13 Architecture Schools in USA Prepare Students for the Architect License

In Depth

To eliminate – or at least minimize – the operations of quacks and amateurs in highly esteemed professions like Architecture, there is a need to issue out licensure to worthy persons. Different parts of the world have different rules and procedures for the issuance of such a Licensure, mostly upon graduation. In 2013, the wheels of time brought new developments for the acquisition of such licenses. The National Council Of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) came up with a new idea- an Integrated Path- to make it possible for architects who are still in architecture schools to be equipped with sufficient skill and knowledge so that upon graduation, they would have met the requirements and would be given their licensure.

This meant that after getting into your desired Architecture School in the USA, it would present a new curriculum that incorporates experience, proper education, and opportunities for undergraduate students. In such a manner, they would have met the standard set by the Architect Registration Examinations (ARE) to achieve licensure upon graduation.

Architecture Schools for Integrated Licensure Initiative

Time has since brought favorable winds as the idea has blossomed. Having assembled a team known as the NCARB Licensure Task Force—composed of interns, recently licensed architects, practitioners, academics, licensing board members and executives, and leaders of the ACSA, AIA, AIAS, and NAAB— the Integrated Path is now ready to run.

“We recognize that a program that provides participation in an integrated path to licensure is not for every school or every student. And as in every new concept, there will be early adopters and those that require additional time. The Council anticipates that participation will be an open-ended prospect, renewing annually as adjustments are made to the program and institutions take whatever time they need to develop an approach or become comfortable with the concept.

This is not about replacing the existing multiple paths to licensure, nor NCARB controlling the curriculum, nor mandating participation. Our hope is to further enhance the path to licensure and uphold the ideals of the profession by creating new opportunities and offering new alternatives.” Says Michael J. Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.