RESIDENTIAL DESIGNERS

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 21 years of age and of good moral character
  • AND
  • Have a total of 5 years of education and practical training (as outlined in NAC 623.505); and
  • Pass the Residential Design Examination
  • OR
  • Hold an architectural registration from another US jurisdiction.

  • Registration By Reciprocity

    Architects registered to practice in another state may apply for registration by reciprocity and are not required to pass the Residential Design Exam. Applicants need not be NCARB certified.

    IMPORTANT: Completion of the reciprocity process, and issuance of a license, is mandatory before any activities constituting the practice of residential design may begin for projects located in Nevada. Failure to comply with this state law is a misdemeanor and may result in the denial of your registration.

    NRS 623.180: No person may practice architecture or use the title of architect; or practice residential design or use the title residential designer; or practice as a registered interior designer or use the title of registered interior designer in this state without having a certificate issued to him or her under the provisions of this chapter.


    Registration by Examination

    Education and Experience

    Applicants must have a combination of five years of education and experience as outlined in the Table of Equivalents (NAC 623.505)


    Examination

    The Residential Design Exam is a four-part examination, consisting of three written divisions and one graphic division. Candidates wishing to register for an upcoming exam administration should contact Jessica Hernandez-Ramos.


    WRITTEN DIVISIONS

    The written portion of the examination consists of three divisions which are Structural Technology, Materials and Methods of Construction, and Building Systems and Life Safety. The divisions may all be taken in one day or spread out over time. Test takers are allowed three hours for each written division. They may use the 2018 International Residential Code, 2018 International Building Code, and the Architectural Graphic Standards as reference tools during the written portions of the examination.

    Upcoming Written Divisions

    Locations: Las Vegas and Reno
    Dates/Times: February 23, 2024

    • Structural Technology - 8:00 AM
    • Materials and Methods - 11:30 AM
    • Building Systems and Life Safety - 3:00 PM

    Cost: $75 per division

    GRAPHIC DIVISION

    Test takers are allowed twelve hours for this division. The four sections of the graphic division are floor plan, site plan, elevation, and cross sections. The 2018 International Residential Code may be used as a reference tool during the graphic portion of the examination.

    The graphic exam is offered in AutoCAD and Revit. Complimentary packages (AEC, Softdesk, etc.) are not attached. Any symbols that exist within the program may be used. Additional symbols are not provided by the NSBAIDRD and may not be used by the test taker.

    Test takers may use the line types and colors provided by the testing facility's computer, or change the characteristics to more closely match what they use daily. Shaded lines are not provided but are not prohibited. The graphic division does not test on Revit or CAD drafting capabilities, but it does test on the proper use of thick and thin lines that assist in conveying the tester's knowledge to the graders.

    Upcoming Graphic Division

    Locations: Las Vegas and Reno
    Date: February 22, 2024
    Time: 8 AM - 8 PM
    Cost: $150


    STUDY GUIDE FOR RESIDENTIAL DESIGN EXAM

    Download Study Guide Here


    SCHOLARSHIP

    The Dewey Jones Residential Design Exam Scholarship was established to reimburse the $300 cost of the Residential Design Exam to every candidate who passes all four parts of the exam on the first attempt. The scholarship is fully funded by Nevada Residential Designers. Click here for more information on the Dewey Jones Residential Design Exam Scholarship.


    Fees

    Application Forms (if sent from the board office) $ 25
    Examination for Registration as a Residential Designer (if the entire, four-part exam is taken at the same time) $300
    Examination for Registration as a Residential Designer - Graphic portion only $150
    Examination for Registration as a Residential Designer - Each written portion taken independently $ 75
    Application Processing (reciprocal registration only) $300
    Certificate (one time fee, upon initial registration) $125
    Annual Registration $180
    Annual Registration (prorated for initial registration in November or December) $ 90
    Stamp (registration by examination only) $ 25
    Late renewal of an expired certificate within 1 year after expiration (in addition to annual registration fee) $220
    Late renewal of a certificate which has been expired for more than 1 year, but not more than 3 years (in addition to annual registration fee) $300
    Restoration of a revoked certificate $300
    Replacement of a certificate $ 30


    Stamping Requirements

    NAC 623.760 Seal for residential designer.

    1. Each residential designer shall obtain and possess an embossed seal, a seal designed as a rubber stamp or a seal in electronic format that complies with the following specifications:
      1. The diameter of the seal must be approximately 1 7/8 inches.
      2. The seal must contain the name of the registrant, his or her number of registration and conform to the following design:
    2. Each plan, specification, report or other document issued by a registrant must be signed and must be sealed or stamped by the registrant either manually or electronically. [Bd. of Architecture, ยง 17, eff. 5-7-80] - (NAC A 11-21-88; A by Bd. of Architecture, Interior Design & Residential Design by R120-01, 3-4-2002; R012-06, 5-4-2006; R076-13, 2-26-2014)

      Information about sealing and signing documents


    Forms and Notices

  • Application for Registration
  • Credit Card Authorization Form
  • Change of Address Form
  • Rules of Conduct - Residential Designers
  • Registration Renewal Form
  • Residential Designer-Architect Agreement (required for RDs working under responsible control of architects per NRS 623.353)
  • Written Contracts Required for Registrants
  •