Washington, DC—Effective July 6, 2026, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) have implemented a new Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), increasing international practice opportunities for U.S. architects. The agreement provides a new path for architects to gain reciprocal licensure and expand their careers in each country.  

“NCARB is excited to broaden international practice opportunities for U.S. architects through a new agreement with our MRA partner in South Africa—further strengthening the value of the NCARB Certificate as a global passport for practice,” said FY27 NCARB President John Patrick Rademacher, NCARB, AIA, NOMA.

“This Mutual Recognition Agreement between SACAP and NCARB represents far more than a pathway for professional mobility. It establishes a common framework for cooperation between our regulatory authorities, enabling greater recognition of the equivalence of professional qualifications, competencies, and licensing requirements," said SACAP President Charles Nduku, Pr.Arch, MIArch. "By aligning our standards, we are contributing to the harmonization of architectural education, training, and professional practice across borders. Ultimately, this agreement supports the progressive liberalization of professional services, strengthens global market integration, and promotes fair, transparent regulatory systems that reduce unnecessary barriers for qualified professionals while maintaining the highest standards of public protection.” 

The agreement is based on shared competencies obtained at the point of licensure and accepts architects from a variety of backgrounds—including all of those who hold the NCARB Certificate, whether licensed via a traditional path or through the Education Alternative or International Architect Path. This latest MRA is modeled after similar arrangements between NCARB and Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. To apply for a reciprocal license 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
  • For South African architects, be licensed at the level of “professional architect”

Architects initially licensed in their home country—whether the U.S. or South Africa—through a separate MRA with another country are not eligible for reciprocity under this agreement. More information about eligibility requirements for the MRA is available on ncarb.org.

NCARB enters into MRAs with countries based on a thorough review of their regulatory requirements for licensure as an architect, including an evaluation of competencies required and assessed through education, experience, examination, and continuing education. This agreement was approved by NCARB’s member licensing boards during the organization’s 2025 Annual Business Meeting and signed by both parties in April 2026. 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 MRA. NCARB assumes that acceptance of the NCARB Certificate by a jurisdiction includes acceptance of MRAs, unless that jurisdiction specifically opts out or is legally prohibited from accepting such agreements. A list of jurisdictions participating in the agreement is available on ncarb.org and will be updated as additional jurisdictions confirm their participation.  

To learn more about earning a license to practice architecture abroad, visit www.ncarb.org/international. 

About NCARB 

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ membership is made up of the architectural licensing boards of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCARB, in collaboration with these boards, facilitates the licensure and credentialing of architects to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. 

To achieve these goals, NCARB works with its Member Boards and volunteers to develop and facilitate standards for licensure, including the national examination and experience program. NCARB also recommends regulatory guidelines for licensing boards and helps architects expand their professional reach through the NCARB Certificate. Connect with NCARB on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.

About SACAP

The South African Council for the Architectural Profession’s vision is for transformed architectural leaders to serve society in a sustainable built environment. Its mission is for a SACAP that is inclusive and transparent; an architectural profession recognized as a global leader in the built environment; and a clear understanding of its mandate amongst other regulators and stakeholders toward comprehensive, conclusive delivery.