How does someone become an Architect?

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).