§ 59-46.8a. Unlawful practice or use of title - License—Reciprocity.

A.  It shall be unlawful for any person to directly or indirectly engage in the practice of architecture in this state or use the title “Architect”, “Registered or Licensed Architect”, “Architectural Designer”, or display or use any words, letters, figures, titles, signs, cards, advertisements, or other symbols or devices indicating or tending to indicate that such person is an architect or is practicing architecture, unless the person is licensed under the provisions of this act.  No person shall aid or abet any person, not licensed under the provisions of this act, in the practice of architecture.

B.  Every person applying to the Board for an initial license shall submit an application accompanied by the fee established in accordance with the rules of the Board, with satisfactory evidence that such person holds an accredited professional degree in architecture or has completed such other education as the Board deems equivalent to an accredited professional degree and with satisfactory evidence that such person has completed such practical training in architectural work as the Board requires.  If an applicant is qualified in accordance with this subsection, the Board shall, by means of a written examination, examine the applicant on such technical and professional subjects as are prescribed by the Board.  None of the examination materials shall be considered public records.  The Board may exempt from such written examination an applicant who holds a certification issued by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.  The Board may adopt as its own rules governing practical training and education those guidelines published from time to time by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.  The Board may also adopt the examinations and grading procedures of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and the accreditation decisions of the National Architectural Accrediting Board.  The Board shall issue its license to each applicant who is found to be of good moral character and who satisfies the requirements set forth in this section and the Board’s rules.  Such license shall be effective upon issuance.

C.  Pursuant to such rules as it may have adopted, the Board shall have the power to issue licenses without requiring an examination to persons who have been licensed to practice architecture in states other than the State of Oklahoma, in a territory of the United States, in the District of Columbia, or in a country other than the United States; provided that the state or country has a similar reciprocal provision to authorize the issuance of licenses to persons who have been licensed in this state.  If a person who has been licensed in a state other than the State of Oklahoma, or in a territory of the United States, in the District of Columbia, or in a country other than the United States complies with the rules of the Board, the secretary-treasurer, acting in the exercise of his or her discretion or upon the order of the Board in the exercise of its discretion and upon the receipt of the stated payment to the Board pursuant to the rules of the Board, shall issue to the person a license to practice architecture in this state.

Added by Laws 1998, c. 220, § 6, eff. July 1, 1998.  Amended by Laws 2006, c. 163, § 7, eff. July 1, 2006; Laws 2009, c. 184, § 6, eff. July 1, 2009.