Contact Information
(866) 465-6206
The Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA Board) examines, licenses, and regulates approximately 35,000 individuals and related business entities in Virginia.
A Message From The Board
NCARB’s Analysis of Practice study will explore how #architecture is evolving and help determine the licensing model of the future. Sign up today to be a part of the critical research!
Important Exam Notifications:
Updates:
NCARB – Updates: How to Navigate Common AXP Issues | NCARB - National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
NCEES – Updates: https://home.pearsonvue.com/essential-services-faqs
CLARB – Practice exams for the April offering of the April L.A.R.E. are available at: https://www.clarb.org/take-the-exam/prepare-for-the-exam/practice-exams?_cldee=Zzrz99R4FAGAIERM-BWYOOFjPHWzfsPB2g8h63Yhpr_Ut4UpLiOcz6UI_KX3Ns
Applicants must read and understand the APELSCIDLA Board Regulations. Application fees are not refundable.
DPOR Boards only accept the most recent versions of the applications provided below. DPOR Boards are not responsible for processing delays associated with forms that do not conform to this requirement.
- Go to: Most Requested Forms (address change, criminal conviction reporting, certification request, etc.)
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Architect
License Application | Interactive | Static |
License Renewal Form | Interactive | Static |
Degree Verification Form | Interactive | Static |
Experience Verification Form | Interactive | Static |
Reference Form | Interactive | Static |
Verification of Exam and Licensure Form | Interactive | Static |
License Reinstatement Application | Only for licenses that expired less than five years | Interactive | Static |
Professional Engineer (PE) and Engineer-in-Training (EIT)
PE License Application | Interactive | Static |
EIT Designation Application | Interactive | Static |
PE License Renewal Form | Interactive | Static |
PE Reference Form | Interactive | Static |
EIT Reference Form | Interactive | Static |
PE and EIT Degree Verification Form | Interactive | Static |
PE Experience Verification Form | Complete a separate form for each position | Interactive | Static |
PE and EIT Verification of Exam and Licensure | Interactive | Static |
PE License Reinstatement Application | Only for licenses that expired less than five years | Interactive | Static |
Land Surveyor (LS), Land Surveyor B (LS-B), and Surveyor-in-Training (SIT)
LS License Application | Interactive | Static |
LS-B License Application | Interactive | Static |
SIT Designation Application | Interactive | Static |
LS and LS-B License Renewal Form | Interactive | Static |
LS Reference Form | Interactive | Static |
LS and SIT Degree Verification Form | Interactive | Static |
LS and SIT Experience Verification Form | Complete a separate form for each position | Interactive | Static |
LS and SIT Verification of Exam and Licensure | Interactive | Static |
LS License Reinstatement Application | Only for licenses that expired less than five years | Interactive | Static |
LS-B License Reinstatement Application | Only for licenses that expired less than five years | Interactive | Static |
Surveyor Apprenticeship Standards (updated 7/2019) | Static | |
How to Become a Land Surveyor by Apprenticeship | Static |
Surveyor Photogrammetrist (SP)
SP License Application | Interactive | Static |
SP License Renewal Form | Interactive | Static |
SP Degree Verification Form | Interactive | Static |
SP Experience Verification Form | Interactive | Static |
SP Reference Form | Interactive | Static |
SP Verification of Exam and Licensure | Interactive | Static |
SP License Reinstatement Application | Only for licenses that expired less than five years | Interactive | Static |
Certified Interior Designer (CID)
CID Certificate Application | Interactive | Static |
Universal License Recognition - Interior Designer | Interactive | Static |
CID Certificate Renewal Form | Interactive | Static |
CID Experience Verification Form | Interactive | Static |
CID Degree Verification Form | Interactive | Static |
CID Verification of Exam and Certification | Interactive | Static |
CID Certificate Reinstatement Application | Only for certificates that expired less than five years | Interactive | Static |
Landscape Architect (LA)
LA License Application | Interactive | Static |
LA License Renewal Form | Interactive | Static |
LA Degree Verification Form | Interactive | Static |
LA Experience Verification Form | For exam and comity applicants | Interactive | Static |
LA Reference Form | Interactive | Static |
LA Verification of Exam and Licensure | Interactive | Static |
LA License Reinstatement Application | only for licenses that expired less than five years | Interactive | Static |
Business Registration
Business Entity Application | Interactive | Static |
Business Entity-Branch Office Application | Interactive | Static |
Renewal Form - Business Entity Registration | Interactive | Static |
Renewal Form - Branch Office | Interactive | Static |
*Adobe Interactive PDFs allow you to type your information into the form and save a copy on your computer for your personal records. You must print, sign, and return the application to the address provided on the form.
Adobe Reader version 9.0 or later is required for interactive PDFs. (Some versions of Adobe Acrobat 8.0 or older will cause errors when using the interactive PDF.) Download the current Adobe Reader to view and print.
NOTE: If Adobe Acrobat software is already installed on your computer, make sure to open interactive PDF files using Adobe Reader.
Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.
- APELSCIDLA Board Regulations (PDF) | online
- Pending regulatory action (proposed changes, public hearings, etc.)
- APELSCIDLA Board Statutes (Chapter 4 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia)
- Relevant Professional Corporations statute (Section 13.1-549 of the Code of Virginia)
- Relevant Professional LLC statute (Section 13.1-1111 of the Code of Virginia)
- Guidance Documents on Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.
The Virginia Regulatory Town Hall provides access to the board's meeting schedule, agendas, and past meeting minutes.
Visit the Town Hall: https://townhall.virginia.gov/L/Meetings.cfm?BoardID=7
NCEES is seeking engineering and surveying professionals to participate in a content review for the Fundamentals exams (FE and FS). Learn more at https://ncees.org/news/.
Examinations
Architects* | Professional Engineers | Land Surveyors | Certified Interior Designers | Landscape Architects
Continuing Education
Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Landscape Architects must attest to the completion of 16 hours of continuing education in order to renew or reinstate their licenses. For more information, please review 18 VAC 10-20-683 of the APELSCIDLA Board Regulations.
Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.
Board News
- Commemorative Centennial Book: APELSCIDLA Board 1920-2020
- Gubernatorial proclamation recognizing APELSCIDLA Board Centennial (June 2020)
News Releases
- View archive news releases
GENERAL INFORMATION FAQS
Question: Where can I find the Board regulations?
Answer: The Board regulations may be found here online | pdf
Question: I’m already licensed, do I still have to take an exam?
Answer: The Exam on Board Regulations is required of all applicants for license or certification. It will be provided to you by email upon receipt of your application. Your license will not be issued until the exam and all other application and eligibility requirements are met.
Question: I don’t know three licensed and qualified individuals to provide references for my application. Can this requirement be waived?
Answer: This requirement cannot be waived as it is required by the regulations. You should wait until you are able to meet all of the licensure/examination requirements before submitting your application.
Question: My wall certificate is damaged. How do I replace it?
Answer: Any professional may obtain a replacement for a lost, destroyed or damaged wall certificate upon submission of a department fee of $35. accompanied by a written request indicating that the certificate was lost, destroyed, or damaged.
Question: May I email my application to the Board?
Answer: No. The Board requires original application documents and the application processing fee. Payments are not accepted via email.
Question: Can I check the status of my application online?
Answer: No. Please email the Board office at apelscidla@dpor.virginia.gov to check the status of your application.
APELSCIDLA Board
Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23233
Board Office: (804) 367-8506
ARCHITECT FAQS
Question: I’m a licensed architect that is applying without an NCARB record. What do I need to send?
Answer: Please refer to the application instructions for the required documentation. Please note that if you were initially licensed after Jan. 1, 1998, you MUST have a NAAB-accredited architecture degree and if initially licensed after Jan. 1, 2001, you MUST have completed the NCARB IDP/AXP, even if it was not a requirement of the state you were initially licensed in.
Question: I have a foreign degree. (I’m NCARB certified/have an NCEES record/have been licensed for xx of years) Do I really have to take the TOEFL exam?
Answer: Yes, the TOEFL exam is required for applicants whose college curriculum was not taught in English. You must receive a score of 20 or better on each module of the exam. If your foreign curriculum was taught in English, you may provide official documentation stating that is the case in lieu of the exam.
Question: I had my architecture degree evaluated by EESA and they said it is equivalent to a NAAB-accredited degree. Do I still have to take the TOEFL?
Answer: If your courses were not taught in English, yes, the TOEFL is still required. EESA only evaluates your curriculum, not your ability to communicate in English.
Question: I have a NAAB-accredited architecture degree, but I have not completed AXP. Can I begin taking the ARE?
Answer: Yes, you can begin taking the ARE as long as you are able to provide the other required documentation with your application, including but not limited to verification of your degree, enrollment in AXP, and 3 references on the Board’s form.
EIT & PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER FAQS
Question: Can I receive my EIT before graduation?
Answer: No. If you are applying as a student, approval of your application is contingent upon you providing verification of the qualifying degree. You must provide verification after graduation for your designation to be issued.
Question: I have a foreign undergraduate degree, but my graduate degree is accredited. Do you have to send verification of both degrees?
Answer: Unless you are applying as a student, yes. The majority of engineering curriculums are not accredited at the graduate level. You must provide verification of both degrees that are required to complete the application.
Question: I have a foreign degree. I have an NCEES record and have been licensed for xx years. Do I really have to take the TOEFL exam?
Answer: Yes, the TOEFL exam is required for applicants whose college curriculum was not taught in English. You must receive a score of 20 or better on each module of the exam. If your foreign curriculum was taught in English, you may provide official documentation stating that is the case in lieu of the exam.
Question: I have a foreign degree. Do I need to have my degree evaluated?
Answer: If you do not have a graduate degree in the US then the answer is yes. If your degree is determined to be equivalent to an ABET-accredited degree, four years of experience is required. If it is determined that your degree is not equivalent, six years of experience will be required.
Question: Do I need to complete the CREQ form?
Answer: If you have a degree that is not listed as a related science in the definition provided in 18VAC10-20-160, you must complete the form so that the Board can review your curriculum and determine if it meets the requirements of the definition.
Questions: I have an NCEES Council Record. Do I still need to submit three references since my council record has five references?
Answer: Yes. The Board requires three references submitted on our form by licensed PEs who have known you for at least one year. References may not verify any experience in your NCEES Council Record.
LAND SURVEYOR FAQS
Question: Do I need to have a Surveyor-in-Training Designation (SIT) before applying for a land surveyor license?
Answer: Yes. The SIT is required before applying for the land surveyor license.
Question: Can I apply to take the FS and PLS exams at the same time?
Answer: Yes.
Question: I have been surveying for over 10 years but do not have a degree in land surveying do I qualify for a license?
Answer: Yes. In order to qualify for a Virginia land surveyor license, you will need:
- SIT designation
- Official High School/College/University Transcripts show successful completion of courses in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
- Experience Verification Form(s) completed showing at least eight years of approved land surveying experience.
Question: What is considered approved land surveying experience?
Answer: Approved land surveying experience is progressive and diversified training and experience under the direct control and personal supervision of a licensed land surveyor. This experience shall have been acquired in positions requiring the exercise of independent judgment, initiative, and professional skill in the office and field and written verification of such work experience shall be on forms provided by the Board. Experience may be gained either prior to or after education is obtained.
Question: What is the apprentice program?
Answer: The apprenticeship program is conducted through Virginia Works - Virginia's Workforce Development Agency. Registered apprenticeships provide opportunities for high school students age 16 or older. You must contact Virginia Works directly to receive information regarding becoming an apprentice.
CERTIFIED INTERIOR DESIGNER FAQS
Question: I’m an interior designer/decorator. Do I need to be certified by the Board?
Answer: Certification is not required in order to work as an interior designer in Virginia; however, you may not use the title “Certified Interior Designer” unless certification is obtained.
Question: I’m NCIDQ certified in another state. What do I need to become certified in Virginia?
Answer: Certification by NCIDQ or another state does not guarantee certification in Virginia. Please review the regulations and application for required education, examination, and experience requirements for certification.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT FAQS
Question: I have an LAAB-accredited landscape architecture degree. Can I begin taking the LARE?
Answer: Yes, you must submit the license application with verification of your degree and three references to begin taking the LARE. You must complete the three-year experience requirement prior to your license being issued.
BUSINESS REGISTRATION FAQS
Question: Who do I register my business with first?
Answer: Businesses should first register with the SCC, more information can be found at https://scc.virginia.gov
Question: I’ve registered with the SCC. Which business application do I need for the DPOR?
Answer: Sole proprietors, partnerships, LLCs, and INCs should submit the Business Entity Registration Application.
PCs should submit the Professional Corporation Registration Application. PLLCs should submit the Professional Limited Liability Company Registration Application.
If you’re still unsure which application you need, contact the Board at APELSCIDLA@dpor.virginia.gov and a licensing specialist will assist you.
Question: My business has a main office and a branch office. Can they share a responsible person?
Answer: Each resident responsible person may be responsible for more than one location provided he is a resident at each place of business during a majority of its operating hours. Please see regulation 18VAC10-20-780 for reference.
Question: I need to change my responsible person, how do I do that?
Answer: Submit the application relevant to your business and check the “change of status” box on the application’s first page. The entire form must be completed.
Question: I need to change my LLC to a Corporation. What do I need to do?
Answer: If your Federal tax ID number is still the same, you are required to register the company's name with the Virginia State Corporation Commission and submit proof of the name change from the SCC with a complete DPOR Name Change Form.
If your FIN has changed, you will be required to submit a new application and the required documents.
Other FAQs
Question: I am licensed in Virginia, and applying for licensure in another state. The other state is requesting verification of my Virginia license. What do I need to do?
Answer: You may submit the verification request and payment online at myvirginia.dpor.virginia.gov, fax the Certification Request Form and credit card payment to 877-340-9616, or mail the request form with a check or money order for $35.00, made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia. Specify where you would like the certification to be mailed.
Question: I need to renew my license, but I haven't received my renewal form. What do I need to do?
Answer: No earlier than 60 days prior to your license expiration, you may complete your renewal online or mail a check or money order payable to the Treasurer of Virginia for the renewal fee and include your license/certificate/registration number in the memo field. Mail this information to:
APELSCIDLA Board
Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23233
Board Office: (804) 367-8506
You CANNOT continue to practice in Virginia after your license/certificate/registration has expired.
Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects
Executive Director
Kathleen (Kate) R. Nosbisch
Licensing Operations Administrator
Ecila R. Williams
Administrative Coordinator
Karen Reid
Member Roster
Architects
Tim Colley
- Second four-year term ends June 30, 2028
- Blacksburg
Helene C. Dreiling
- First four-year term ends June 30, 2027
- Roanoke
Erik Ane Bootsma
- First four-year term ends June 30, 2025
- Richmond
Professional Engineers
James L. Kelly | Board Chair
- Second four year term ends June 30, 2025
- Williamsburg
Frederick "Rick" Townsend
- First four year term ends June 30, 2026
- Lorton
Douglas D. Frost
- First four-year term ends June 30, 2028
- Purcellville
Land Surveyors
John S. Claytor
- First four-year term ends June 30, 2027
- Henrico
Kevin D. Shreiner
- First four year term ends June 30, 2026
- Winchester
Vickie McEntire Anglin | Board Vice-Chair
- First four year term ends June 30, 2025
- Bristow
Landscape Architects
Susan P. Dibble
- First four year term ends June 30, 2027
- Glen Allen
Ann P. Stokes
- Second four year terms ends June 30, 2025
- Norfolk
Certified Interior Designers
Catherine Christian Stanley
- First four-year term will end June 30, 2026.
- New Kent
Caroline Alexander
- Second four-year term ends June 30, 2024
- Lexington
Citizen Members
Troy Arnold
- First four year term ends June 30, 2026
- Richmond
Justina Vasquez
- First four-year term ends June 30, 2026
- Yorktown
Board members are appointed by the Governor. To learn more about the gubernatorial appointment process, visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website.
Interested in serving the APELSCIDLA Board as an Advisory Member?
Download the APELSCIDLA Advisory Membership Application Now!
DPOR stands ready to assist veterans and active-duty military personnel as they maintain or transition to civilian careers requiring professional credentials.
Active-duty military personnel and their spouses having served outside the U.S., as well as certain diplomatic service members and veterans, may be eligible to receive up to a five-year extension for meeting license renewal requirements (pursuant to Section 54.1-117 of the Code of Virginia).
Spouses of active-duty military personnel assigned to a duty station in Virginia are eligible for expedited processing using the Military Spouse Expedited License Application (Interactive | Static). A temporary, non-renewable 12-month license for certain military spouses licensed in another state who need more time to meet Virginia-specific requirements is also an option if necessary. [Section 54.1-119]
- Military spouses also can get help covering the costs of transferring their professional licenses or certifications when they experience a permanent-change-of-station move with their service member spouse
For honorably discharged veterans, “substantially equivalent” military training, education, or experience may be credited toward certain license requirements (pursuant to Section 54.1-118). The Virginia Department of Veteran Services does not reimburse for exam costs. However, Veterans can be reimbursed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The link for the information is here: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/test-fees.
(Please check back periodically as we modify transactions in the future.)
Apply for a new license/designation
Architect (0401)
- First-time Exam Applicants Only (Not for Comity Applicants).
Address change
Individual license types only
- Excludes Engineer-in-Training and Surveyor-in-Training designations
Renew a license
ALL license types
- Excludes Engineer-in-Training and Surveyor-in-Training designations
Reinstate an expired license
Architect (0401)
Professional Engineer (0402)
Businesses and Branch Offices
- License expired less than five (5) years - Individuals only