To simply state it, in the United States you need to acquire
a [1] professional degree in architecture from an NAAB (National Architectural
Accrediting Board) school, [2] meet all of the requirements of the National Council
of Architectural Registration Boards Intern Development Program (commonly
referred to as NCARB & IDP) and [3] pass all of the required sections of
the Architectural Registration Examination (ARE).
[1] Professional Degree
An individual must obtain a professional degree from a
school that has been accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting
Board. A professional degree in
architecture is typically either a 5 year Bachelors of Architecture degree (not
to be confused with a Bachelors of Science in Architecture or a Bachelors of
Art in Architecture) or a Master’s degree in Architecture. If an individual acquires an undergraduate
degree in a field unrelated to architecture, they generally need to enroll in a
three year Architectural Master’s degree program. If one has an undergraduate degree in
architecture, that individual generally will only be required to complete a two
year Architectural Master’s degree program.
For more information, visit a schools website and to see a list of
accredited schools visit the National Architectural Accrediting Board’s website
<www.naab.org>.
[2] Complete the Intern Development Program
The Intern Development Program is a program that provides
“real world” experience for individuals who are pursuing licensure. The traditional approach to the program
requires individuals to gain credit for experience working under the
supervision of a licensed Architect. The
interns must acquire a specified amount of credits in a handful of content
areas (Construction Documents, Engineering Coordination, Etc.)
For more information, view the IDP sections on the National
Architectural Accrediting Board’s website <www.ncarb.org>.
[3] Architect Registration Examination
The Architect Registration Examination is an exam made up of
a minimum of 7 separate exams which are intended to test an individual on the
most common services that affect the health, safety and welfare of the
public. The seven divisions (tests)
include Programing Planning & Practice, Site Planning & Design,
Building Design & Construction Systems, Schematic Design, Structural
Systems, Building Systems and Construction Documents & Services. These tests are made up of drawing problems
called vignettes and multiple choice questions.
It is important to note that each jurisdiction (state) may have
additional requirements. Some
jurisdictions might adopt the exam as is while others may have an additional test,
such as one for seismic design. For more information, view the ARE sections on
the National Architectural Accrediting Board’s website <www.ncarb.org>.
Following is an approximate time commitment to successfully
complete each of the three requirements to become a Licensed Architect:
5-7 years: Undergraduate
and Graduate School or a Bachelors of Architecture
3-5 years: Intern
Development Program
1-5 years: Architectural
Registration Examination
One could potentially become licensed in
approximately 7 years from entering college through completion of their final
ARE exam. They would need to complete a
5 year BArch, begin IDP during their 3rd year of architecture school and
complete both IDP and exams within 2 years after graduation (I have yet to see
or hear of anyone doing this).
