On April 17, 2026, NCARB and the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) signed a new Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA). Effective July 6, 2026, the new MRA will expand access to opportunities for international architects.  

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How Does This Impact the Profession?  

This agreement will enable eligible architects to benefit from a more straightforward process to get licensed/registered, helping them to establish professional contacts and perform services as a registered architect in each country. The agreement also represents a significant step in NCARB’s commitment to expanding opportunities for NCARB-certified architects while maintaining rigorous standards to protect the public.  

Who’s Eligible to Apply?  

To be eligible to apply for reciprocal licensure in either country, architects must:  

  • Be licensed and in good standing in a participating jurisdiction in their home country  
  • For U.S. architects, hold an active NCARB Certificate and hold a visa (if planning to practice in person in South Africa)
  • For South African architects, be licensed at the level of “professional architect”  

U.S. architects will need to pass a Professional Practice Examination (PPE), similar to jurisdiction-specific exams on local codes in the U.S., which is offered in May and October. It can be taken remotely.

Architects initially licensed in their home country—whether the U.S. or South Africa—by means of a separate MRA with another country are not eligible for reciprocity under this agreement.  

U.S. Jurisdictional Participation  

Because each U.S. jurisdiction is responsible for the regulation of architecture within its borders, each U.S. jurisdiction must individually determine if it will accept the new Mutual Recognition Agreement. Review our list of participant jurisdictions that currently accept the U.S.-South Africa agreement. NCARB will verify jurisdictions’ participation based on the updated agreement over the next few months.  

Before applying, be sure to use the licensing requirement tool's “Reciprocal Licensure” tab to ensure the jurisdiction in which you are seeking licensure is participating.