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)