Licensure and Reciprocity

Destination: Architect

Architects are responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of the people who occupy the buildings they create. Therefore, the path to licensure is designed to help aspiring architects meet that important responsibility. But for many emerging professionals, attaining licensure can seem like an unwieldy process.

In 2012, NCARB produced Destination: Architect, a fast-paced video series that maps out key licensure requirements and highlights what you need to know before getting started. The engaging series was designed to help aspiring architects proactively plan and prepare for meeting licensure requirements.

In fall 2012, the Council took steps to provide its customers with some financial relief in the challenging economic climate. It waived past renewal fees for anyone who reactivated an NCARB Record or Certificate in October or November 2012. This was the second waiver offer during the year, with the first being offered in the spring 2012.

“We know that now more than ever, architects need mobility to stay competitive, and the NCARB Certificate is a powerful credential and tool that can help them grow their businesses and careers,” said Michael J. Armstrong, NCARB CEO. “Because it expedites reciprocal registration, certification means architects can more quickly mobilize in pursuit of new business or meet expanding client needs across state lines.”

“The Council has held fees down for customers since 2010, and by offering additional fee relief this year, we hope to make it easier for members of the profession to regain the benefits of these career-building tools,” said Armstrong. “Even if you’re still an intern, once licensed, certification helps you maximize your career potential—plus you can get certified for free as long as you reactivate now and keep your Record active through licensure.”

Over 2,000 interns and architects
took advantage of the fall opportunity:

NCARB Certificate Architects 653

Non-Certified Architects 189

Interns 1,541
TOTAL 2, 383

Available through NCARB.org and the NCARB YouTube channel, Destination: Architect serves as an educational resource for organizations and individuals who provide guidance to future architects, such as school counselors, educators, administrators, and components of professional organizations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Pulling from the videos, NCARB also released a series of PowerPoint presentations for IDP coordinators and Member Board Members to use during outreach efforts.

In 2013, the hugely successful series received a “Gold Award” through the Hermes Creative Award, an international competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing, and design of traditional and emerging media.

The series includes five short videos. Click above to launch one of the following :

● OVERVIEW: Earning a license means you can call yourself an architect. This video provides an overview of the path to licensure and how to get started. Length: 02:15

● EDUCATION: Before choosing a degree program, prospective students will want to understand the education
requirement for licensure. Length: 01:20

● EXPERIENCE: Earning experience is an essential step to becoming an architect. This video explains the experience
requirement for licensure. Length: 01:40

● EXAMINATION: All aspiring architects need to pass the Architect Registration Examination^® (ARE^®). This video explains the examination requirement for licensure. Length: 01:45

● LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION: This video provides an overview of the final steps—applying for licensure and making the most of your career through certification. Length: 02:00