Professional requirements for architects
Encyclopedia
The professional requirements for architects vary from place to place, but usually consist of three elements: a university degree or advanced education, a period of internship or training in an office, and examination for registration with a jurisdiction.
Professionals engaged in the design and supervision of construction projects prior to the late 19th century were not necessarily trained in a separate architecture program in an academic setting. Instead, they usually carried the title of Master Builder
, or surveyor, after serving a number of years as an apprentice (such as Sir Christopher Wren
). The formal study of architecture in academic institution
s played a pivotal role in the development of the profession as a whole, serving as a focal point for advances in architectural technology and theory.
.
There are three key requirements for registration: a professional degree from a school of architecture accredited by the AACA; at least two years of practical experience, and; the completion of the architectural practice examination.
Architects may also belong to the Australian Institute of Architects (formerly the Royal Australian Institute of Architects) which is the professional organization and members use the suffix AIA after their name.
Most States have legislation which covers the use of the title "architect" and makes it an offence for abusers of the title. As this can vary, it is essential to check the relevant legislation applicable in each State.
(IAP). The provincial associations of architects, by the authority granted under their respective provincial Architects Act, require that Interns gain a minimum of 5,600 hours of work experience. The fundamental purpose of the pre-registration/licensing employment period is to ensure that the Intern is provided with sufficient experience to meet the standards of practical skill and level of competence required to engage in the practice of architecture. This experience is diversified into four main categories and 16 sub-categories, and must be completed working under the direct supervision of a registered architect. At present, all jurisdictions use the Architect Registration Examination
(ARE), a series of seven computerized exams administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
(NCARB). As well, all jurisdictions except British Columbia
recognize the Examination for Architects in Canada
(ExAC), administered by the Pan Canadian ExAC Committee. Upon completion of the educational requirements, IAP, and examinations, one can apply for registration/license with their respective provincial architectural institute. An annual fee must be paid, and continuing education requirements met, in order to maintain a license to practice.
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
(RAIC) was established in 1907 and is a voluntary national association representing more than 3,600 architects and Faculty and graduates of accredited Canadian Schools of Architecture. The RAIC aims to be "the voice of Architecture and its practice in Canada". Members are permitted to use the suffix MRAIC after their names. The suffix FRAIC (Fellow of the RAIC) is used by members of the RAIC College of Fellows. Not all members of the RAIC hold accredited degrees in architecture, and not all Canadian architects are members of the RAIC.
, architects are required to register with Council of Architecture(Government Body) for carrying professional practice. They are given unique registration number and have to follow Architects Act 1972.
The degree of architecture is usually of five years duration which includes professional practice for one semester. Major architecture schools include Centre for Environmantal Planning and Technology(CEPT), Visvesvaraya National Institute Of Technology(VNIT, Nagpur), School of planning & Architecture, Delhi(SPA), School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal(SPA Bhopal),School of Planning and Architecture ,Vijayawada (SPAV), JJ School of Arts Mumbai, Chandigarh college of Architecture (CCA) along with some IITs and NITs offering the course.
MRIAI and are registered to use the title "Architect" in company stationery. The title has only recently been protected.
To become a registered Architect, it usually takes five years' full-time study in the recognised schools of Architecture, followed by a minimum of two years approved experience, further specific training in professional competence and a written examination to gain admission to the RIAI. In all, it takes a minimum of seven years to gain registration. More details can be found on the RIAI website.
Architects' Alliance of Ireland
is a group of long-established self-trained architects created in response to Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007. The Act seeks for the first time to control the use of the term 'architect' in the Republic of Ireland. The group is lobbying for an amendment of the legislation in order to restore the prior status of self-trained
architects in the profession.
Italian law recognises equal rights to Building engineers registered with the appropriate order. Other professionals in the construction industry are the geometra (surveyor
) and the perito industriale (technical expert) specialising in construction; these professionals have several limitations compared to architects and engineers, as they follow a different and shorter course of study aimed at learning basic and complementary aspects of work in construction.
Nevertheless, there are other norms that regulate the building industry. In Mexico, as it is common for constructions to be developed by individuals other than architects, these regulations are quite unrelated to the architecture profession. For a major construction, it is necessary for a professional to act as a Director Responsible of Construction (in spanish, Director Responsable de Obra or DRO). This position does require a minimum of two years of professional experience in construction, as well as further evaluation and/or training. However, it is uncommon for architects to assume this role; this is generally a position preferred by and reserved to civil engineers.
, university study is required (such as the five-year course of study at the National University of Singapore
or certain approved foreign universities). Upon completion of university, additional training by working for a minimum of two years under a registered architect is required in order to become registered. Singaporean law governs the use of the term "architect" and prescribes the requirements to be listed in the Register of Architects. Membership in the Singapore Institute of Architects
is a voluntary professional credential.
(Pr.S.Arch.T.), professional technologist (Pr.Arch.T.), or professional draughtsperson (Pr.Arch.Draught.). After graduating, one enters a two year period of in service training as a "candidate", and sits a Professional Practice entrance examination; one must also register with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession
. When studied through a University, the programme is structured in two parts: the first is a three year course leading to a Bachelor of Architectural Studies
or BSc (Architecture)
; the second is an additional two-year postgraduate, professional degree – either the Bachelor of Architecture
or Master of Architecture
, depending on University – which qualifies one to become an architect. A student is able to exit university after obtaining the first degree, and will be able to become a senior architectural technologist. When studied through a University of Technology (or a comprehensive university), the courses in architecture are a three year National Diploma, and, after an additional year of study, the B.Tech degree. These enable a student to become an architectural technologist or senior technologist, respectively. To become a draughtsperson, one requires a (two year) National Certificate. The possibility of progression from one category to the next has been provided for in the Regulations, and is under review.
under the Architects Registration act of 1979. (Now under [Sri Lanka Institute of Architects] (Amendment) Act, No. 14 of 1996)
In Sri Lanka, architects are required to meet three common requirements for registration: education, experience, and examination. The Education can be from one of the two available institutions; the degree course held by University of Moratuwa
or by the Part time course held by the City School of Architecture (owned and operated by the Sri Lanka institute of Architects) or by any foreign university approved by the SLIA through a gazette notification.
The University of Moratuwa has been offering a three year B.Sc. (Built Environment)degree. The final design examination is also attended by representatives of RIBA & SLIA. hence, exempting students from RIBA & SLIA part 1 exams. After one year training under a Chartered Architect, the candidates return for an M.Sc. (Architecture) course. The final design examination is also attended by representatives of RIBA & SLIA. Hence, exempting students from RIBA & SLIA part 2 exams. After completion of this, the students undergo one year of training under a Chartered Architect before sitting for the SLIA part 3 exam. At the completion of which, they can register with the Architects registration Board of Sri Lanka (which is under the SLIA) and use the title "Architect" or "Chartered Architect"
Recently, the university of Moratuwa has changed this system to a five year B.Arch. program resulting with a reduction of one year to the total time taken to fully qualify. Final exams are still conducted under SLIA & RIBA representatives along with the university examination board.
City School of Architecture offers a part time course of seven years during which the students should be working continuously under a Chartered Architect four days a week and attending the school on two days every week. Completion of first four years qualifies for SLIA part 1 and completion of the balance 3 years qualifies for SLIA part 2. After this, one year’s full time training under a chartered architect
qualifies them to sit for SLIA part 3 exam..
. It usually takes a minimum of seven years to obtain the necessary qualification
s and experience for registration. Those wishing to become registered must first study at a recognized university-level school of architecture. Though there are some variations from university to university, the basic principle is that in order to qualify as an architect a candidate must pass through three stages which are administered by the Royal Institute of British Architects
:
– The candidate must then spend a further period of at least one year gaining experience before being allowed to take the RIBA Part III examination in Professional Practice and Management.
laws. National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
(NCARB) is a non-profit professional association created in 1919 to help ensure parity between the states' often conflicting rules. The registration boards of each of the 50 states (and 5 territories), are NCARB member boards. NCARB issues a national certificate to qualified licensed architects. The NCARB certificate is recognized in most licensing jurisdictions for the purpose of granting licensure by endorsement or reciprocity
.
Requirements vary between jurisdictions, and there are three common requirements for registration: education, experience and examination. About half of the States require a professional degree from a school accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board
(NAAB) to satisfy their education requirement; this would be either a B.Arch
or M.Arch
degree. The experience requirement for degreed candidates is typically the Intern Development Program (IDP), a joint program of NCARB and the American Institute of Architects
(AIA). IDP creates a framework to identify for the intern architect
base skills and core-competencies. The intern architect needs to earn 700 training units (TUs) diversified into 16 categories; each TU is equivalent to 8 hours of experience working under the direct supervision of a licensed Architect. The states that waive the degree requirement typically require a full 10 years experience in combination with the I.D.P diversification requirements before the candidate is eligible to sit for the examination. California requires C-IDP (Comprehensive Intern Development Program) which builds upon the seat time requirement of IDP with the need to document learning having occurred. All jurisdictions use the Architect Registration Examination
(ARE), a series of seven (formerly nine) computerized exams administered by NCARB. The NCARB also has a certification for those architects meeting NCARB's model standard: NAAB degree, IDP and ARE passage. This certificate facilitates reciprocity between the member boards should an architect desire registration in a different jurisdiction. All architects licensed by their respective states have professional status as Registered Architects (RA).
Depending on the policies of the registration board for the state in question, it is sometimes possible to become licensed as an Architect in other ways: reciprocal licensure for over-seas architects and working under an architect as an intern for an extended period of time. Length of the typical licensure process depends on the particular combination of education, experience and pace of examination of a candidate. It is typical that the entire licensure process takes at least 7 to 11 years to complete; including five years of study (5 years for B.Arch, 3 years for M.Arch, 6 years for a "four-plus-two" program), three-plus years of experience (meeting exact IDP requirements in each category), and often a year or more to take and pass the seven ARE 4.0 exams.
Professionals engaged in the design and supervision of construction projects prior to the late 19th century were not necessarily trained in a separate architecture program in an academic setting. Instead, they usually carried the title of Master Builder
Master Builder
Master Builder can refer to:* Master builder, also "master mason", a central figure leading construction projects in pre-modern times .* The Master Builder, a play by Henrik Ibsen....
, or surveyor, after serving a number of years as an apprentice (such as Sir Christopher Wren
Christopher Wren
Sir Christopher Wren FRS is one of the most highly acclaimed English architects in history.He used to be accorded responsibility for rebuilding 51 churches in the City of London after the Great Fire in 1666, including his masterpiece, St. Paul's Cathedral, on Ludgate Hill, completed in 1710...
). The formal study of architecture in academic institution
Academic institution
Academic institution is an educational institution dedicated to education and research, which grants academic degrees. See also academy and university.- Types of academic institutions include :...
s played a pivotal role in the development of the profession as a whole, serving as a focal point for advances in architectural technology and theory.
Australia
In Australia, the title of architect is legally protected but architects are registered through state boards. These boards are affiliated through the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA). The AACA's Architect Registration service also provides accreditation for schools and assessments for architects with overseas qualifications for the purposes of migrationHuman migration
Human migration is physical movement by humans from one area to another, sometimes over long distances or in large groups. Historically this movement was nomadic, often causing significant conflict with the indigenous population and their displacement or cultural assimilation. Only a few nomadic...
.
There are three key requirements for registration: a professional degree from a school of architecture accredited by the AACA; at least two years of practical experience, and; the completion of the architectural practice examination.
Architects may also belong to the Australian Institute of Architects (formerly the Royal Australian Institute of Architects) which is the professional organization and members use the suffix AIA after their name.
Most States have legislation which covers the use of the title "architect" and makes it an offence for abusers of the title. As this can vary, it is essential to check the relevant legislation applicable in each State.
Canada
In Canada, architects are required to meet three common requirements for registration: education, experience, and examination. Educational requirements generally consist of an M.Arch. degree and are certified by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). For degreed candidates, the experience requirement is typically the Intern Architect ProgramIntern Architect Program
The Intern Architect Program , or sometimes the Internship in Architecture Program, is a national program in Canada that documents and evaluates internship activities, provides structure to the transition between education and registration, and encourages involvement of practitioners in the...
(IAP). The provincial associations of architects, by the authority granted under their respective provincial Architects Act, require that Interns gain a minimum of 5,600 hours of work experience. The fundamental purpose of the pre-registration/licensing employment period is to ensure that the Intern is provided with sufficient experience to meet the standards of practical skill and level of competence required to engage in the practice of architecture. This experience is diversified into four main categories and 16 sub-categories, and must be completed working under the direct supervision of a registered architect. At present, all jurisdictions use the Architect Registration Examination
Architect Registration Examination
The Architect Registration Examination is the professional licensure examination adopted by all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and three U.S. territories to assess candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required in the practice of architecture...
(ARE), a series of seven computerized exams administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards is a nonprofit corporation comprising the legally constituted architectural registration boards of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands as its members...
(NCARB). As well, all jurisdictions except British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
recognize the Examination for Architects in Canada
Examination for Architects in Canada
The Examination for Architects in Canada, or ExAC, is a professional licensure examination for architects in most of Canada. It has been adopted by all of the Canadian Licensing Authorities except for the Architectural Institute of British Columbia...
(ExAC), administered by the Pan Canadian ExAC Committee. Upon completion of the educational requirements, IAP, and examinations, one can apply for registration/license with their respective provincial architectural institute. An annual fee must be paid, and continuing education requirements met, in order to maintain a license to practice.
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada , founded in 1907, is a Canadian association representing over 3,600 architects, and faculty and graduates of Canadian Schools of Architecture.RAIC is the voice for architecture and its practice in Canada...
(RAIC) was established in 1907 and is a voluntary national association representing more than 3,600 architects and Faculty and graduates of accredited Canadian Schools of Architecture. The RAIC aims to be "the voice of Architecture and its practice in Canada". Members are permitted to use the suffix MRAIC after their names. The suffix FRAIC (Fellow of the RAIC) is used by members of the RAIC College of Fellows. Not all members of the RAIC hold accredited degrees in architecture, and not all Canadian architects are members of the RAIC.
India
In IndiaIndia
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, architects are required to register with Council of Architecture(Government Body) for carrying professional practice. They are given unique registration number and have to follow Architects Act 1972.
The degree of architecture is usually of five years duration which includes professional practice for one semester. Major architecture schools include Centre for Environmantal Planning and Technology(CEPT), Visvesvaraya National Institute Of Technology(VNIT, Nagpur), School of planning & Architecture, Delhi(SPA), School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal(SPA Bhopal),School of Planning and Architecture ,Vijayawada (SPAV), JJ School of Arts Mumbai, Chandigarh college of Architecture (CCA) along with some IITs and NITs offering the course.
Ireland
The main body for Architecture in Ireland is the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland, RIAI. Members may use the affixAffix
An affix is a morpheme that is attached to a word stem to form a new word. Affixes may be derivational, like English -ness and pre-, or inflectional, like English plural -s and past tense -ed. They are bound morphemes by definition; prefixes and suffixes may be separable affixes...
MRIAI and are registered to use the title "Architect" in company stationery. The title has only recently been protected.
To become a registered Architect, it usually takes five years' full-time study in the recognised schools of Architecture, followed by a minimum of two years approved experience, further specific training in professional competence and a written examination to gain admission to the RIAI. In all, it takes a minimum of seven years to gain registration. More details can be found on the RIAI website.
Architects' Alliance of Ireland
Architects' Alliance of Ireland
The Architects' Alliance of Ireland is an Irish pressure group founded in 2009. Its purpose is to lobby for a change in recent legislation in Ireland....
is a group of long-established self-trained architects created in response to Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007. The Act seeks for the first time to control the use of the term 'architect' in the Republic of Ireland. The group is lobbying for an amendment of the legislation in order to restore the prior status of self-trained
Autodidacticism
Autodidacticism is self-education or self-directed learning. In a sense, autodidacticism is "learning on your own" or "by yourself", and an autodidact is a person who teaches him or herself something. The term has its roots in the Ancient Greek words αὐτός and διδακτικός...
architects in the profession.
Italy
To enter the profession in Italy, individuals are required to first obtain a degree in Architecture, or a degree in Building Engineering/ Architecture, then to receive professional qualification, obtained by passing a state exam which consists of four tests (three written and one oral). To practice, the architect must register with the Ordine degli architetti (Order of Architects), which following a recent reform also includes planners, landscape architects and conservationists (architectural heritage). The Orders are organised by province, and registration is based on place of residence of the architect. Within the order there are currently several classes and categories, depending on specific qualifications.Italian law recognises equal rights to Building engineers registered with the appropriate order. Other professionals in the construction industry are the geometra (surveyor
Surveying
See Also: Public Land Survey SystemSurveying or land surveying is the technique, profession, and science of accurately determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them...
) and the perito industriale (technical expert) specialising in construction; these professionals have several limitations compared to architects and engineers, as they follow a different and shorter course of study aimed at learning basic and complementary aspects of work in construction.
Mexico
In Mexico, every profession is regulated by the Secretariat of Public Education, including architecture. The Secretariat expedes a Professional Licence (in spanish cédula profesional), only after a recognized undergraduate degree is successfully achieved. Therefore, it is legally sufficient for an architect to hold an undergraduate diploma and a Professional Licence in order to practice. Registration to an official college or association of architects is completely optional.Nevertheless, there are other norms that regulate the building industry. In Mexico, as it is common for constructions to be developed by individuals other than architects, these regulations are quite unrelated to the architecture profession. For a major construction, it is necessary for a professional to act as a Director Responsible of Construction (in spanish, Director Responsable de Obra or DRO). This position does require a minimum of two years of professional experience in construction, as well as further evaluation and/or training. However, it is uncommon for architects to assume this role; this is generally a position preferred by and reserved to civil engineers.
Singapore
In SingaporeSingapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
, university study is required (such as the five-year course of study at the National University of Singapore
National University of Singapore
The National University of Singapore is Singapore's oldest university. It is the largest university in the country in terms of student enrollment and curriculum offered....
or certain approved foreign universities). Upon completion of university, additional training by working for a minimum of two years under a registered architect is required in order to become registered. Singaporean law governs the use of the term "architect" and prescribes the requirements to be listed in the Register of Architects. Membership in the Singapore Institute of Architects
Singapore Institute of Architects
The Singapore Institute of Architects is a professional organization established in 1961 with the objective to promote the architectural profession and the built environment in Singapore....
is a voluntary professional credential.
South Africa
In South Africa, Architecture can be practiced in one of four categories, depending on qualification: professional architect (Pr.Arch.), professional senior architectural technologistArchitectural technologist
The Architectural Technologist , also known as a Building Technologist, provides building design services and solutions and is trained in architectural technology, building design and construction. They apply the science of architecture and typically concentrate on the technology of building design...
(Pr.S.Arch.T.), professional technologist (Pr.Arch.T.), or professional draughtsperson (Pr.Arch.Draught.). After graduating, one enters a two year period of in service training as a "candidate", and sits a Professional Practice entrance examination; one must also register with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession
South African Council for the Architectural Profession
The South African Council for the Architectural Profession is a professional organization for the architectural community in South Africa. It was establishedIts aim is to maintain the standard of education given to architects at technikons and universities through the granting of professional...
. When studied through a University, the programme is structured in two parts: the first is a three year course leading to a Bachelor of Architectural Studies
Bachelor of Architectural Studies
The Bachelor of Architectural Studies is a bachelor's degree for studies in the field of architecture.It generally takes 3–4 years. A Bachelor of Architectural Studies may lead on to a Master of Architecture, or a Bachelor of Architecture....
or BSc (Architecture)
BSC
BSC is a three-letter abbreviation that may refer to:Science and technology* Bachelor of Science , an undergraduate degree* Base Station Controller, part of a mobile phone network; see: Base Station subsystem...
; the second is an additional two-year postgraduate, professional degree – either the Bachelor of Architecture
Bachelor of Architecture
The Bachelor of Architecture is an undergraduate academic degree designed to satisfy the academic component of professional accreditation bodies, to be followed by a period of practical training prior to professional examination and registration. It is awarded for a course of study that lasts up...
or Master of Architecture
Master of Architecture
The Master of Architecture is a professional degree in architecture, qualifying the graduate to move through the various stages of professional accreditation that result in receiving a license.-Overview:...
, depending on University – which qualifies one to become an architect. A student is able to exit university after obtaining the first degree, and will be able to become a senior architectural technologist. When studied through a University of Technology (or a comprehensive university), the courses in architecture are a three year National Diploma, and, after an additional year of study, the B.Tech degree. These enable a student to become an architectural technologist or senior technologist, respectively. To become a draughtsperson, one requires a (two year) National Certificate. The possibility of progression from one category to the next has been provided for in the Regulations, and is under review.
Sri Lanka
Term "Architect" and "Chartered Architect" are protected titles in Sri LankaSri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
under the Architects Registration act of 1979. (Now under [Sri Lanka Institute of Architects] (Amendment) Act, No. 14 of 1996)
In Sri Lanka, architects are required to meet three common requirements for registration: education, experience, and examination. The Education can be from one of the two available institutions; the degree course held by University of Moratuwa
University of Moratuwa
The University of Moratuwa, located on the banks of the Bolgoda Lake in Katubedda, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, is a technological university in Sri Lanka. Apart from the academics including the undergraduate and postgraduate studies, university of Moratuwa presents a variety of social and cultural...
or by the Part time course held by the City School of Architecture (owned and operated by the Sri Lanka institute of Architects) or by any foreign university approved by the SLIA through a gazette notification.
The University of Moratuwa has been offering a three year B.Sc. (Built Environment)degree. The final design examination is also attended by representatives of RIBA & SLIA. hence, exempting students from RIBA & SLIA part 1 exams. After one year training under a Chartered Architect, the candidates return for an M.Sc. (Architecture) course. The final design examination is also attended by representatives of RIBA & SLIA. Hence, exempting students from RIBA & SLIA part 2 exams. After completion of this, the students undergo one year of training under a Chartered Architect before sitting for the SLIA part 3 exam. At the completion of which, they can register with the Architects registration Board of Sri Lanka (which is under the SLIA) and use the title "Architect" or "Chartered Architect"
Recently, the university of Moratuwa has changed this system to a five year B.Arch. program resulting with a reduction of one year to the total time taken to fully qualify. Final exams are still conducted under SLIA & RIBA representatives along with the university examination board.
City School of Architecture offers a part time course of seven years during which the students should be working continuously under a Chartered Architect four days a week and attending the school on two days every week. Completion of first four years qualifies for SLIA part 1 and completion of the balance 3 years qualifies for SLIA part 2. After this, one year’s full time training under a chartered architect
Chartered architect
A chartered architect in the United Kingdom is a corporate member of one or more of the following architects' professional bodies:*the Royal Institute of British Architects*the Royal Society of Ulster Architects...
qualifies them to sit for SLIA part 3 exam..
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, practicing under the name, style or title "architect" is restricted by law to those registered at the Architects Registration BoardArchitects Registration Board
The Architects Registration Board is the statutory body for the registration of architects in the United Kingdom. It operates under the Architects Act 1997 as amended, a consolidating Act. It began under the Architects Act, 1931 which gave it the name the Architects' Registration Council of the...
. It usually takes a minimum of seven years to obtain the necessary qualification
Professional certification
Professional certification, trade certification, or professional designation, often called simply certification or qualification, is a designation earned by a person to assure qualification to perform a job or task...
s and experience for registration. Those wishing to become registered must first study at a recognized university-level school of architecture. Though there are some variations from university to university, the basic principle is that in order to qualify as an architect a candidate must pass through three stages which are administered by the Royal Institute of British Architects
Royal Institute of British Architects
The Royal Institute of British Architects is a professional body for architects primarily in the United Kingdom, but also internationally.-History:...
:
- On completing an initial degree in architecture (usually three or four years, usually either a BA, BSc, or BArch) the candidate receives exemption from RIBA Part I. There then follows a period of a minimum of one year which the candidate spends in an architect's office gaining work experience.
- The candidate must then complete a post-graduate university course, usually two years, to receive either a graduate diploma (Dip Arch), Masters (MArch) or B(Arch). On completing that course, the candidate receives exemption from Part II of the RIBA process.
– The candidate must then spend a further period of at least one year gaining experience before being allowed to take the RIBA Part III examination in Professional Practice and Management.
United States
In the United States, people wishing to become licensed architects are required to meet the requirements of their respective state. Each state has a registration board to oversee that state's licensureLicensure
Licensure refers to the granting of a license, which gives a "permission to practice." Such licenses are usually issued in order to regulate some activity that is deemed to be dangerous or a threat to the person or the public or which involves a high level of specialized skill...
laws. National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards is a nonprofit corporation comprising the legally constituted architectural registration boards of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands as its members...
(NCARB) is a non-profit professional association created in 1919 to help ensure parity between the states' often conflicting rules. The registration boards of each of the 50 states (and 5 territories), are NCARB member boards. NCARB issues a national certificate to qualified licensed architects. The NCARB certificate is recognized in most licensing jurisdictions for the purpose of granting licensure by endorsement or reciprocity
Reciprocity
Reciprocity may refer to:*Reciprocity , used to describe the concept of free trade with the United States of America** Reciprocal trade agreement, entered into in order to reduce tariffs, quotas and other trade restrictions on items traded between the signatories*Reciprocity , the relationship...
.
Requirements vary between jurisdictions, and there are three common requirements for registration: education, experience and examination. About half of the States require a professional degree from a school accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board
National Architectural Accrediting Board
The National Architectural Accrediting Board is the sole authority for accredited US professional degree programs for architecture in the United States, developing standards and procedures to verify that each accredited program meets standards for the appropriate education of architects...
(NAAB) to satisfy their education requirement; this would be either a B.Arch
Bachelor of Architecture
The Bachelor of Architecture is an undergraduate academic degree designed to satisfy the academic component of professional accreditation bodies, to be followed by a period of practical training prior to professional examination and registration. It is awarded for a course of study that lasts up...
or M.Arch
Master of Architecture
The Master of Architecture is a professional degree in architecture, qualifying the graduate to move through the various stages of professional accreditation that result in receiving a license.-Overview:...
degree. The experience requirement for degreed candidates is typically the Intern Development Program (IDP), a joint program of NCARB and the American Institute of Architects
American Institute of Architects
The American Institute of Architects is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach to support the architecture profession and improve its public image...
(AIA). IDP creates a framework to identify for the intern architect
Intern Architect
An intern architect is a person who has successfully completed an accredited degree in architecture and is preparing for registration/ licensure as an architect...
base skills and core-competencies. The intern architect needs to earn 700 training units (TUs) diversified into 16 categories; each TU is equivalent to 8 hours of experience working under the direct supervision of a licensed Architect. The states that waive the degree requirement typically require a full 10 years experience in combination with the I.D.P diversification requirements before the candidate is eligible to sit for the examination. California requires C-IDP (Comprehensive Intern Development Program) which builds upon the seat time requirement of IDP with the need to document learning having occurred. All jurisdictions use the Architect Registration Examination
Architect Registration Examination
The Architect Registration Examination is the professional licensure examination adopted by all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and three U.S. territories to assess candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required in the practice of architecture...
(ARE), a series of seven (formerly nine) computerized exams administered by NCARB. The NCARB also has a certification for those architects meeting NCARB's model standard: NAAB degree, IDP and ARE passage. This certificate facilitates reciprocity between the member boards should an architect desire registration in a different jurisdiction. All architects licensed by their respective states have professional status as Registered Architects (RA).
Depending on the policies of the registration board for the state in question, it is sometimes possible to become licensed as an Architect in other ways: reciprocal licensure for over-seas architects and working under an architect as an intern for an extended period of time. Length of the typical licensure process depends on the particular combination of education, experience and pace of examination of a candidate. It is typical that the entire licensure process takes at least 7 to 11 years to complete; including five years of study (5 years for B.Arch, 3 years for M.Arch, 6 years for a "four-plus-two" program), three-plus years of experience (meeting exact IDP requirements in each category), and often a year or more to take and pass the seven ARE 4.0 exams.
External links
- American Institute of Architects
- American Institute of Architecture Students
- ARCHcareers.org
- Architects Registration Board-UK (ARB)
- arch-library
- Architects' Alliance of Ireland
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Netherlands Architecture Institute
- Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners
- Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
- Royal Australian Institute of Architects
- Royal Institute of British Architects
- Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland
- The South African Institute of Architects; The South African Council for the Architectural Profession
- Sri Lanka Institute of Architects
- World Architecture Database