Board of Architects and Landscape Architects

Welcome to the Montana Board of Architects and Landscape Architects

CE Required for all licensed architects        

Starting January 1, 2015, all Montana licensed architects are required to complete 12 hours of HSW CE every calendar year.  This CE requirement is based on a calendar year, running January 1 – December 31 each year.  The CE requirement is established in Board rule ARM 24.114.2105.

Qualified education must be designed to increase or update the knowledge and competence of architects in technical and professional subjects related to the practice of architecture. 

You must retain course completion certificates or other appropriate documentation, verifying course completion, for 6 years.  The Board may conduct annual random audits of up to 50 % of licensees for compliance with the CE requirement.

Attention Licenees: New Law in Effect July 1, 2015

The new law allows the board and department to suspend licenses of persons who:

• submit fines or fees without sufficient funds in their account,
• fail to meet continuing education or certification requirements as discovered in an audit,
• fail to comply with a final order of the board, or
• fail to respond to correspondence concerning these matters.

You are cautioned to notify the board office of your current contact information or risk having correspondence not delivered to you and your license administratively suspended without further notice or hearing. More information may be found on the FAQ tab.

The Montana Board of Architects and Landscape Architects makes every effort to include relevant and current information pertaining to licensing and regulation on our website.

Board meetings are usually held 4 times a year.
Meeting minutes are posted within 3 days of board approval.

In general, Board meetings are open to the public.
There are certain meetings or parts (Screening Panel and Executive Session), which are closed to the public.

Board members are appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation.
Members serve 3 year terms with no limit on the number of terms a member may serve.

Individual Board Members can be contacted by email at dlibsdarc@mt.gov. In your message please specify which board member you would like to contact. For additional contact information and information on board member terms, please visit the Governor’s Office link for Board Members and Councils at http://boards.mt.gov/.

Fiscal Year 2008 –2009 Professional and Occupational Licensing Report

To obtain an Architect License in the State of Montana, you must apply by one of the following methods:

• Initial Licensure by Exam
• Reapplication of a Terminated Montana License
• Licensure by Credential

A. Application Fee:

• Initial Licensure by Exam Fee: $80.00
• Reapplication of an terminated Montana license: $180.00
• Licensure by Credentialing: $180.00

B. Examination:

To qualify to sit for the ARE as a Montana candidate you must:

• Establish a NCARB record
• Be enrolled In the AXP (formerly referred to as the IDP)
• Hold a degree in architecture from a NAAB accredited school of architecture

To register for the ARE as a Montana candidate, you will use the on-line NCARB Direct Registration Program. Once NCARB has determined that you are qualified to sit for the ARE as a Montana candidate, they will notify you of your eligibility to test.

C.  Experience Requirement:

The Board requires completion of the NCARB AXP (formerly referred to as the IDP) in meeting the experience requirement for licensure.

D. Licensure:

In order to obtain a Montana Initial Architect License by Exam, you must:

• Complete the AXP (formerly known as the IDP) experience requirement;
• Pass all parts of the ARE; and
• Obtain a complete NCARB record.

In order to obtain an Architect License by Reapplication of a Terminated Montana License you must

• Hold a current NCARB Certificate
• Submit verification of licensure from any licensing entity where you currently hold or have ever been licensed.

In order to obtain an Architect License by Credential, you must:

• Hold a current NCARB Certificate
• Submit verification of licensure from the licensing entity where you currently hold or have ever been licensed.

E. Continuing Education Requirements:  Board rules require all licensed Architects to complete 12 hours of HSW CE each calendar year (January 1-December 31). No more than 25% of each course may be devoted to other than health, safety, and welfare subjects related to the practice of architecture.

CE is not required for architects renewing their license for the first time or those granted emeritus status.

F. Renewal Schedule:  Architects Renewal Dates: May 1 - June 30
Late Renew Online for 45 days until Aug. 14

G. Renewal Fees: Active  $55                                                                                    Late Renewal - Additional $55 

To apply for a Landscape Architect license in the State of Montana, you must provide a complete application and all necessary documentation. Failure to provide any missing documentation within 60 days of receipt of the application will result in the application being considered voluntarily withdrawn.

License Application fee: $325.00

To obtain an initial Montana Landscape Architect license by exam, you must:

    • pass all parts of the LARE; and
    • obtain a complete CLARB record, including verification of meeting the education and experience requirement; or
    • provide evidence of meeting the education and experience requirements outlined in ARM 24.114.1402.

To obtain an initial Montana Landscape Architect license by endorsement, you must:

    • Provide verification of passing the LARE from CLARB; and
    • Provide verification of licensure in another jurisdiction, including the education and experience requirement for licensing and statute and rules outlining jurisdiction licensing requirements.

Examination

To qualify to sit for the LARE as a Montana candidate you must:

    • have either an LAAB or LAAC accredited degree to start your CLARB record directly with CLARB ; or
    • file the Exam Approval Request Application (and fee) for Board authorization to sit for the exam. Once you receive Board authorization, you will start your CLARB record and register for the exam.

If you have a LAAB or LAAC accredited degree, you DO NOT complete the Exam Approval Request Application but go directly to CLARB to begin your CLARB record and register for the exam.

Education and Experience for Licensure

To qualify for licensure, you must meet one of these education and experience combinations established by board rule. Make sure you review Board rules to determine current experience criteria.

    • A LAAB or LAAC accredited degree and two years of practical experience in landscape architecture;
    • A non-accredited landscape architecture degree and three years of practical experience in landscape architecture;
    • A bachelor’s degree in other than landscape architecture and four years of practical experience in landscape architecture;
    • An associate’s degree and six years of practical experience in landscape architecture; or
    • No post-secondary education and eight years of practical experience in landscape architecture.

A year is defined as 2000 hours. Two thirds of the experience must be under the direct supervision of a landscape architect. The remaining hours may be under the direct supervision of a licensed civil engineer, licensed architect, or a city planner certified by a nationally recognized certifying body.

Practical experience is a diversity of experience directly related to landscape architecture.

Renewal Schedule:  Annual Renewal
Regular Renewal dates: May 1 - June 30

Renewal Fees: Active $250                                                                                               Late Renewal Fee - additional $250                         

License Renewal System

Active Architects and Landscape Architects

Architects - Annual Renewal
Regular Renewal dates: May 1 - June 30
 

Landscape Architects - Annual Renewal
Regular Renewal dates: May 1 - June 30
 

All of the Statutes and Rules listed here are applicable to this board.

Statutes are laws passed by the Legislature. All changes in statutes must go through the legislative process and be passed into law before they become effective. Title 37, Chapter 1, Part 3 is the Uniform Regulatory Act passed by the Legislature in 1995. All professional and occupational licensing is covered in these statutes.

Administrative Rules pertaining to architecture and landscape architecture are written and adopted by the Board of Architects and Landscape Architects. The Board writes rules in order to administer the laws over which the Legislature has given the Board authority. Rules can be changed by going through the rule-making procedure. They do not go through the Legislative process. The Board of Architects and Landscape Architects continuously reviews rules to determine needed changes.

The Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) at this site contain what should be the same text as the official version published by the Office of the Secretary of State. There is a possibility, however, that the content may vary from the official version. In addition, the format has been changed for viewing on this web site. A copy of the official ARM in official format can be obtained from the ARM Bureau of the Office of the Secretary of State, by calling (406) 444-2055. A web version of the ARM published by the Secretary of State can be viewed at Secretary of State's Administrative Rules of Montana.

• Chapter 114 - Board of Architects and Landscape Architects

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• Chapter 24 - Labor and Industry

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• Chapter 101 - Business Standards Division

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Architects

• Title 2 Chapter 15 Part 17 - Board of Architects

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• Title 37 Chapter 65 -Architecture

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Landscape Architects

• Title 2 Chapter 15 Part 17 - Board of Landscape Architects

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• Title 37 Chapter 66 - Landscape Architecture

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The Department is charged with regulating professions and occupations for the protection of the public as a whole. Although the Department does not represent individuals filing complaints, the Department will review complaints in a timely manner to ensure a complaint is processed and that the Board will take appropriate action.

The length of time for resolution of a complaint is impossible to estimate due to the various complexities presented in individual complaints.

The following types of complaints may be filed:

• Unprofessional conduct by a licensee;
• Unprofessional conduct by a license applicant;
• Unlicensed practice of the profession or occupation.

If an individual is unsure of what constitutes unprofessional conduct and needs a description of the various types, reference to Montana statutes and rules will provide an answer. These are found at your local public library or at the appropriate board site on this web page.

Drop Off or Mail to:
"Name of the Board or Program the complaint pertains to"
Business Standards Division
301 South Park, 4th Floor
PO Box 200514
Helena, MT 59620-0514

This process is used for the Boards that are administered in the Business Standards Division. The various Programs administered in the Division use a similar process.

Important: When filing or responding to a complaint, be as thorough as possible. You may attach additional documents to the complaint form to ensure that all pertinent information has been included. The Screening Panel meeting is NOT a hearing, but is a time for the panel to consider the complaint and response. Attendance is your choice. If you attend the panel may ask additional questions. Please notify this office prior to the meeting if you plan to attend.

After a complaint has been filed against a licensed individual the Compliance Office will send a letter of acknowledgment to the person who filed the complaint (Complainant), and a letter requesting a response (with a copy of the complaint) to the licensee against whom the complaint was filed.

The Licensee may submit a written response addressing the complaint to the Compliance Office. The process continues whether or not a response is submitted. The Complainant is not entitled to a copy of the response.

The Compliance Office will notify the Licensee and Complainant regarding the date and time of any meeting during which the case will be discussed.

Complaints remain confidential unless a Notice of Proposed Board Action is issued, which is a public document along with all subsequent legal filings.

Meetings

• Closed Meeting - During a Closed Meeting only the Licensee, the Complainant, and/or attorneys for either can be in attendance. Minutes of Closed Meetings are not public documents.
• Open Meeting - A public meeting which anyone can attend. The minutes of Open meetings are public documents and made available online via the specific Board’s webpage. (Adjudication Panel meetings are usually open.)

Individuals may attend a meeting in person or by telephone. Please notify this office prior to the meeting if you plan to attend the meeting.

Screening Panel

• Screening Panel - A committee comprised of members of the Board. The Screening Panel’s function is to determine the preliminary action(s) to take on a complaint. Possible preliminary actions include dismissal, investigation, or a finding of Reasonable Cause.

The complaint and response (if any) are submitted to the Screening Panel members. The Screening Panel meeting is not a hearing, but rather a committee meeting to review and discuss the complaint and response to determine if disciplinary action is warranted.

Dismissal

If the Screening Panel dismisses a complaint, the complaint can be dismissed with or without prejudice (see definitions below).

• Dismissal With Prejudice - The complaint is dismissed and cannot be considered by the Screening Panel in the future.
• Dismissal Without Prejudice - The complaint is dismissed but may be considered by the Screening Panel in the future if there are ever allegations of a similar nature.

Investigation

Only a member of the Screening Panel can request an investigation of a complaint. If an investigation is requested by the Screening Panel, the case is assigned to an investigator who may request an interview with the Licensee, the Complainant, and/or other individuals. Upon completion of the investigation, a written report is submitted to the Screening Panel, which will then determine if there is Reasonable Cause to proceed with disciplinary action.

Reasonable Cause

• Reasonable Cause - A finding by the Screening Panel that evidence exists that a violation of statutes and rules has occurred which warrants proceeding with disciplinary action.

If Reasonable Cause is found, the Department Counsel issues a Notice of Proposed Board Action (Notice) to the Licensee. Once a Notice is issued, it is public information. A proposed Stipulation may be included with the Notice.

• Notice - A legal document from the Department’s Legal Counsel which sets forth the Department’s factual assertions, the statutes or rules relied upon, and advising the licensee of the right to a hearing.
• Stipulation - A tentative agreement for settlement of the case. A Stipulation is not finalized until approved by the Adjudication Panel.

The Licensee may either sign the Stipulation or contest the proposed action by requesting an administrative Hearing (a legal process before a Hearing Examiner). If the Licensee wishes to request a hearing, written request must be received within twenty (20) days from receipt of the Notice. Failure to either sign a Stipulation or request a hearing within twenty (20) days may result in the issuing of a Final Order of Default against the licensee.

• Default - the licensee’s acceptance of the disciplinary action demonstrated by failing to participate in the process

Adjudication Panel

• Adjudication Panel - A committee comprised of members of the Board who are NOT on the Screening Panel. The Adjudication Panel determines the final outcome of a case.

The Adjudication Panel reviews the record to determine appropriate sanctions. A Final Order is issued by the Adjudication Panel, completing the complaint process.

Complaint Process Flow

Current license status and information regarding disciplinary action(s) against a licensee can be accessed online at: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/

Department of Labor & Industry - Business Standards Division

PO Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620-0513

When a complaint or other information is received alleging possible unlicensed practice...

• (If the allegation is not made in the form of a formal written complaint, a complaint form is completed by the Department and a complaint number is assigned.)
• A copy of the complaint and a request for a written response are mailed to the person against whom the complaint was filed (Respondent).
• A written acknowledgment that the complaint has been received is mailed to the person who filed the complaint (Complainant)
• The respondent may submit a letter of response to the complaint. If a written response is not submitted, the complaint process continues without a response.
• The complainant and the respondent are sent written notify cation of the date, time, and location of any meeting at which the complaint will be discussed.

The Board Meeting

• Unlicensed Practice complaints are addressed by the Full Board in executive session (meaning closed to the public). Board meetings are open to the public unless the chairperson determines an individual’s right to privacy outweighs the public’s right to know. If so, that portion of the meeting will be closed to the public (only the respondent, complainant, and legal counsel for each (if any) may be present).
• The complaint and response (if any) are provided to the board members prior to an upcoming board meeting for their review. The board meeting is not a hearing, but rather a meeting at which the information provided is considered and discussed by the board.

DISMISSAL

• If the board dismisses a complaint, the complaint can be dismissed with or without prejudice.
• Dismissal With Prejudice-The complaint is dismissed and cannot be considered in the future.
• Dismissal Without Prejudice-The complaint is dismissed but may be considered by the board in the future if there are ever allegations of a similar nature.

INVESTIGATION

• The board can request an investigator be assigned to gather additional information surrounding the allegations made in the complaint. This may involve interviews with the respondent, the complainant, and possible witnesses.
• After the investigation has been completed, an investigative report is prepared and presented to the board for consideration at a subsequent meeting.
• Following the board’s review of the investigative report, a determination is made to either dismiss the complaint or take action in the form of a Cease and Desist or an Injunction.

CEASE & DESIST / INJUNCTION

• The board may issue a Cease & Desist or seek an Injunction.
• Cease & Desist–A letter from the administrative agency prohibiting a person or business from doing or continuing to do a certain activity.
• Injunction-A writ granted by a court prohibiting a person or business from doing or continuing to do a certain activity.

For more information, contact DLI Business Standards Division at 406-841-2300

There are TWO Types of Licensure Verification Requests:

1). Licensees for any profession can be verified by using Licensee Lookup.
This website provides real-time connectivity to the Business Standards Licensing Database.  There is no charge for this service.

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2). To request an official license verification be sent to another state licensing board, jurisdiction or individual for license confirmation status in the State of Montana. The fee for this is $20.00 per verification requested.

Once the fee and official license verification form are received, the request will be processed and mailed within 5 days.

A committee made up of two members from the Board of Architects and two members from the Professional Engineers & Professional Land Surveyors was formed to discuss areas of mutual interests, mainly "Incidental Practice" and to also strengthen the relationship between the boards. The committee had been working on an informational brochure intended for public awareness titled “ The Professional Use of Seals”. The brochure was completed in December 2005.

• American Institute of Architects
• Montana Chapter of the American Institute of Architects
• National Architectural Accrediting Board
• National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
• Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards
• American Society of Landscape Architects
• Idaho/Montana Chapter of The American Society of Landscape Architects