United States and South Africa Implement New Reciprocity Agreement

The agreement expands international practice opportunities for qualified architects.

Washington, DC—Effective 6 July 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 become reciprocally licensed 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 FY26 NCARB President Edward T.
Marley, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP.
“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.
By aligning our standards, we are contributing to the harmonisation of architectural education,
training and professional practice across borders. Ultimately, this agreement supports the
progressive liberalisation 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,” said SACAP
President Charles Nduku Pr.Arch, M.Arch.”
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 modelled 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—by means of a separate MRA with another country are not eligible for reciprocity under this agreement.
  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. www.sacapsa.com.
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