Washington, DC—The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ (NCARB) Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with our counterparts in Canada and Mexico has recently undergone minor administrative updates, which includes changes to the Canada/Mexico/U.S. Tri-National Manual and application forms. 

To be eligible for reciprocal licensure through this agreement, you must: 

  • Be licensed and in good standing in a participating jurisdiction in Canada, Mexico, or the United States. 
  • Hold a degree in architecture from an accredited architecture program or recognized equivalent. 
  • Have a minimum of five years of post-licensure experience, at least two of which must be earned while in responsible control in the country where you were initially licensed. 
  • U.S. architects must hold an NCARB Certificate. 
  • Mexican architects must hold an ENCONARQ+EA Certificate. 

The Tri-National MRA, developed by NCARB, the Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC), and the Comité Mexicano para la Práctica Internacional de la Arquitectura (COMPIAR), provides a pathway for qualified architects to pursue reciprocal licensure across participating jurisdictions in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 

Learn more about the eligibility requirements, application process, and a checklist for applicants from each country through the Canada/Mexico/U.S. Tri-National MRA Manual. 

About NCARB 

The National Council of Architecture 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 licensure standards, 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.