Requirements for Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors

Purpose of Licensure:
To set standards of qualifications, education, training and experience for persons engaged in the fields of Architecture, Engineering and Land Surveying. To promote high standards of professional performance for those persons working in the profession.

Period of Licensure:
All permanent licenses are issued on an annual basis. Temporary licenses are issued to non-residents for specific projects only. Conditional Licenses are issued to non-residents associated with a registered V.I. professional architect, engineer or land surveyor.

Application Process:
Applicant must be a resident of the U.S. Virgin Islands for at least thirty (30) days immediately prior to submittal of application. Need:

• Completed and notarized application;
• Three (3) 2x2 photographs of applicant;
• Applicant must meet the specified educational and experience requirements;
• Three (3) professional references, with copies of registration or license attached, sent directly to the board;
• Two (2) character references;
• Copy of college transcript;
• Verification of Registration and/or License from another state;
• Favorable tax clearance letter from the V.I. Bureau of Internal Revenue;
• Payment of Required Fees.

Examination:
All persons interested in becoming a licensed Architect, Engineer or Land Surveyor in the Virgin Islands who are not registered in any other U.S. jurisdiction may be required to sit an examination. The Engineer and Land Surveyor's examination is given in April and October of each calendar year. The Architect's Examination is available via computer throughout the year.

• A completed and notarized renewal application;
• Favorable tax clearance letter from the V.I. Bureau of Internal Revenue;
• Payment of Required Fees.

Educational and Experience Requirements:
A graduate from an accredited architectural, engineering, or land surveying curriculum of four years, approved by the Board, with an additional two years or more of specific and active experience in the field, shall be admitted to an examination.

An applicant who has a high school diploma and eight years or more of specific and active experience in architecture, engineering, or land surveying shall be admitted to an examination.

The examination is equivalent to that required by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and the National Council of State Boards of Engineering Examiners.

An applicant with a record of at least twelve years of specific and active practice in architecture, engineering, or land surveying shall be admitted to an eight hour examination.

Architects and Engineers-in-Training:
An applicant who has evidence of four or more years of experience in engineering or architecture shall be admitted to examination to test the applicant's knowledge of fundamental engineering or architectural subjects. Passing this portion of the examination shall entitle applicant to a certificate as an architect or engineer-in-training. The applicant can then take the additional portion of the examination to be licensed as a professional architect or engineer.

Any person who has a degree from an accredited college in architecture, engineering or land surveying curriculum shall be granted a certificate as an architect, engineer or land surveyor-in-training without examination.

Reciprocity:
A person holding a valid license or certificate issued by a state or territory of the United States or by a foreign country may upon application be registered in the Virgin Islands. The foreign country must have a national registration board of scope and standing corresponding to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and the National Council of State Boards of Engineering Examiners.

Required Fees:

Mailing Addresses:
Attention: Lisa Davis
Administrator, Boards and Commissions

V.I. Board of Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors
Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs
Golden Rock Shopping Center, Christiansted
St. Croix, VI 00822