In order to call your self an Architect, you need to take the Architecture Registration Exams (ARE), but the process starts much earlier than that. It starts with your education.

Education

Picking a college to start your formal education is no easy process. When your choosing an architecture major there are many things to consider.

TIME: How long do you want to go to school for? 

LOCATION: Does the state you want to get licensed in require a certain degree?

DEGREE: Do you want an associate degree, bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree?

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS: What courses are in the school’s program? Is the program NAAB Accredited?

Experience

Once your education requirement is started or complete there are experience requirements that must be done in order to apply or sit for the exams.

TIME: When do you want to start documenting your experience?

JOB: Does your firm work on a broad range of project?

LOCATION: Does the state you’re in require a certain length of experience in the field?

SUPPORT: Does your place of work support your process to become licensed? Do they provide you with a wide-range of experience?

Exam

Once your experience is underway or completed you could be ready to start the exams!

KNOWLEDGE: Does your experience align with the exam you want to take?

SOURCES: Do you have the right study materials?

APPLICATION: Did you fill out the correct paperwork and pay the required fees?

When choosing a school for your education its important to think about the location. Some states require a certain college degrees or attendance at an accredited school in order to take the exams. For example, New York requires

Experience

• AIA
• State
• NCARB
• AXP

Exam

• NCARB
• State
• Applications

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Brittany is a Senior Designer at NKB