The word architect derives from two Greek words: arkhi and tekton which mean chief and builder respectively. The derived meaning, "chief builder," accurately describes the responsibilities of an architect so long as we accept that designing the building and supervising its construction qualifies one as a builder. The major difference between an architect and those that work with him stems from their education which is just one of a few necessary steps in receiving a license to practice.
Like other professionals (doctors, lawyers, etc) an architect needs a license to legally practice their profession. In the United States the reception of such a license depends upon the requirements of each individual state. To mediate the differences of licensing practices between the states the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards was established in 1919.
While each individual state may still have its own special requirements, the NCARP aims to reduce problems associated with conflicting rules. Each of the fifty states and five territories are member boards of the NCARP. Each board oversees completion of at least three standard requirements: education, experience and examination.
Nearly half the states absolutely require a formal degree in architecture, be it a Bachelor's or a Masters degree from a school accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. Some states will waive this requirement if the pending architect has amassed at least ten years of experience working in the field. The years of experience must also be in conjunction with the diversification of training required by the Intern Development Program.
The IDP is a joint creation of the NCARP and the American Institute of Architects. This program stipulates that 700 training units be earned to complete the program. A training unit represents eight hours of work under the direct supervision of a licensed architect.
In total, the training would take a little less than three years at a rate of forty hours per week. The training units are to be diversified into sixteen different categories. In addition to completing IDP (or equivalent training), all jurisdictions use the Architect Registration Examination.
The ARE is a series of seven computerized test administered by the NCARP. Completion of the examination and fulfillment of the other two major requirements may result in the pending architect's licensure.
Should an architect desire to obtain a license in a different jurisdiction than the one in which they were originally licensed, the NCARP provides certification for those with a degree from an accredited school, IDP completion and passage of the ARE.
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