Becoming an Architect

Are you a high school student interested in architecture? Here are the main steps to becoming an architect:

1. EDUCATION
Earn a degree from a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) approved program, for example a five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch).

2. EXPERIENCE
Complete hours for your Architectural Experience Program (AXP) by working as an intern for an architectural firm. These hours can be logged during college so you can get a head start.

3. EXAMINATION
Finally, take the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). This exam tests your knowledge and skills so that you can practice architecture independently.

Now you can be LICENCED by a local jurisdiction and CERTIFIED by the NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards). For more information and alternative paths to licensure, visit the NCARB website.

Still not sure if architecture is for you? Check out a college summer program such as Cal Poly's Summer Architecture Career Workshop. You can see posts from my time there at My SLO Summer. I can't recommend this experience enough!

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Important Links:

NCARBHow to Become an Architect

NAABAccredited Architecture Programs

Cal Poly SummerHigh School Architecture Workshop