Application Fee
$100.00Verified by KY Board of Technology
Software Developer Licensing in Kentucky
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for software developer in Kentucky, including $100.00 and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
Renewal ed June 30 annuallyLicensing Blueprint for Software Developer in Kentucky
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Applicants must hold a first professional degree in architecture from a five year program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board.
- 6
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS Each candidate must take and pass all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (A.R.E.) for license.
- 7
The nine (9) division exam is available to the candidate on a continuing basis at contract computer centers.
- 8
Candidates must pay for cost of examination material and administrative service each time taken.
- 9
Application for Examination fee is $100.00.
- 10
License Certificate is $25.00.
Exam and processing details
- pass all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (A
Continuing education and program notes
- centers
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application for Examination fee | $100.00 |
| License Certificate | $25.00 |
| Application for License by Reciprocity | $200.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Architects
- Current Filing Fee
$100.00
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal ed June 30 annually
- Salary Position
$106,200 median (20% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#41 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for Software Developer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required pass all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (A.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; Application for Examination fee is $100.00.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Application for Examination fee: $100.00; License Certificate: $25.00).
- 7. Submit the application to Commonwealth of Kentucky~Board of Architects and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal ed June 30 annually; continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Kentucky
With a median salary of $106,200, Software Developers in Kentucky earn 20% below the national median of $133,080. Kentucky ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,180Median annual salary
$106,200Hourly estimate
$51.0620% below national median
Difference: -$26,880
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSoftware Developer Salary Ranking
#41 of 50 statesfor Software Developer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $170,910 |
| #2 | Washington | $166,910 |
| #3 | New York | $161,260 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $150,520 |
| #5 | Maryland | $137,890 |
Nearby States Comparison
Software Developer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $106,200 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $103,570 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $107,690 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $103,550 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $134,470 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $117,340 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $114,550 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $127,770 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Ohio | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Architects
155 East Main Street, Suite 300, Lexington, KY, 40507
Phone: 8592462069
Related Careers in Kentucky
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Network Architects | $106,990 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $98,210 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Database Architects | $102,560 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| IT Project Manager | $90,380 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Software Developer in Kentucky?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Software Developers in Kentucky?
Kentucky lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Software Developers.
What education do you need to become a Software Developer in Kentucky?
The board typically expects Degree required for Software Developer licensure in Kentucky.
What is the typical Software Developer salary in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Software Developers in Kentucky is $106,200. Salaries range from $71,330 (10th percentile) to $164,770 (90th percentile).
How does the Software Developer salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
Software Developers in Kentucky earn 20% below the national median of $133,080, with a state median of $106,200.
How many Software Developers work in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs approximately 7,070 Software Developers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Software Developer license to Kentucky from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Software Developers in Kentucky?
The licensing agency is Commonwealth of Kentucky / Board of Architects. Review agency details at http://boa.ky.gov/.
How often do you renew a Software Developer license in Kentucky?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal ed June 30 annually.