IPAL is a dynamic, innovative approach to architecture education for NAAB-accredited programs. Programs participating in IPAL must provide students with a structured approach to complete 75% of the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®)—with experience documented across all six experience areas—and take all six ARE 5.0 practice exams before graduation—the rest is up to you! Your school can integrate education, experience, and examination in the way that best suits your existing curriculum.
"The work of our IPAL students has been highly regarded by the partner firms and the IPAL consortium as a whole ... The IPAL students, by and large, have brought new skills to their respective workplaces."
–University of North Carolina at Charlotte
IPAL Requirements
To be accepted into the IPAL initiative, your program must:
- Be an academic architecture program, in one of the following capacities:
- Two-year community college program that has an agreement in place for articulation into a NAAB-accredited program
- Four-year undergraduate program that qualifies for admission into a NAAB-accredited master’s program
- NAAB-accredited program (B.Arch., M.Arch., D.Arch)
- Demonstrate that students have the opportunity to make significant progress (at least 75% of the AXP’s total required hours, with experience documented across all six experience areas) toward the completion of the AXP prior to graduation
- Provide an opportunity for students to take each division of NCARB’s free practice exams prior to graduation
- Appoint an IPAL advisor at your school
Applying for an IPAL Option
Applying to offer an IPAL option is a collaborative process.
To begin, email ipal@ncarb.org to express your program’s interest. We will provide you with a short list of prompts to guide you in submitting an official Letter of Intent (LOI). NCARB will review your LOI and follow up to discuss your initial concept, provide feedback, and answer
any questions. This structured approach ensures a supportive and efficient path toward acceptance into the program.
Eligible programs that choose to continue the application process will then complete a detailed application that will include a comprehensive plan for your program’s structure, curriculum integration, and student support. Download the IPAL Proposal Form to learn more.
If your program is accepted, NCARB can provide support as you work with your jurisdiction’s licensing board and help your students navigate the path to licensure. To learn more about the IPAL initiative, contact IPAL@ncarb.org.
Already an IPAL advisor? Download the IPAL Program Standards to learn more about supporting your school's IPAL option.
