(Sacramento, CA. October 7, 2025) The California state bill which will allow AIA California Associate members who are formally pursuing licensure to be officially recognized as such was signed into law, yesterday, by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Under the new law, all individuals on the path to architectural licensure who have passed the first division of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) will be eligible to apply to the California Architect Board for the usage of the title “Architect-in-Training (AIT).”

Sponsored by AIA California during the 2025 Legislative year, Assembly Bill 759 (Valencia) takes effect January 1, 2027.

“For nearly a decade, AIA California has supported those pursuing licensure gain recognition. My commitment has been to help emerging professionals remain engaged and inspired, and this initiative marks another step in helping them persevere. I’m proud to stand with the dedicated AIA California members who have championed this recognition, especially the Academy for Emerging Professionals who initiated this action a decade ago,” said 2025 AIA California President Carina Mills, AIA.

“The passage of this bill into law demonstrates the capacity of AIA California to advance the interests of Emerging Professionals,” said Liam Hanlon, Assoc. AIA, VP of Academy for Emerging Professionals. “We are excited about this victory, and other ongoing initiatives such as Culture Shift.”

This historic change recognizes the dedication, education, and expertise of those pursuing licensure and brings California in line with more than two dozen other states that already provide professional title options. It also aligns the architectural profession with other built environment disciplines—such as engineering and land surveying—where “Engineer-in-Training” (EIT) and “Land Surveyor-in-Training” (LSIT) titles have long been used to recognize professionals advancing toward licensure.

The AIT title represents a major step forward for California’s architectural community by:

• Encouraging licensure completion – Recognizing and motivating emerging professionals to stay the course on their path to licensure.
• Enhancing public understanding – Helping clients and the public distinguish between those on a licensure track and those who are not.
• Advancing diversity and inclusion – Supporting retention of underrepresented candidates by providing earlier recognition of their progress and professional identity.

To ensure accountability and maintain alignment with the profession’s high standards, the law includes a cap on the number of years the title may be used and requires that it only be used while working under the supervision of a licensed architect. The title may be used for four years, with an opportunity to apply for one additional four-year period if you pass one more exam within the first four years.

This victory follows years of advocacy by AIA California and its members to modernize the licensure pathway and strengthen the pipeline of future architects.

AIA California extends its gratitude to Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, his dedicated staff, the California Architects Board, and all the AIA members and partners who helped make this milestone possible.

About the American Institute of Architects California (AIA California)
AIA California is dedicated to serving its members, and uniting all architecture professionals in the design of a more just, equitable, and resilient future through advocacy, education, and political action. The organization represents the interests of more than 11,000 architects and allied professionals in California. Founded in 1944, the AIA CA is the largest component of the national AIA organization. For more information, visit www.aiacalifornia.org