- Ohio
application to sit for the ARE. The application is available
on the Forms page of the Board's website.
- Fee
of $50, payable to "Ohio Treasurer, Richard Cordray".
- Wallet
size photograph.
- Professional
degree transcript, which must be sent directly to the Board
office by the college or university.
- NCARB
Council Record. Login to "My Council Record" section
of the NCARB website at www.ncarb.org
and request transmittal to Ohio.
All
NCARB fees must be paid in full prior to transmittal, including
any balance due on the record fee of $285. (If you paid $100
to start a Council Record, the $185 balance is due prior to
transmittal to establish eligibility for the ARE.)
Q.
Does any part of IDP need to be completed before taking the
ARE?
A. No.
Q.
Are there any sections of the ARE that can't be taken until
IDP is completed?
A. No.
Q.
How are exam scores state transferred between states?
A.
To transfer scores from another state to Ohio:
Contact
the state where you have previously taken the exam. Ask that
state to transfer your ARE scores to Ohio. There may be a fee
on the part of the other state.
If
the state is willing to send Ohio a certified copy of your IDP
record, Ohio will accept it, which will eliminate having to
pay NCARB another transmittal fee. Some states will do this,
and some will not, so check with the other state.
Candidates
must also complete an "Application for Registration by
Examination" ($50) and submit it to the Ohio Board. Upon
completion of the exams, the initial registration will be issued
by the state of Ohio.
To
transfer scores from Ohio to another state or to NCARB:
Ask
Ohio to send a certification of exam scores to the state you
to which wish to transfer.
Ask
Ohio to send a certified copy of your IDP record, if you do
not want to pay an additional transmittal fee to NCARB. You
must also check with the other state to see if they will accept
a certified copy from Ohio.
Ask
Ohio to void your Ohio exam file.
Ohio
does not charge a fee to transfer or verify scores for other
states.
Q.
When will the Authorization to Test letter be sent?
A. Once a complete
application (including photo, fee, transcript, and NCARB record
verification) for "Application for Registration by Examination"
is received by the Ohio Board, the application is usually approved
within 2-3 business days and the candidate's information is
entered into the ARE Operations database.
ARE
Operations should send the Authorization to Test (ATT) letter
within four weeks.
Candidates
who do not promptly receive their Authorization to Test letter
should call ARE Operations at 800-896-2272.
Q.
How are difficulties in scheduling exams resolved?
A. Thomson Prometric's
online scheduling website address has changed. Candidates should
use www.prometric.com/NCARB rather than
www.prometric.com.
Candidates
having problems scheduling exams at the correct link should
call ARE Operations at 800-896-2272.
Q.
What should a candidate who experiences difficulties at the
test site do?
A.
Candidates who have problems with the computer or the exam at
the test site must report the problem within ten days to: ARE
Operations, PO Box 6542 Princeton, NJ 08540 Fax 609/895-5022.
Send a copy to the Board offices as well.
Q.
Can exam scores be appealed?
A. No, the Ohio
Board does not allow for appeals of exam scores. In addition,
NCARB would not recognize a score if it was changed. This would
mean a candidate would have to re-take the exam anyway.
Q.
How long does it take to receive exam scores?
A. It can take
as little as two weeks to as long two months for exam scores
to be issued by Thomson Prometric. Exam scores are sent directly
to the Ohio Board by Thomson Prometric. Ohio makes every effort
to send scores to candidates the same day they are received.
Q.
After all sections of the exam are passed, when is the license
issued?
A. The Certificate
of Qualification to practice architect is issued immediately,
along with the final passing exam score. A formal wall certificate
will be issued once it has been signed by all board members.
This can take several months. There is no fee for the wall certificate.
Continuing
Education
Q.
Who is required to earn Continuing Education?
A. All Ohio registered architects, except those specifically
approved for exemption by the board.
Q.
What if the CE requirement is not met?
A. The board may issue written reprimands, suspend or revoke
the individual's license, or levy a fine of up to $1000 per
offense. Additional requirements may also be imposed.
Q.
What if the architect is still in the process of completing
the requirement at the time of renewal, reinstatement or restoration?
A.
Renewal, reinstatement and restoration applications
must not be submitted if the CE requirement has not been completely
fulfilled.
Q.
Who is exempt from the CE requirement?
A. The following individuals are automatically exempt from
the requirement:
- Newly
licensed by examination - are exempt from the requirement
for the first renewal period in which they are admitted
to practice in the State of Ohio.
- Intern
architects, architectural interns and exam candidates
- Emeritus
architects
- Reciprocal
licensees, who are registered in another state with a
mandatory continuing education requirement, provided the
jurisdiction accepts Ohio's continuing education requirements.
The
following individuals must receive prior approval for exemption
from the board:
- Military
duty - Architects are exempt when they are on full time
duty, or temporarily called up for active duty, in the
United States military service, where such activity restricts
participation in continuing education activities. Written
documentation is required.
- Individuals
with a serious medical condition or disability. Written
documentation is required.
- Unforeseen
emergencies (e.g., persons displaced by natural disasters
such as a tornado or hurricane, extreme hardship, or other
similar circumstances. Written documentation is required.
Architects
requesting an exemption must do so in writing. Supporting
documentation must be included.
The
exemption must be approved by the board prior to submitting
the renewal application.
Q.
What is an Emeritus Architect?
A.
An Emeritus Architect is a person over the age of 65, who
has been registered in Ohio for at least ten years, and is
fully retired from the practice of architecture. An Emeritus
architect must be current on their license fees, and whose
Emeritus application has been approved by the Ohio Architects
Board. This should not be confused with the Emeritus status
granted by the American Institute of Architects.
Q.
What does “fully retired” mean?
A.
“Fully retired” means not engaging in any of the activities
defined as the “practice of architecture” in OAC 4703-1-01:
Except as otherwise permitted by divisions (C) and (D) of
section 4703.18 and by section 4703.182 of the Revised Code
or the preparation of manufacturer’s technical documents,
shop drawings, assembly or erection drawings or graphic descriptions
used to detail or illustrate a portion of the work required
to construct the building in accordance with the plans, rendering
or offering to render any one or combination of the following:
advice, consultation, evaluation, planning, any type of architectural
plans, designs, or specifications, or administration of construction
contracts in connection with the erection, enlargement or
alteration of any building or buildings, or the equipment
or utilities thereof, or the accessories thereto.
Q.
When did the Continuing Education requirement begin in Ohio?
A. The requirement began on January 1, 2006. Acknowledgement
of this requirement was a condition of license renewal in
2005 and 2007.
Q.
How many Continuing Education units are required?
A. Twenty four (24) contact hours every two-year renewal period.
Sixteen of the hours must be in the areas of health, safety,
and welfare.
Q.
What is a contact hour?
A. A contact hour is equal to a clock hour. It must be at
least 50 minutes duration. Most continuing education providers
give credit in hours (e.g., one AIA Learning Unit (LU) is
equivalent to 1 contact hour of continuing education), however,
some courses may be given in continuing education units (CEU's).
Q.
How are CEU's and PDU’s translated into contact hours?
A. One continuing education unit (CEU) equals 10 contact hours.
Therefore, .1 CEU equals one contact hour, .2 CEU's equals
two contact hours, and so on. One Professional Development
Unit (PDU) equals one contact hour.
Q.
How are college credits translated into clock hours?
A. One semester hour of college-level course work equals 15
contact hours. One hour in a school on a quarterly schedule
equals 10 contact hours.
Q.
What is the time frame in which an architect must earn Continuing
Education hours?
A. Hours must be earned during the two year renewal period.
The current renewal period started on January 1, 2008 and
ends on December 31, 2009. Hours may be earned at any time
during this period.
Q.
Can credits be carried forward from renewal period to another?
A. No. Excess credit cannot be carried forward from renewal
period to another.
Q.
How many hours are required in order to reinstate a lapsed
license or restore a suspended or revoked license?
A.
Proof of completion of 24 hours, including 16 HSW, within
the past two years must be submitted with the reinstatement
or restoration application.
Q.
What types of topics are accepted?
A. Generally, acceptable subject matter include those topics
which increase the registrant's knowledge and understanding
of technical or professional subjects related to the practice
of architecture. The subject matter must contribute directly
to the improvement of the registrant's professional knowledge
and competence in the practice of architecture. This includes
any subject matter covered on the ARE.
Q.
What topics are considered health, safety, and welfare (HSW)?
A. HSW topics include:
Accessibility
Acoustics
Building design
Code of ethics
Construction administration
Construction contract laws, legal aspects
Construction documents, services
Construction functions, materials, methods, and systems
Energy efficiency
Environmental: asbestos, lead-based paint, toxic emissions
Environmental analysis and issues of building materials and
systems
Fire: building fire codes-flame spread, smoke contribution,
explosives
Fire safety systems: detection and alarm standards
Insurance to protect the owners of property and injured parties
Interior design
Laws and regulations governing the practice of architecture
Life safety codes
Materials and systems: roofing/waterproofing, wall systems,
etc.
Material use, function, and features
Mechanical, plumbing, electrical: system concepts, materials,
and methods
Natural hazards (earthquake, hurricane, flood) related to
building design
Preservation, renovation, restoration, and adaptive reuse
Security of buildings, design
Site and soils analysis
Site design
Specification writing
Structural issues
Surveying methods, techniques
Sustainable design
Q.
Are self-reported activities accepted in Ohio?
A. Yes, but keep in mind that some other states do not accept
self-reported activities.
Q.
Can self-reported activities be used to meet the health, safety,
and welfare hours (HSW)?
A. Some hours may be accepted. Check with the board if you
are unsure.
Q.
What documentation does the architect need to supply at renewal
time?
A. Do not submit any documentation to the board unless you
receive an audit notice.
Q.
What about late renewals?
A.
Anyone renewing “late” (after December 31, 2007) must include
proof of completion with the renewal application.
Q.
How do audits take place?
A. Audits may be conducted on a random basis, during the course
of a disciplinary investigation, or as a result of a late
renewal. Individuals subject to audit will be notified in
writing, via U.S. Mail or email.
Q.
What types of records should be kept?
A. Registrants should keep written proof of completion, such
as Certificates of Completion or the AIA transcript.
The
AIA offers a fee-based record keeping service for non-members.
Call the AIA at 800-242-3837 for details.
AIA
CES requires that AIA providers offer a Certificate
of Completion to non-members who participate in AIA approved
CE courses.
For
AIA members, the AIA providers will report the completion
of the course directly to AIA CES in Oklahoma.
If
a course does not appear on a member's AIA transcript, please
contact AIA Member Services at 800-242-3837 for assistance.
Q.
Are AIA transcripts sent directly to the Board by the AIA?
A. No. AIA members must login to the AIA CES website at http://www.aia.org/ces_default and print
out their own transcript.
Q.
How should proof of completion be submitted?
A.
Proof of completion may be submitted via email, fax or U.S.
Mail.
Q.
What if the submitted hours are rejected by the board?
A.
The architect has up to 90 days to make up the deficiency.
However, this extension does not apply to persons who, in
the opinion of the board, have willfully disregarded the CE
requirements.
Q.
Who are acceptable providers of continuing education coursework?
A. The board does not pre-certify providers or programs, but
recognizes many providers such as NCARB, the American Institute
of Architects, American Society of Landscape Architects, American
Planning Association, Construction Specifications Institute,
and other organizations related to the built environment.
Courses offered by state agencies are also acceptable. University
and college coursework is accepted. The AIA maintains a database
of approved providers on the web at www.aia.org/ces.
Q.
Continuing education is expensive and my hands are full running
my firm!
A.
There are so many free courses available on the internet that
finances should never be an excuse for failure to complete
the requirement. Online courses can be completed anywhere
and anytime. One hour per month is all that is required. It
is not necessary to travel great distances or spend a lot
of money to fulfill the CE requirement.
Q.
What types of activities are accepted?
A. These are just some examples:
- Classes
or seminars offered by universities or colleges
- Seminars
offered by AIA approved providers
- Seminars
offered by related industry organizations such as the
ASLA, NCARB, CSI, and APA, as well as their state and
local chapters
- Teaching
a graduate or undergraduate course in a topic related
to architecture, at an accredited institution of higher
learning, is eligible for 12 hours for each hour of academic
credit the first year. After the first year, the maximum
credit is six hours total.
- Publishing
articles or books on professional topics is eligible for
eight hours of credit.
- Professional
service to public bodies to which an architect has been
appointed due to their professional status, such as: planning
boards, code or design review boards. A maximum of eight
hours of credit may be claimed.
- Service
to other organizations (AIA, CSI, or church building committees,
etc) is not eligible for CE credit.
- Service
on NCARB committees, which is certified by NCARB for CE
credit, is eligible for one hour of CE for each hour of
work.
- Passing
the LEED exam is eligible for 8 HSW hours.
- Publishing
a book or article in a professional journal, a one time
credit with a maximum of 8 hours.
- NCARB
monographs are eligible for HSW. One CE credit for each
PDU.
- Online
courses offered by manufacturers or entities such as Ron
Blank, AEC Daily, etc
- Insurance
courses are not eligible unless they qualify for AIA CES
credit.
Q.
Does Ohio accept the continuing education articles published
in, and graded by, Architectural Record? Is there a limit
to the number of articles that Ohio will accept?
A. Yes, but you must receive a passing grade and submit a
certificate of completion or an AIA transcript to receive
credit. There is no limit on the number of articles you may
submit.
Q.
Does Ohio have any special requirements, such as courses in
sustainability, ethics or ADA?
A.
No, but if you are licensed in another state or a member of
the AIA, please check their requirements.
Q.
Does Ohio have sustainable design or ADA requirements?
A. No, but Ohio will allow HSW credits for programs earned
in these areas.
Q.
I am planning on taking one of the LEED exams shortly to become
certified. Can I get continuing education credits if I pass
this?
A. Yes, passing the "LEED AP Exam" during the current
renewal period. Official documentation from the "Green
Building Certification Institute (GBCI)" must be provided.
Credit: a one time credit of eight HSW hours.
Q.
Where can continuing education courses be found?
A. Here are some places to find CE programs:
- Universities
and colleges
- AIA,
CSI, or ASLA chapter websites
- Lunch
and learn programs at firms
- NCARB
self-study monographs
- Seminars
offered by the State Architect's Office
- Board
of Building Standards and other code related organizations
- Industry
organizations, such as the Builders Exchange
- The
AIA offers online programs, for a fee, for members and
non-members at http://www.aia.org/onlineeducation
- The
AIA also maintains a database of CE programs on their
website at www.aia.org/ces
- Some
product vendors offer free online courses, many of which
qualify for HSW credits, e.g., product manufacturers,
such as CertainTeed Roofing http://www.certainteed.com, Ron Blank
www.ronblank.com,
or AEC Daily, http://www.aecdaily.com/aecindex.html
- Other
online courses are available, for a fee, from organizations
such as the AIA, ASLA, US Green Building Council, or at
http://redvector.com/
or http://pdhcenter.com/
- Ohio
Bureau of Workers Compensation, Division of Safety and
Hygiene, offers free courses, many of which are related
to architecture and/or construction. Courses are offered
at locations around Ohio and online. Visit www.bwclearningcenter.com or
request a catalogue by calling 1-800-OHIOBWC.
Q.
What information should be included on a Certificate of Completion?
A. A Certificate of Completion should contain the following
information:
- Title
of the course or program and any identification number
assigned to it by the provider
- A
brief description of the subject matter covered
- Number
of hours completed
- Provider
name and contact information
- Whether
or not the content qualifies for Health, Safety and Welfare
credits
- Name
of the attendee
- Name
and original signature of the provider
- Date
and location of the program or course.
- Proof
of attendance should be retained indefinitely.
Degree
Requirement
Q.
Can an individual with four year pre-professional degree sit
for the Architect Registration Exam (ARE) in Ohio?
A. No, an accredited professional degree is required to take
the exam in Ohio. Candidates with a foreign education may be
required by NCARB to obtain an EESA evaluation and should contact
NCARB with questions.
Firm
Registration
Q.
Are firms required to be licensed in order to provide or offer
architectural services in Ohio?
A. Yes, unless exempt, all corporations, associations, partnerships
and limited liability companies providing architectural services
in the state of Ohio, must obtain a firm certificate of authorization.
It makes no difference whether the firm is located in Ohio or
out-of-state.
The
only exemptions to firm registration are as follows:
-
Corporations
holding active registration with the Ohio Secretary of State
and which were granted a charter prior to August 7, 1943 or
otherwise lawfully providing architectural services in Ohio
prior to November 15, 1982.
-
Sole
Proprietorships, but only if the firm or architect is not
registered with the Ohio Secretary of State as a corporation
or a limited liability company.
-
Design/Build
firms, as defined in Ohio Revised Code section 4703.182 and
Ohio Administrative Code section 4703-3-12.
Q.
Are sole proprietors required to obtain a Firm Certificate of
Authorization?
A. Yes, if they are registered with the Ohio Secretary of State
as a corporation or LLC.
Q.
Is there a penalty for not possessing a firm Certificate of
Authorization, if it is required?
A. Yes, architects can be fined up to $1,000 per violation and
could face additional disciplinary actions
Q.
When does the Certificate of Authorization need to be renewed?
A. All Certificate of Authorizations expire annually on June
30.
Q.
Does a firm is using a d/b/a designation need to notify the
Board?
A.
Notify the Board in writing if the firm is using a d/b/a firm
name. The original firm name must be actively registered with
the Ohio Secretary of State.
Q.
How should a firm d/b/a/ name be advertised, marketed or listed
on title blocks, letterhead or written contracts?
A. The complete firm name, including any d/b/a name should be
prominently listed on title blocks, letterhead, and contracts.
Q.
What is a Sole Proprietorship?
A.
A sole proprietorship is a company with one owner that is
not registered with the state as a limited liability company
(LLC) or a corporation. In some states, a sole proprietorship
is referred to as a DBA (doing business as), as in "José
Smith, doing business as Smith Heating and Air Conditioning."
Establishing
a sole proprietorship is cheap and relatively uncomplicated.
You don't have to file any papers to set it up -- you create
a sole proprietorship just by going into business. In other
words, if you'll be the only owner of the business you're
starting; your business will automatically
be a sole proprietorship, unless you incorporate it or organize
it as an LLC.
A
sole proprietorship, or simply proprietorship, is a type of
business
entity which legally has no separate existence from its
owner. Hence, the limitations
of liability enjoyed by a corporation and limited liability partnerships do not apply to sole proprietors.
All debts of the business are
debts of the owner. It is a "sole" proprietor in
the sense that the owner has no partners.
A
sole proprietorship essentially means a person does business in their
own name and there is only one owner. A sole proprietorship
is not a corporation; it does not pay corporate taxes, but rather
the person who organized the business pays personal income taxes on the profits made, making accounting much simpler. A
sole proprietorship need not worry about double taxation like
a corporate entity would have
to.
Most
sole proprietors will register a trade name or "Doing Business As". This
allows the proprietor to do business with a name other than
his or her legal name and also allows the proprietor to open
a business account with banking institutions.
Q.
What is a Corporation?
A.
What sets the corporation apart from all other types of businesses
is that a corporation is an independent legal entity, separate
from the people who own, control, and manage it. In other
words, corporation and tax laws view the corporation as a
legal "person" that can enter into contracts, incur
debts, and pay taxes apart from its owners. Other important
characteristics also result from the corporation's separate
existence: A corporation does not dissolve when its owners
(shareholders) change or die, and the owners of a corporation
have limited liability -- that is, they are not personally
responsible for the corporation's debts.
Q.
What is a Limited Liability Company?
A
limited liability company, commonly called an "LLC,"
is a business structure that combines the pass-through taxation
of a partnership or sole proprietorship with the limited liability
of a corporation.
Like
owners of partnerships or sole proprietorships, LLC owners
report business profits or losses on their personal income
tax returns; the LLC itself is not a separate taxable entity.
Like owners of a corporation, however, all LLC owners are
protected from personal liability for business debts and claims
-- a feature known as "limited liability."
This
means that if the business owes money or faces a lawsuit for
some other reason; only the assets of the business itself
are at risk. Creditors usually can't reach the personal assets
of the LLC owners, such as a house or car. (Both LLC owners
and corporate shareholders can lose this protection by acting
illegally, unethically, or irresponsibly.)
A
limited liability company (denoted by L.L.C. or LLC) in the
law of many of the United States is a legal form
of business company offering limited liability to its owners.
It is similar to a corporation,
and is often a more flexible form of ownership, especially suitable
for smaller companies with a limited number of owners.
Unlike
a regular corporation, a limited liability company with one
member may be treated as a disregarded entity, so the member
is often singled-out as a person performing the actions of
the LLC.
A
limited liability company with multiple members may choose,
generally at the time that the new entity applies for a US
federal taxpayer ID number, to be treated for U.S. federal taxation purposes as a partnership, as a C Corporation, or as an S corporation. An LLC can
elect to be either "member managed" or "manager
managed."
For
these reasons, many people say the LLC combines the best features
of the partnership and corporate business structures.
Q.
What is a Partnership?
A.
A partnership is a business owned by two or more people that
haven’t filed papers to become a corporation or a limited
liability company (LLC). You don't have to complete any paperwork
to create your partnership -- the arrangement begins as soon
as you start a business with another person.
Although
the law doesn't require it, many partners work out the details
of how they will manage their business in a written partnership
agreement. If you don't create a written agreement, the partnership
laws of your state will govern your partnership.
Partnerships
are often favored over corporations for taxation
purposes, as a partnership structure eliminates the dividend tax levied upon profits
realized by the owners of a corporation.
The
most basic form of partnership is a general
partnership, in which all partners manage the business
and are personally liable for its debts. Two other forms which
have developed in most countries are the limited
partnership (LP), in which certain "limited
partners" relinquish their ability to manage the business
in exchange for limited liability for the
partnership's debts, and the limited liability partnership (LLP), in which all partners have
some degree of limited liability.
Q.
How should I set up my company?
A.
Neither the Architects Board or Secretary of State may advise
you on how to form a Corporation, a Limited Liability Company,
or any form of company. The Secretary of State suggests that
you consult with an attorney who can properly advise you.
Q.
Who must I notify to do business in the state of Ohio?
A.
Anyone who is planning to do business within the state of
Ohio, using a name other than their own personal name, must
register with several state agencies: this Board, the Secretary
of State and the Ohio Department of Taxation.
Sole
Proprietorships are not required to register with the Secretary
of State. This applies to companies in Ohio and companies
in other states or countries wishing to do business in the
State of Ohio. Companies outside the State of Ohio usually
have to include a Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary
of State or registering authority in their home state.
Q.
Who do I notify to change information in the records of the
Secretary of State?
A.
Depending on what is changing, and how much is changing, you
can file one of the various
amendment forms available. A minor or single change is
often done through an amendment. If several changes are involved,
Amended and Restated Articles are usually filed. You also
need to notify the Board and the Ohio Department of Taxation.
Q.
Whom do I need to notify when a corporation is dissolved or
when surrendering a license?
A.
Yes, when you dissolve or surrender, notify the Board in writing.
If you cease doing business, you should file the dissolution
form appropriate for the type of business (i.e., Corporation,
Limited Liability Company) with the Secretary of State. Obtain
and file the proper form with Ohio Dept of Taxation.
Intern
Development Program (IDP)
Q.
How do students receive reimbursement for their IDP enrollment
fees?
A.
Ohio will reimburse students the $100 fee for enrolling in
the NCARB Intern Development Program.
In
order to receive reimbursement, students must meet the following
criteria:
-
Students
must submit proof of current enrollment at one of Ohio's
four accredited schools of architecture. Please click here
for a sample of the type of proof that is acceptable.
-
Student
must be in good standing.
-
Students
must submit proof of enrollment in IDP, such as an email
or letter from NCARB. Student ID cards are not accepted.
-
The
reimbursement application must be notarized.
-
Checks
will be issued by the state of Ohio. Students should allow
at least at least four to six weeks for their reimbursement
check to arrive.
Entry
points for IDP are as follows:
-
After
three years in an NAAB- or CACB-accredited professional
degree program.
-
After
the third year of a four-year pre-professional degree
program in architecture accepted for direct entry to an
NAAB- or CACB-accredited professional degree program;
-
After
one year in an NAAB- or CACB-accredited Master of Architecture
degree program for interns with undergraduate degrees
in another discipline;
-
After
earning 96 semester credit hours as evaluated by the National
Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) in accordance with
NCARB's Education Requirement, of which no more than 60
hours can be in the general education subject area.
For
purposes of calculating years of education, 32 semester credit
hours or 48 quarter credit hours shall equal one year in an
academic program.
Professional
liability insurance
Q.
Is professional liability insurance or other assurance of financial
responsibility required in Ohio?
A. Only when it is required by public authorities.
Reciprocity
Q.
Can an architect without an NCARB certificate obtain a reciprocal
license in Ohio?
A. No, an NCARB certificate is required.
Q.
How long does it take Ohio to approve a reciprocal license?
A. Once the application is complete, including receipt of the
NCARB certificate, it is usually approved in a matter of days.
The license is issued immediately and the formal wall certificate
will be mailed as soon as it is signed by all board members. This
may take several months.
Q.
Is there a charge to send my registration history and/or exam
scores to another state for a reciprocal license or to NCARB for
certification?
A. No.
Registration
Numbers
Q.
Which registration or license number should an architect use?
A. The architect's registration, or license number, contains three
parts: the credential type, the prefix ARC. and the year the license
was issued (expressed as a two digit number: 77 = 1977) and a
unique five digit license number (such as 12345).
For example, an architect whose initial license is number 12345,
and issued in the year 1977, will appear on the state License
Verification web page as ARC.7712345.
License numbers may also appear as 77-12345 or 12345. Embossed
seals contain only the five-digit registration number. The use
of any of these combinations is acceptable to the Board.
Sealing
of Construction Drawings/ Seals and Signatures
Q.
Are electronic seals and electronic signatures permitted in Ohio?
A. Yes.
Q.
Are building departments required to accept all types of seals,
including embossed, rubber stamp, or electronic?
A. Building departments are not required to accept electronically
sealed plans, and may continue to require wet signatures and embossed
seals. Check with the local building department to see if they
are capable of accepting electronic documents and what types of
seals are accepted.
Q.
Must plans and documents be sealed on every page?
A. While the Board no longer requires sealing of every page, a
building department can still require sealing of every page in
addition to wet signatures.
Q.
If a firm has more than one Principal Architect registered in
Ohio, do all of their names need to be on each drawing that is
signed/sealed?
A. No, only the architect who is in responsible charge of the
project should seal the documents.
Q.
Can drawings be sealed under a "Company/Corporate Seal"
rather then the individual seal of the Architect who actually
prepared the drawings?
A. Company or Corporate seals are not permitted in Ohio. Architects
must seal their own work.
Q.
Can an architect make a complete, comprehensive review of drawings
designed by an unlicensed person and seal them if he agrees to
take responsibility?
A. NO. An architect must have a written contract with the client
for architectural services; possess direct professional knowledge
and direct supervisory control of the designs from inception to
completion before applying their seal.
Q.
Can an architect work or subcontract with, an unlicensed draftsperson
to provide drafting services?
A. Yes, provided the architect holds a written contract with the
client for the project, has direct professional knowledge and
direct supervisory control of the design from inception to completion.
The unlicensed draftsperson cannot provide lead design services.
The architect's license number, name, address, and phone number
should be prominently displayed on the documents.
Q.
Can an architect seal drawings that have been authored by another
licensed architect?
A. Yes, but ONLY if the sealing architect has a contract with
the client for the project, has obtained written permission from
the originating, licensed architect for the use of the drawings,
and makes a complete, comprehensive review of the drawings. The
drawings should reflect the sealing architect's title block.
Q.
Can an architect seal manufacturer's cut sheets, equipment or
shop drawings or performance specs?
A. No, as a general rule, if the architect did not prepare, design,
create or author the work, it should not be sealed.
Q.
Can an architect seal commercial exhaust hood drawings prepared
by others?
A. No. An architect should seal only drawings that have been prepared
by themselves or under their direct supervision. Reviewing and
sealing the work of others does not comply with the seal law.
In most cases, the sealing of exhaust hood drawings is considered
the practice of engineering and may be a violation of the engineering
laws.
Q.
Can an architect be engaged only to design HVAC, electrical, plumbing,
or mechanical drawings?
A. No, if an architect is hired only to design HVAC, electrical,
plumbing or mechanical drawings, they may be in violation of practicing
"engineering". However, an architect is permitted to
practice engineering that may be incidental to the practice of
architecture. In other words, an architect may provide engineering
drawings, so long as the architect is also providing the architectural
drawings for the same project.
Q:
Are there any situations under which an architect can seal the
documents of an unlicensed person?
A: No. Such a practice constitutes plan stamping, and is considered
"aiding and abetting".
Q:
Is an architect permitted to seal the documents of another architect
under any circumstances?
A: Current law allows the architect to use the documents of another
architect if written permission is obtained from the originating
architect. However, this is not intended to permit the architect
to circumvent Ohio's registration or sealing requirements.
Q.
What kind of seals may be used in Ohio?
A.
Ohio architects may use a metal embossing seal, a rubber stamp
seal, or other reproducible facsimile (e.g., electronic seal).
The
seal must contain the following information:
The
seal shall be circular in shape and two inches in diameter.
Concentric
with the outside of the seal there shall be a circle one and three-eights
inches in diameter.
The
words "State of Ohio" at the top between two knurled
circles and the words "Registered Architect" or "Architect"
in a like position at the bottom.
The
individual's name shall be placed horizontally in the circular
field accompanied by the certificate number.
Full
size illustration of the required seal:
Use
of Title
Q.
Who is allowed to use the titles "Intern Architect"
and "Architectural Intern"?
A. Any individual who has filed an "Application for Registration
by Examination" (ARC 006) with the Board and who has received
their Prometric "Authorization to Test" letter.
Q.
What other titles are acceptable?
A. Acceptable titles for unlicensed individuals include, but are
not limited to, Intern, Associate, Designer, Project Manager,
Emerging Professional, Job Captain, CAD Operator, Design Specialist,
Draftsman, Client Liaison.
Q.
Who is allowed to use the title "Emeritus Architect"?
A. In order to use the title "Emeritus Architect", the
architect must be over age 65, fully retired and not engaging
in any of the activities defined as the "practice of architecture"
in 4703-1-01 (B), has been registered in Ohio for at least ten
years, AND who has submitted an "Emeritus Architect Application"
(which has been approved by the board) and paid the required fees.
Such individuals are exempt from the Mandatory Continuing Education
requirement. Please note that this is not the same as Emeritus
status with the AIA.
Q.
Why doesn't the Board do something about software architects?
A. Software architecture is widely recognized as distinctly different
profession.
Written
contracts
Q.
Is an architect required to use written contracts when providing
architectural services?
A. Yes. As of September 1, 1998, ALL architects are required to
use written contracts when providing architectural services to
clients in the state of Ohio.
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