General Information terms and Definitions: The Board requires an architectural degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (www.naab.org). Visit the NAAB website for a list of accredited programs. Although other accredited degrees are accepted for licensure, Mississippi State University offers the only NAAB-accredited program in Mississippi (www.caad.msstate.edu). Mississippi also requires completion of the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and passage of the Architect Registration Examination (the ARE). Both the examination and the experience program are administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (www.ncarb.org). Mississippi has a title act, as well as some aspects of a practice act. An individual cannot offer architectural services, use the title "architect," or practice architecture without first having obtained a license. For strict guidelines on solicitation as an applicant, see rule 2.7. To obtain licensure in Mississippi, an applicant must meet the requirements of Sections 73-1-13 and/or 73-1-21 of the Architect Registration Act, as well as those outlined in Chapter 2 of the Rules and Regulations. Individuals can apply for initial licensure after completing the ARE and other registration requirements, or for reciprocal licensure if initial licensure has been granted by another NCARB jurisdiction. Pursuant to the provisions of the Military Family Freedom Act, Mississippi shall recognize occupational licenses obtained from other states for military members and their families. For additional information on a career as an architect, visit the websites of the American Institute of Architects (www.aia.org) and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (www.acsa-arch.org).
