Becoming an Architect

Interested in becoming an architect? The best way to start is by getting an education from an accredited architecture program. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB at www.naab.org) is the agency which approves programs within the United States to meet the minimum requirements to enter the architecture profession. Typical undergraduate programs are five years in length. As of 2006, you can choose from 114 programs from a Bachelor of Architecture to a Doctor of Architecture.

But getting an education isn't your only requirement to becoming an architect. Once you've graduated, you need to pass a nine part Architect Registration Exam prepared by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB at www.ncarb.org). Before you even qualify to take the exam, most states require you go through the steps of the Intern Development Program, which means that you have satisfied work requirements in various areas of architecture. Once you have passed the exam, you can apply for NCARB certification, allowing you to call yourself a registered architect. You will need to check with the state that you intend to practice in to verify specific eligibility requirements to take the exam and get NCARB certification.