Did You Know?

Overview on Licensing of Architects:
(source: NCARB and 1998-1999 BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook )

All States and the District of Columbia require individuals to be licensed (registered) before they may call themselves architects or contract to
provide architectural services. Many architecture school graduates work in the field even though they are not licensed. However, a licensed architect is required to take legal responsibility for all work. Licensure requirements include a professional degree in architecture, a period of practical training or internship, and passage of all sections of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
In many states, the professional degree in architecture must be from a school of architecture whose program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). However, state architectural registration boards set their own standards, so graduation from a non NAAB-accredited program may meet the education requirement for licensure in some states. There are several types of professional degrees in architecture. Many degrees are from 5-year Bachelor of Architecture programs, intended for students entering from high school or with no previous architecture training. Some schools offer a 2-year Master of Architecture program for students with a preprofessional undergraduate degree in architecture or a related area, or a 3- or 4-year Master of Architecture program for students with a degree in another discipline. In addition, there are many combinations and variations of these degree programs.
All state architectural registration boards require a training period before candidates may sit for the ARE and become licensed. Many states have adopted the training standards from the Intern Development Program, administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. These standards stipulate broad and diversified training in identified areas of architectural practice.
After completing the internship period, interns are eligible to sit for the ARE. The examination tests candidates on a broad body of architectural knowledge, and is given in sections throughout the year. Candidates who pass the ARE and meet all standards established by their state board are licensed to practice in that state.
Several states require continuing education to maintain licensure, and many more states are expected to adopt mandatory continuing education. Requirements vary by state, but usually involve the completion of a certain number of hours every year or two through seminars, workshops, formal university classes, conferences, self-study courses, or other sources.

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