An architect license is a state-issued certification that allows a person to work as an architect. An architect must have the necessary education and training to obtain this license. These requirements are set by licensing boards, which have different qualifications in each state.
The first step toward obtaining an architect license is to enroll in a National Architectural Accrediting Board-approved architecture program (NAAB). Those considering a program that has not been approved by the NAAB should contact the NAAB’s Evaluation Services for Architects (ESSA). They primarily work with architects from other countries, but they can assist in determining whether the program being considered will allow the student to obtain an architect license in the future.
To become a registered architect, you’ll need hands-on experience and training in addition to your education. An Intern Development Program is used to accomplish this (IDP). Working in an architectural environment with a mentor, the aspiring architect observes, participates in, and eventually initiates architectural projects. In a different architectural setting, a sponsor collaborates with the architecture student and mentor. The student will graduate with a portfolio of work from architecture projects after completing this training period, which typically lasts one to five years.
After completing the necessary education and training, the aspiring architect is prepared to take the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). The test, which consists of nearly 600 questions divided into nine sections, is a comprehensive examination of theoretical knowledge of architecture and the last step in obtaining an architect license. The ARE is made up of a mix of multiple-choice questions and graphs. Pre-design, general structures, lateral forces, mechanical and electrical systems, building design/materials and methods, construction documents and services, site planning, building planning, and building technology are the nine parts of the report. To obtain an architect license, all nine parts must be passed within five years.
The applicant must register with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards once all licensing requirements have been met (NCARB). The applicant must submit an application and fee, which varies by state, to the testing facility before the board can grant an architect license. A written summary of architectural rules and regulations is required in some states. Architect licenses must be renewed on a regular basis, depending on state requirements. Additional credit hours must be completed, and the NCARB must receive the necessary forms and fees.