 2 per organization and shall not be acquired until the completion of each year of service.

3) The content of public protection subjects acceptable for purposes of continuing education under subsection (e)(1) shall be limited to:

A) Codes, statutes and administrative regulations governing the practice of architecture.

B) Environmental issues.

C) Professional ethics.

D) State licensing law.

E) Design proficiency.

F) Interface with other design disciplines (e.g., planners, consultants, specialists and financiers) other than through normal day-to-day contact.

G) Legal aspects of contracts, documents, insurance, bonds, project administration, etc.

H) Specialization in preservation, adaptive reuse or building types.

I) Construction documents and services.

J) Materials and methods.

K) Mechanical, plumbing, electrical and life safety.

L) Structural technology.

M) Energy efficiency.

N) Project Administration.

O) Accessibility issues.

P) New technical/professional skills.

f) Acceptable providers for structured educational activities under this Section shall include, but not be limited to:

1) American Institute of Architects (AIA).

2) National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

3) Construction Specifications Institute (CSI).

4) Association of Licensed Architects (ALA).

5) Colleges, universities or other educational institutions.

6) Other technical or professional societies or organizations.

g) The Division will not pre-approve individual courses or programs.

h) Exemptions: A licensee will be exempt from the continuing education requirements of this Section if one of the following situations occurs. If an exemption is claimed, it is required that the renewal fee and any documentation needed to support the exemption be submitted for renewal of a license.

1) A licensee shall not be required to report continuing education hours during the first biennial renewal period in which the licensee obtained initial licensure in Illinois but shall be subject to the continuing education requirements for all subsequent biennial renewal periods.

2) A licensee who is on full-time active duty in the military service of the United States, or is a licensee who is called to temporary active duty in the military service or Armed Forces of the United States for a period of time exceeding 120 consecutive days during the renewal period, when that activity or location restricts participation in a continuing education program.

3) A licensee who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Division that meeting these requirements would be an undue hardship by reason of disability, illness, or other clearly mitigating circumstances shall submit supporting documentation.

A) The documentation shall be in the form of a sworn statement by the licensee, statement from a licensed healthcare provider, or medical record showing the disability, illness, or circumstance preventing the licensee's participation in the continuing education program during a substantial part of the renewal period.

B) If the Division finds from the evidence that good cause has been shown for non-compliance, the Division may waive enforcement, extend the time within which the applicant shall comply, or establish a particular program or schedule of continuing education for the renewal period in which the undue hardship existed.

C) Consecutive waiver requests made for reasons of disability, illness, or other circumstances may be prima facie evidence for non-renewal of applicant's license based on an inability to actively engage in licensed practice.

i) Definitions

1) "CE Hour" means one 60-minute clock hour of an educational activity with no less than 50 minutes of instructional content within the hour. Credit shall be granted in half-hour increments. A qualifying activity of 30 to 49 minutes is reported as 0.5 CE hours and an activity of 50 to 60 minutes is reported as 1.0 CE hour.

2) "Individually Planned Educational Activities" means educational activities in which the teaching methodology primarily consists of the architect addressing public protection subjects or related practice subjects that are not systematically presented by others, including the study of such related subjects, rendering service to the public and advancing the profession's and public's understanding of the practice of architecture.

3) "Structured Educational Activities" means educational activities in which the teaching methodology consists primarily of the systematic presentation of public protection subjects by qualified individuals or organizations, including monographs, course of study taught in person or by correspondence, organized lectures, presentations or workshops and other means through which identifiable technical and professional subjects are presented in a planned manner. To qualify as a structured education activity, continuing education credit shall be awarded by the sponsor upon completion of the activity.

j) There is no restriction on the amount of continuing education that can be completed through on-line or self-administered courses, provided that the courses meet the requirements of this Section.

k) Any renewal applicant who, prior to the expiration date of the license, submits a request for a waiver for exemption under subsection (h), in whole or in part, pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall be deemed to be in good standing until the final decision on the application is made by the Division.

(Source: Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 10074, effective July 23, 2025)

Section 1150.110 Granting Variances

The Director may grant variances from this Part in individual cases when the Director finds that:

a) The provision from which the variance is granted is not statutorily mandated;

b) No party will be injured by the granting of the variance; and

c) The rule from which the variance is granted would, in the particular case, be unreasonable or unnecessarily burdensome.

(Source: Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 19600, effective November 23, 2022)

Section 1150.APPENDIX A Categories of Diversified Professional Training (Repealed)

TITLE 68: PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
CHAPTER VII: DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
SUBCHAPTER b: PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
PART 1150 ILLINOIS ARCHITECTURE PRACTICE ACT OF 1989
SECTION 1150.APPENDIX A CATEGORIES OF DIVERSIFIED PROFESSIONAL TRAINING (REPEALED)

Section 1150.APPENDIX A Categories of Diversified Professional Training (Repealed)

(Source: Repealed at 25 Ill. Reg. 1754, effective January 8, 2001)

TITLE 68: PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
CHAPTER VII: DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
SUBCHAPTER b: PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
PART 1150 ILLINOIS ARCHITECTURE PRACTICE ACT OF 1989
SECTION 1150.APPENDIX B HISTORICAL SUMMARY OF MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY FOR EXAMINATION FOR LICENSURE AS AN ARCHITECT IN ILLINOIS

Section 1150.APPENDIX B Historical Summary of Minimum Requirements to Qualify for Examination for Licensure as an Architect in Illinois

(For specific details refer to the Rules for the Administration of the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989 that were in effect for the appropriate time period specified in this Appendix B)

a) July 1, 1897 through June 30, 1919: Applicants who are 21 years old and have made payment of $15 fee to take examination. Any person who is shown by affidavit to have been engaged in the practice of architecture on July 1, 1897 shall be entitled to a license without examination; provided that the application is made within 6 months after passage of the Act.

b) July 1, 1919 through July 10, 1957: 21 years old; citizen of U.S. Applicants who are graduates of a high school or secondary school approved by the Department of Registration and Education and 3 years of experience in the office of a reputable architect.

c) July 11, 1957 through September 30, 1977: 21 years old; citizen of U.S. Applicants who are graduates of a high school or secondary school approved by the Department of Registration and Education and 8 years of experience in the office of a registered architect. Applicants with up to 5 years of architectural study in an approved school of architecture and additional years experience in the office of a registered architect that total 8 years of experience and study.

d) October 1, 1977 through December 31, 1984: 21 years old; citizen of U.S. Applicant with a professional degree from an accredited school of architecture were eligible to take Phase I and upon completion of 3 years practical experience could take Phase II. Applicants who are graduates of an approved high school and 8 years of experience.

e) January 1, 1985 through December 31, 1995: The following education and architectural experience under the direct supervision of a U.S. licensed architect qualified for examination/licensure:

1) Applicants with a professional degree from a program accredited by NAAB:

A) 6-year professional degree (M/Arch) and 2 years of architectural experience;

B) 5-year professional degree (B/Arch) and 3 years of architectural experience;

2) Applicants with a degree in architecture from a Board-approved program not accredited by NAAB:

A) Master's degree and 4 years of architectural experience;

B) 5-year bachelor's degree and 4.5 years of architectural experience;

C) 4-year bachelor's degree and 5 years of architectural experience;

D) 4-year degree in architecture-related field or program as listed below and 6 years of architectural experience:

landscape architecture;

interior design;

building technology;

construction management;

urban and regional planning;

historic preservation;

architectural, civil, mechanical, structural, general or electrical engineering;

E) 4-year or more degree in any field and 7 years of architectural experience.

f) January 1, 1996 through August 9, 1998: The following education and architectural experience under the direct supervision of a U.S. licensed architect qualified for examination/licensure:

1) 6-year professional degree (M/Arch) in architecture from a program accredited by NAAB and 2 years (or 465 Intern Development Program Training Units (IDP TU's)) of architectural experience;

2) 5-year professional degree (B/Arch) in architecture from a program accredited by NAAB and 3 years (or 700 IDP TU's) of architectural experience;

3) Pre-professional 4-year baccalaureate degree in architecture from a program acceptable for direct entry into a first professional master of architecture degree program accredited by NAAB and 5 years (or 1170 IDP TU's) of architectural experience.

g) August 10 through December 31, 1998: An NCARB IDP Record certifying to the completion of the following education and indicated minimum number of acceptable TU's is required for examination/licensure:

1) 6-year professional degree (M/Arch) in architecture from a program accredited by NAAB and 465 TU's;

2) 5-year professional degree (B/Arch) in architecture from a program accredited by NAAB and 700 TU's;

h) After December 31, 1998: An NCARB IDP Record certifying to the completion of the following education and indicated minimum number of acceptable TU's is required for examination/licensure:

1) 6-year professional degree (M/Arch) in architecture from a program accredited by NAAB and 700 TU's;

2) 5-year professional degree (B/Arch) in architecture from a program accredited by NAAB and 700 TU's;

i) January 1, 2000: Section 16.5 of the Act required continuing education. November 12, 2002, Section 1150.105 of the Administrative Rules was approved, requiring the CE for the 2002-2004 renewal and all renewals thereafter.

j) September 2002: Illinois became a "Direct Registration Program" participant with NCARB. Subsequent to that date, all applicants applied directly through NCARB for IDP and approval to take the ARE. Applicants who were previously approved for testing through Continental Testing Services, Inc. before that date continued testing through CTS. Applicants who completed the IDP and ARE through NCARB then were required to submit an application for "Acceptance of Exam" to the Division.

k) October 20, 2004: Section 1150.60 was amended to allow licensure by endorsement based upon the NCARB Council Record.

l) Effective January 1, 2005, pursuant to PA 93-1009, the pre-professional degree was acceptable only until January 1, 2010.

m) Pursuant to PA 94-0543, effective July 1, 2005, the Act changed. The Division will no longer accept pre-professional degrees for licensure after January 1, 2014.

n) January 1, 2006: NCARB "5-year Rolling Clock" for ARE was accepted. All scores prior to January 1, 2006 will be kept indefinitely. After January 1, 2006, all portions of the ARE must be completed within 5 years. If all exams are not passed within the 5-year period, the earliest score is voided and the exam must be retaken.

o) As of July 1, 2008, the ARE 4.0 examination shall consist of the following divisions:

1) Programming Planning and Practice;

2) Site Planning and Design;

3) Building Planning and Construction Systems;

4) Schematic Design;

5) Structural Systems;

6) Building Systems; and

7) Construction Documents and Services.

p) As of January 1, 2011, any division passed prior to January 1, 2006 shall no longer remain valid if all remaining divisions have not been passed by January 1, 2014. Scores prior to January 1, 2006 will cease to be valid as of January 1, 2014. All scores must meet the NCARB "5-year Rolling Clock" requirements.

q) In 2010 NCARB changed the requirements for IDP 2.0 from IDP Training Units to IDP Training Hours. One Training Unit equals 8 hours of acceptable activity. One Training Hour is one hour of acceptable activity. In March of 2010, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Test of Spoken English (TSE) ceased to be offered as the TOEFL-iBT (Internet Based Test) was established and superseded this exam. While in effect, the TOEFL and TSE requirements were a minimum score of 550 or 213 for the computer-based test and the TSE was a minimum score of 50.

r) Pursuant to PA 98-288 (see 225 ILCS 305/13) effective August 9, 2013, acceptance of a pre-professional degree for licensure was extended to December 31, 2015.

s) On July 1, 2015, NCARB reduced the training requirements for IDP from 5600 Training Hours to the core Training Hours of 3740 for a professional degree. Illinois still required the 9360 Training Hours for the pre-professional degree through December 31, 2015. Through that date, an applicant could not sit for the ARE with a pre-professional degree before completing the IDP requirements of 9360 Training Hours.

t) The definition of a pre-professional degree, acceptable through December 31, 2015, had the following requirements:

The overall curriculum shall include a minimum of 120 semester hours or the equivalent and shall include at least the following subjects:

Advanced Mathematics – including calculus and analytical geometry – 8 hours

Basic Sciences – 8 hours

Architectural Sciences – 16 hours

Architectural Design – 18 hours – which may include up to 6 hours of art or freehand drawing

Humanities/Social Studies – 12 hours

History of Architecture – 12 hours

u) On July 1, 2016 NCARB changed the name of the IDP to AXP (Architect Experience Program) and changed the definitions and requirements to 6 experience areas and 96 tasks. The minimum requirement for a professional degree is 3740 hours.

v) On November 1, 2016, NCARB introduced the new ARE 5.0. The ARE 4.0 will run concurrently with the 5.0 until 4.0 is phased out on June 30, 2018. Those applicants who started under 4.0 will have the choice of attempting to complete under 4.0 before June 30, 2018. Any applicant not completing the ARE 4.0 by June 30, 2018 will be transferred into the ARE 5.0 program, and the examinations will be converted by NCARB.

(Source: Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 19600, effective November 23, 2022)

ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

Section 1150.APPENDIX C Historical Summary of Examination Requirements

a) Pre-Design is satisfied by one of the following:

1) Examination Syllabus C (1954-1973)

2) Equivalency Examination I (1973-1977, or Qualifying Test – Section A (1977-1978), and Professional Examination – Parts I and II (1973-1978), or Professional Examination – Section B, Parts I and II (1979-1982) – see subsection (h)

3) Division A of the ARE (1983-1996)

4) Pre-Design (PD) of the ARE 3.1 (1996-2009)

5) Programming, Planning & Practice (PP) of the ARE 4.0 (2008-June 30, 2018)

b) Site Planning is satisfied by one of the following:

1) Examination Syllabus D (1954-1973)

2) Equivalency Examination III (1973-1977)

3) Qualifying Test – Sections E, F (1977-1978)

4) Professional Examination – Section A (1979-1982)

5) Division B of the ARE (1983-1987)

6) Division B (Written and Graphic of the ARE (1988-1996))

7) Site Planning (SP) of the ARE 3.1 (1996-2009)

8) Programming, Planning & Practice (PP) and Site Planning & Practice (SPD) of the ARE 4.0 (2008-June 30, 2018)

c) Building Planning and Building Technology are satisfied by one of the following:

1) Examination Syllabus E (1954-1973)

2) Equivalency Examination III (1973-1977)

3) Qualifying Test – Sections E, F (1977-1978)

4) Professional Examination – Section A (1979-1982)

5) Division C of the ARE (1983-1996)

6) Building Planning (BP) & Building Technology (BT) of the ARE 3.1 (1996-2009)

7) Schematic Design (SD), Building Design & Construction Systems (BD), Building Systems (BS), Construction Documents & Service (CDS), and Structural Systems (SS) of the ARE 4.0 (2008-June 30, 2018)

d) General Structures is satisfied by one of the following:

1) Examination Syllabus G (1954-1973)

2) Equivalency Examination II (1973-1977) – see subsection (i)

3) Qualifying Test – Section B (1977-1982) – see subsection (i)

4) Professional Examination Part III (1973-1978) – see subsection (i)

5) Professional Examination – Section B, Part III (1979-1982) – see subsection (i)

6) Divisions D and F of the ARE (1983-1996)

7) Divisions D/F of the ARE (1988-1996)

8) General Structures (GS) of the ARE 3.1 (1996-2009)

9) Structural Systems (SS) of the ARE 4.0 (2008-June 30, 2018)

e) Lateral Forces is satisfied by one of the following:

1) Examination Syllabus G (1954-1973)

2) Equivalency Examination II (1973-1977) – see subsection (i)

3) Qualifying Test – Section B (1977-1982) – see subsection (i)

4) Professional Examination Part III (1973-1978) – see subsection (i)

5) Professional Examination – Section B, Part III (1979-1982) – see subsection (i)

6) Division E of the ARE (1983-1996)

7) Lateral Forces (LF) of the ARE 3.1 (1996-2009)

8) Structural Systems (SS) of the ARE 4.0 (2008-June 30, 2018)

f) Mechanical & Electrical Systems is satisfied by one of the following:

1) Examination Syllabus I (1954-1973)

2) Equivalency Examination II (1973-1977) – see subsection (i)

3) Qualifying Test – Section D (1977-1982) – see subsection (i)

4) Professional Examination Part III (1973-1978) – see subsection (i)

5) Professional Examination – Section B, Part III (1979-1982) – see subsection (i)

6) Division G of the ARE (1983-1996)

7) Mechanical & Electrical Systems (ME) of the ARE 3.1 (1996-2009)

8) Building Systems (BS) of the ARE 4.0 (2008-June 30, 2018)

g) Materials & Methods is satisfied by one of the following:

1) Examination Syllabus F (1954-1973)

2) Equivalency Examination II (1973-1977) – see subsection (i)

3) Qualifying Test – Section C (1977-1982) – see subsection (i)

4) Professional Examination Part III (1973-1978) – see subsection (i)

5) Professional Examination – Section B, Part III (1979-1982) – see subsection (i)

6) Division H of the ARE (1983-1996)

7) Materials & Methods (MM) of the ARE 3.1 (1996-2009)

8) Building Design & Construction Systems (BD) of the ARE 4.0 (2008‑June 30, 2018)

h) Construction Documents & Services is satisfied by one of the following:

1) Examination Syllabus H (1954-1973)

2) Professional Examination Part IV (1973-1977)

3) Professional Examination – Section B, Part IV (1978-1982)

4) Division I of the ARE (1983-1996)

5) Construction Documents & Services (CD) of the ARE 3.1 (1996-2009)

6) Construction Documents & Services (CDS) of the ARE 4.0 (2008-June 30, 2018)

i) Since the history and theory of architecture are incorporated into all Divisions of the ARE, no credit will be given for only having passed the Qualifying Test – Section A, History.

j) In order to be eligible for transfer credits for any part of the Professional Examination-Section B, the candidate must have passed three parts of the examination in one sitting, on or after December 1980.

k) Applicants shall, in all cases, pass the Pre-Design Division of the ARE if they have not passed the Equivalency Examination I or Section A of the Qualifying Test even though the applicant may have passed the Professional Examination‑Section B, Parts I and II.

l) Applicants without an NAAB-accredited degree must, in all cases, pass the General Structures, Lateral Forces, Mechanical & Electrical Systems and Materials & Methods divisions of the ARE if they have not passed the Equivalency Examination II or equivalent portions of the Qualifying Test, even though the applicant may have passed the Professional Examination-Section B, Part III.

m) After January 1, 2006, the Division will hold scores of examinations passed as valid for a period of 5 years reflecting the NCARB "5-year Rolling Clock". All scores of previously passed examinations prior to January 1, 2006 will be valid permanently.

n) As of January 1, 2014, any division passed prior to January 1, 2006 shall no longer remain valid if all remaining divisions have not been passed by July 1, 2014. Scores prior to January 1, 2006 will cease to be valid as of January 1, 2014. All scores must meet the NCARB "5-year Rolling Clock" requirements.

o) Pursuant to PA 98-288 (see 225 ILCS 305/13) effective August 9, 2013, acceptance of a pre-professional degree for licensure was extended to January 1, 2016. After that date, approvals to sit for the ARE or for licensure requires an NAAB-accredited professional degree.

p) As of January 1, 2016, Illinois requires either an NAAB accredited professional degree or a degree meeting NCARB requirements for a professional degree (CACB or EESA evaluation) for approval to sit for the ARE.

q) As of January 1, 2025, divisions of the NCARB ARE examination will remain active throughout the delivery of the exam version under which it was taken, as well as the next exam version. There is no longer a "5-year Rolling Clock" on the passage.

(Source: Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 10074, effective July 23, 2025)

Section 1150.ILLUSTRATION A Architect Seal and Signature Requirements

a) Every licensed architect shall have a reproducible seal, or facsimile, the print of which shall contain the name of the architect, the license number, and words "Licensed Architect, State of Illinois". The licensed architect shall affix the signature, current date, date of license expiration and seal to the first sheet of any bound set or loose sheets of technical submissions utilized as contract documents between the parties to the contract or contracts or prepared for the review and approval of any governmental or public authority having jurisdiction by that licensed architect or under that licensed architect's responsible control. The seal and dates may be electronically affixed. The licensee may provide, at his or her sole discretion, an original signature in the licensee's handwriting, a scanned copy of the document bearing an original signature, or a signature generated by a computer. The sheet of technical submissions on which the seal is affixed shall indicate those documents or parts of documents for which the seal shall apply (Section 14 of the Act).

b) All technical submissions issued by an architectural firm, corporation, limited liability company, professional limited liability company or partnership are required to bear the corporate or assumed business name and design firm registration number, in addition to the seal requirements.

c) The following is a suggested facsimile of the design and lettering of the seal:

__________________________________

signature

_______________

date

expires 11-30-____

(Source: Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 19600, effective November 23, 2022)