Section 503. Issuance and renewal of architect licenses.
(a) Upon payment of the fees required by section 504, an individual who has complied with section 501 or 502 shall be entitled to a license indicating that the individual is qualified to engage in the practice of architecture in this Commonwealth. Each license shall contain the name of the individual to whom it was issued and shall be valid for a period of two years.
(b) Every license shall expire on the day prescribed by rules and regulations promulgated by the board. An architect may renew the architect's license by paying the renewal fee required by section 504(c). If the licensee fails to pay the renewal fee when required and fails to notify the board of the licensee's intention not to practice architecture, the license and the right to practice architecture shall expire. An architect who fails to renew the architect's license may not engage in the practice of architecture and may not thereafter renew the license except upon payment of the renewal fee, penalty fee and the restoration fee required by section 504(c).
(c) A duplicate license to replace one which has been lost, destroyed or mutilated may be issued by the board upon payment of the fee required by section 504(c). The board reserves the right to require architects requesting duplicate licenses to furnish documentation satisfactory to the board relative to loss, destruction or mutilation of original license.
(d) Licenses issued to architects shall not be transferable.
(e) As a condition of biennial renewal, an architect shall provide the board with documentation of successful completion of a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education in the subject areas of health, safety and welfare.
(f) A licensee of another jurisdiction where the licensee's primary practice is located shall be deemed to have satisfied the continuing education requirement under subsection (e) if the licensee documents the completion of any continuing education requirement in the jurisdiction of the licensee's primary practice with the board.
(g) A licensee shall ensure that documentation of successful completion of the continuing education requirement under subsection (e) is properly signed as being correct and true.
(h) An individual who is applying for initial licensure to engage in the practice of architecture shall be exempt from the continuing education requirement under subsection (e) during the initial licensure period.
(i) The board may waive all or part of the continuing education requirement under subsection (e) for a licensee who provides evidence satisfactory to the board that the licensee is unable to complete the requirement due to illness, emergency, hardship or active military service.
(j) The board may not approve courses in office management or practice building for the purpose specified under subsection (e).
(k) The board may preapprove continuing education providers and courses for the purpose specified under subsection (e).
(l) The board may promulgate regulations for the continuing education of architects to demonstrate competence to practice architecture for the purpose specified under subsection (e).
(503 renumbered from 10 and amended Oct. 31, 2024, P.L.1163, No.144)