DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

DIRECTOR’S OFFICE

ARCHITECTS – GENERAL RULES

(By authority conferred on the board of architects by section 308 of the occupational

code, 1980 PA 299, MCL 339.308; and on the director of the department of licensing and

regulatory affairs by sections 205 and 2009 of the occupational code, 1980 PA 299, MCL

339.205 and 339.2009; and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 1991-9, 1996-2, 2003-

1, and 2011-4, MCL 338.3501, 445.2001, 445.2011, and 445.2030)

PART 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

R 339.15101 Definitions.

Rule 101. (1) As used in these rules:

(a) “CACB” means the Canadian Architectural Certification Board.

(b) “Code” means the occupational code, 1980 PA 299, MCL 339.101 to 339.2677.

(c) “Continuing education” means an instructional course or activity in an approved

health, safety, and welfare subject that is designed to bring licensees up to date on a

particular area of knowledge or skills relevant to the licensee’s area of professional

practice.

(d) “Course” means any qualifying activity with a clear purpose and goal that

keeps, improves, or expands the skills and knowledge relevant to the licensee’s area of

professional practice. Regular duties for compensation are not considered activities,

except for employer compensated continuing education activities.

(e) “Department” means the department of licensing and regulatory affairs.

(f) “Distance learning” means any of the following:

(i) Courses where an instructor and a licensee may be apart, and instruction takes

place through online or electronic media.

(ii) Courses, which include, but are not limited to, instruction presented through

interactive classrooms, at the job site, computer conferencing, and interactive computer

systems.

(iii) Monographs, which are distant learning courses that examine or investigate

current and emerging topics in architecture, that can be in the form of an online quiz or

test offered by a sponsor, that may not require an instructor.

(g) “Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) subjects” means technical and professional

subjects related to the practice of architecture that safeguard the public and include the

continuing education subjects approved under R 339.15506.

(h) “NAAB” means the National Architectural Accrediting Board.

(i) “NCARB” means the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

(j) “Sponsor” means an individual that represents to the public that any of its

courses fulfill the requirements of section 2009 of the code, MCL 339.2009, for

continuing education.

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(2) A term defined in the code has the same meaning when used in these rules.

History: 1985 AACS; 2006 AACS; 2013 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2018 AACS; 2020 AACS; 2022

AACS; 2023 MR 9, Eff. May 1, 2023.

R 339.15102 Rescinded.

History: 1985 AACS; 1998-2000 AACS.

R 339.15103 Rescinded.

History: 1985 AACS; 1998-2000 AACS; 2006 AACS; 2014 AACS.

R 339.15104 Rescinded.

History: 1985 AACS; 2001 AACS.

R 339.15105 Rescission.

Rule 105. R 338.551 to R 338.563 and R 338.581 to R 338.588 of the Michigan

Administrative Code, appearing on pages 2446 to 2453 of the 1979 Michigan

Administrative Code, are rescinded insofar as these rules pertain to architects.

History: 1985 AACS.

PART 2. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND EXAMINATION STANDARDS

R 339.15201 Educational requirement; adoption by reference of educational

standard.

Rule 201. (1) An applicant for licensure shall provide proof, as directed by the

department, verifying 1 of the following to satisfy the educational requirements under the

code:

(a) Transcripts verifying that the applicant received a first professional degree from

an architectural program that is accredited by the NAAB or the CACB.

(b) An evaluation report from the Education Evaluation Services for Architects-

NCARB that states the applicant for licensure has met the NCARB Education Standard

established in the NCARB Education Guidelines.

(c) A credentials evaluation provided by a current member of the National

Association of Credential Evaluation Services that verifies the applicant for licensure

received a degree that satisfies all the categories, subject areas, and semester credit hour

requirements established under the NCARB Education Standard adopted by reference

under subrule (2) this rule.

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(2) The NCARB Education Standard in the “NCARB Education Guidelines,”

effective January 6, 2021, is adopted by reference. This document is available for

inspection and distribution at the cost of 10 cents per page from the Department of

Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Professional Licensing, at 611 West Ottawa

St., P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, Michigan 48909 and at no cost from NCARB at

https://www.ncarb.org/ or at the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards,

1401 H Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005.

History: 1985 AACS; 2006 AACS; 2018 AACS; 2020 AACS; 2022 AACS; 2023 MR 9, Eff. May 1,

2023.

R 339.15202 Experience requirement.

Rule 202. An applicant for licensure shall provide proof, as directed by the

department, verifying 1 of the following to satisfy the experience requirements under the

code:

(a) A valid certificate of completion of any internship program from NCARB.

(b) Current and continuous licensure in another state or a province of Canada of not

less than 5 years.

History: 1985 AACS; 1989 AACS; 2006 AACS; 2018 AACS; 2020 AACS; 2022 AACS; 2023 MR

9, Eff. May 1, 2023.

R 339.15203 Rescinded.

History: 1985 AACS; 1998-2000 AACS.

R 339.15204 Examination requirement.

Rule 204. An applicant for licensure shall provide proof, as directed by the

department, verifying a passing score as determined by NCARB on the NCARB

Architectural Registration Examination.

History: 2006 AACS; 2020 AACS; 2022 AACS; 2023 MR 9, Eff. May 1, 2023.

PART 3. RELICENSURE

R 339.15301 Rescinded.

History: 1985 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2018 AACS; 2020 AACS.

R 339.15302 Rescinded.

History: 1985 AACS; 2014 AACS.

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R 339.15304 Relicensure requirements.

Rule 304. (1) An applicant whose license has lapsed for less than 3 years after the

expiration date of the last license may be relicensed under section 411(3) of the code,

MCL 339.411, by satisfying all the following requirements:

(a) Provides a completed application on a form provided by the department.

(b) Pays the required fee to the department.

(c) Provides proof, as directed by the department, verifying that the applicant has

completed not less than 24 hours of continuing education activities approved under R

339.15502 during the 2-year period immediately before the date of the relicensure

application. If the department determines that the amount of continuing education hours

provided with the application is deficient, the applicant has 1 year after the date of the

application to provide proof of completing the deficient hours.

(2) An applicant whose license has lapsed for 3 years or more after the expiration

date of the last license may be relicensed under section 411(4) of the code, MCL 339.411,

by satisfying all the following requirements:

(a) Provides a completed application on a form provided by the department.

(b) Pays the required fee to the department.

(c) Establishes that the applicant has met all the requirements for initial licensure

under the code and these rules.

(d) Providing proof, as directed by the department, verifying that the applicant has

completed not less than 24 hours of continuing education activities approved under R

339.15502 during the 2-year period immediately before the date of the relicensure

application. If the department determines that the amount of continuing education hours

provided with the application is deficient, the applicant has 1 year after the date of the

application to provide proof of completing the deficient hours.

History: 2020 AACS; 2022 AACS; 2023 MR 9, Eff. May 1, 2023.

PART 4. STANDARDS OF PRACTICE AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

R 339.15401 Model rules of conduct; adoption by reference.

Rule 401. (1) A licensee shall follow the NCARB model rules of conduct adopted

by reference in this rule.

(2) The NCARB model rules of conduct in the document “Model Rules of

Conduct,” revised July 2018, is adopted by reference. This document is available for

inspection and distribution at the cost of 10 cents per page from the Department of

Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Professional Licensing, 611 West Ottawa

Street, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, Michigan 48909 and at no cost from NCARB at

https://www.ncarb.org/ or at the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards,

1401 H Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005.

History: 1985 AACS; 2020 AACS; 2022 AACS; 2023 MR 9, Eff. May 1, 2023.

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R 339.15402 Rescinded.

History: 1985 AACS; 2020 AACS.

R 339.15403 Rescinded.

History: 1985 AACS; 2020 AACS.

R 339.15404 Seal design, use, security, and validation.

Rule 404. (1) The seal of an architect must include the licensee’s name and full

license number, as shown on the licensee’s state-issued architect license and indicate

“State of Michigan” and “Licensed Architect” in the legend surrounding the seal. The

seal must have a design substantially equivalent to figure 404.

(2) A licensee's seal must be used by the licensee whose name appears on the seal

for as long as the license is in effect. A licensee is responsible for the security of the

licensee's seal.

FIGURE 404

History: 2020 AACS; 2022 AACS; 2023 MR 9, Eff. May 1, 2023.

PART 5. LICENSE RENEWAL AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

R 339.15501 License renewal requirement; continuing education waiver.

Rule 501. (1) An applicant for license renewal who has been licensed during the 2-

year period immediately before the expiration date of the license shall obtain not less than

24 hours of continuing education in activities approved under R 339.15502, during the 2-

year period immediately before the expiration date of the license.

(2) Submission of an application for renewal constitutes the applicant’s certification

of compliance with this rule and R 339.15502.

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(3) A licensee shall maintain documentation of satisfying the requirements of this

rule and R 339.15502 for a period of 4 years after the date of applying for license

renewal.

(4) A licensee is subject to an audit under this part and may have to provide

documentation as described under R 339.15502 on request of the department.

(5) The department shall receive a request for a waiver of continuing education

requirements for the board’s consideration not less than 30 days before the last regularly

scheduled board meeting before the expiration date of the license.

History: 2013 AACS; 2018 AACS; 2020 AACS; 2022 AACS; 2023 MR 9, Eff. May 1, 2023.

R 339.15502 Acceptable continuing education.

Rule 502. (1) As used in this rule, “continuous instruction” means the time taking

part in the activity, not including breakfast, lunch, or dinner periods, coffee breaks, or

other breaks in the program. Except as provided under subrule (2) of this rule, 50

minutes of continuous instruction is equal to 1 continuing education hour.

(2) The department shall grant credit for continuing education hours that satisfy the

requirements in the following chart:

Activity Activity and Proof Required

Code

Number of Credits Earned for

Activity and Allowed for Renewal

Cycle

(a)

Completing a continuing education The number of credits approved

program or activity, regardless of the by the sponsor or the approving

format in which it is offered, if it is in organization.

an HSW subject under R 339.15506

and is approved or offered for

continuing education by any of the

following:

- Another state board of architects.

- NCARB.

- American Institute of Architects.

-Construction

Institute.

- University of Michigan.

Lawrence Technological

University.

- University of Detroit Mercy.

Specifications

-

- Andrews University.

- An NAAB accredited degree

granting institution.

- United States Green Building

Council.

If audited, a licensee shall provide

a copy of a letter or a certificate of

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completion issued by the relevant

above-referenced sponsor or

organization showing the licensee’s

name, number of credits earned,

sponsor name or the name of the

organization that approved the

continuing education program or

activity, and the date or dates the

program was held, or the activity

completed.

(b)

Passing a postgraduate academic

Fifteen continuing education

course in an HSW subject under R hours are granted for each

339.15506 that is offered by an semester credit, or 10 continuing

architectural program that is accredited education hours are granted for

by NAAB or CACB.

each quarter credit.

If audited, a licensee shall provide

A maximum of 15 continuing

a copy of the transcript issued by the education hours are granted for

NAAB-accredited or CACB-accredited this activity in each renewal

architectural program showing the period.

number of completed credit hours for

the academic courses.

(c)

Attending a seminar, in-house

One continuing education hour

course, workshop, or professional or is granted for every 50 minutes of

technical presentation made at a continuous instruction.

meeting, convention, or conference in

which the subject matter is an HSW

subject under R 339.15506.

One-half (0.5 credit) of 1

continuing education hour is

granted for every additional 25

If audited, a licensee shall provide minutes of continuous instruction

a copy of a letter or a certificate of that follows the initial 50 minutes

completion issued by the sponsor or of continuous instruction.

organization of the seminar, in-house

course, workshop, or professional or

technical presentation made at a

meeting, convention, or conference

showing the licensee’s name, sponsor

name or the name of the organization,

and the date or dates the activity was

held and attended by the licensee.

(d)

Teaching, instructing, or presenting

One continuing education hour

on a subject that is an HSW subject is granted for every 50 minutes

under R 339.15506.

continuous instruction.

If audited, a licensee shall provide

One-half (0.5 credit) of 1

a letter issued by the course or activity continuing education hour is

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sponsor or organization confirming the granted for every additional 25

licensee as the teacher, instructor, or minutes of continuous instruction

presenter of a course or activity, that follows the initial 50 minutes

together with a copy of the course of continuous instruction.

syllabus,

or

other

program

documentation, showing that licensee

is the instructor, the name of the course

or activity, and the date or dates the

course or activity took place.

(e)

Publishing a peer-reviewed paper,

Six continuing education hours

article, or book on a subject that is an are granted for this activity.

HSW subject under R 339.15506.

Credit

for

continuing

If audited, a licensee shall provide education hours is not granted for

a copy of the publication that identifies multiple publications of the same

the licensee as the author of the peer-review paper, article, or

publication and the publication book.

acceptance

letter

showing

the

licensee’s name, article name, and the

date of publishing.

A maximum of 12 continuing

education hours are granted for

this activity during each renewal

period.

(f)

Serving as a voting member on a

Three continuing education

local, state, or national committee, hours are granted for each

board, council, or association, if it committee, board, council, or

enhances the participant’s knowledge association that the licensee is a

and understanding of architecture. To member.

receive credit, a licensee shall take part

in not less than 50% of the regularly

A maximum of 3 continuing

scheduled meetings of the committee, education hours are granted for

board, council, or association.

this activity during each renewal

period.

If audited, a licensee shall provide

documentation satisfactory to the

department verifying the licensee’s

participation in not less than 50% of

the regularly scheduled meetings of the

committee,

board,

council,

or

association and provide verification of

the licensee’s status as a voting

member on the committee, board,

council, or association.

(g)

Participating in

a

company-

One continuing education hour

sponsored seminar or training that is on is granted for every 50 minutes of

an HSW subject under R 339.15506.

continuous instruction.

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If audited, a licensee shall provide

One-half (0.5 credit) of 1

a copy of a letter or a certificate of continuing education hour is

completion issued by the company or granted for every additional 25

organization presenting the seminar or minutes of continuous instruction

training on its behalf, showing the that follows the initial 50 minutes

licensee’s name, company name or the of continuous instruction.

name of the organization presenting

the seminar or training on behalf of the

company, subject of seminar or

training, and the date or dates the

seminar or training was held and

completed by the licensee.

(3) Continuing education hours are not granted for a program or activity that has

substantially the same content of a program or activity that the applicant has already

earned continuing education credit during the renewal period.

History: 2013 AACS; 2018 AACS; 2020 AACS; 2022 AACS; 2023 MR 9, Eff. May 1, 2023.

R 339.15502a Rescinded.

History: 2018 AACS; 2020 AACS.

R 339.15503 Rescinded.

History: 2013 AACS; 2020 AACS.

R 339.15504 Rescinded.

History: 2013 AACS; 2018 AACS; 2020 AACS.

R 339.15505 Rescinded.

History: 2013 AACS; 2018 AACS.

R 339.15506 HSW subjects for continuing education.

Rule 506. The following continuing education subjects are approved HSW Subjects:

(a) Practice management in 1 of the following topics:

(i) Applicable laws and regulations.

(ii) Ethics.

(iii) Insurance to protect owner and public.

(iv) Business management.

(v) Risk management.

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(vi) Design for community needs.

(vii) Supervisor training.

(b) Project management in 1 of the following topics:

(i) Project delivery methods.

(ii) Contract negotiation.

(iii) Pre-design services.

(iv) Site and soils analysis.

(v) Consultant management.

(vi) Project scheduling.

(vii) Quality control.

(viii) Economic assessment.

(ix) Value engineering.

(c) Programing and analysis in 1 of the following topics:

(i) Land-use analysis.

(ii) Programming.

(iii) Site selection.

(iv) Historic preservation.

(v) Adaptive reuse.

(vi) Codes, regulations, and standards.

(vii) Natural resources.

(viii) Hazardous materials.

(ix) Resiliency.

(x) Life safety.

(xi) Feasibility studies.

(d) Project planning and design in 1 of the following topics:

(i) Building systems.

(ii) Urban planning.

(iii) Master planning.

(iv) Building design.

(v) Site design.

(vi) Safety and security measures.

(vii) Energy efficiency.

(viii) Sustainability.

(ix) Indoor air quality.

(x) Ergonomics.

(xi) Lighting.

(xii) Acoustics.

(xiii) Accessibility.

(xiv) Construction systems.

(xv) Budget development.

(e) Project development and documentation in 1 of the following topics:

(i) Construction documents.

(ii) Materials and assemblies.

(iii) Fixtures, furnishings, and equipment.

(f) Construction and evaluation in 1 of the following topics:

(i) Construction contract administration.

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(ii) Bidding and negotiation.

(iii) Post occupancy evaluation.

(iv) Building commissioning.

History: 2013 AACS; 2018 AACS; 2020 AACS.

R 339.15507 Rescinded.

History: 2013 AACS; 2020 AACS.

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