Architects design our built environment. They design the homes we grew up in, the art museums we visit on the weekends, the government buildings in our towns, the hospitals we visit when we’re sick - you get the point. They design a building’s functionality, safety features, along with its aesthetics. This is how you become a certified architect in the United States of America:
First off, all of this information is perfectly laid out on several websites, like NCARB’s and various blogs. But I will lay it out for you in detail today. So, please sit back, grab a pen and notebook, and let's get right into the whole process!
Caution: this process is LENGTHY and it challenging. So, please consider each point carefully. Essential there are four components to becoming a licensed architect: Education, Experience, Examination, and Licensure/Certification
Education
You will need to attend an accredited university and obtain an accredited architecture degree. You must ensure that your college of choice is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
"The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) is an agency that evaluates architecture programs in the United States to ensure that graduates have the technical and critical thinking skills required to have a rewarding career in the profession. The NAAB’s accreditation is independent of the school’s overall accreditation."
- NCARB
By holding a professional degree, the process to becoming a licensed architect is much easier. And there are many route you can take to eventually get this professional degree.
You could go to a typical 4 year university, that is accredited by NAAB, and get a Bachelor's of Science / Bachelor's of Arts degree in Architecture. This is a great degree to have! But, chances are it is not a professional degree.
Professional Degrees
For your reference, a bachelors of architecture degree requires about 150 credit hours in professional studies and electives. But, not all bachelor degrees are created equal! Most times, a professional degree requires an additional year of studies at your undergraduate institution. But, there is a perk! If you do receive a professional degree, chances are you will not be required to go to graduate school!
Masters of Architecture (M.Arch) requires an average of 168 credit hours, with 30 graduate level credits. Your post-undergraduate educational experience may last 1-5 years depending on the program and previous architectural experience.
Post-professional programs often result in specialized masters or doctoral degrees. Generally speaking, Doctor of Architecture (D.Arch) and PhD programs aren’t really needed to practice architecture.
Experience
Boatloads of logged experience are required before you can become an official architect! So, please, do yourself a service and document your professional job experience under the supervision of a licensed architect. You will need 3,740 hours of logged hours in:
Practice Management
Project Management
Programming & Analysis
Project Planning & Design
Project Development
Documentation
Construction & Evaluation
You can complete these required hours in about 3 years! Think of this time as an apprenticeship. It enables aspiring architects, like yourself, to gain hands-on experience under the supervision of licensed architects
Side note: Keep on the lookout for NCARB’s (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) IDP Program. This stands for "Intern Development Program" and divides your work experience into several elective and core hours. At work, hopefully you will be working on:
Pre-Design phase
Building analysis
Design phase
Schematic design
Project Management phase
Zoning regulations
Practice Management phase
Contract negotiations
Examination
Aspiring architects will then take NCARB's Architect Registration Examination, also known as the ARE. The ARE is a pass-or-fail test covering topics in site planning, building systems, and construction documents.
There originally was a 7 part licensing exam Each test was regarding a specific aspect of the job:
Construction Documents and Services (CDS)
Programming, Planning and Practice (PPP)
Site Planning and Design (SPD)
Schematic Design (SD)
Structural Systems (SS)
Building Systems (BS)
Building Design and Construction Systems (BDCS)
According to the website, as of 2020, there are 5 parts to this licensing exam.
Licensure/Certification
Congratulations! You made it this far! Just like a doctor though, you will have to remain well educated on new construction innovations and keep up to date with new building code changes.
Architects must hold licensure from the states in which they practice. Architects can also opt to earn a NCARB certification. This makes the process easier to earn another practicing license in another state.
You maintain your licensure by continuing to complete more education credits. Almost every state requires completion of a designated number of continuing education hours on an annual basis! NCARB offers education options like classis in architectural acoustics, energy conscious architecture and fire safety.
I also laid out this information in a video too if interested in checking it out:
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