Becoming an architect takes time. The NCARB, or the National Council Of Architectural Registration Boards, released a report previously. Through their report, they revealed that it took around eleven years on average, for people to become licensed architects. This applies to both those who want to work as independent architects, as well as those who want to work under contracts, in the industry.
To complete a course at a school for interior decorators, or for interior design, it typically takes between two to four years. However, if you want to be an architect, then this will take much longer. Usually, you’ll need to invest at least five years to just complete your undergraduate architectural degree program. You’ll then need to do internships for the next three years at least, to meet the AXP requirements.
When you meet the Architecture Experience Program requirements or AXP, then you can begin your professional career as an architect.
Enrolling Into An Architectural Program
You’ll have options available to you, when it comes to what kind of curriculum you want to study. This choice of curriculum, can increase or shorten the amount of time that you need to spend on studying. You could find yourself studying for five years, or even seven years.
The course you need to complete to become an architect can be rigorous, as well as time consuming. But it’s required if you want to get your architectural license. You’ll also need to have practical experience in the field, as accredited by the NCARB. There are also exams that you’ll need to pass.
The Educational Requirements For Becoming An Architect
Before you can become a professional architect, you’ll first need to get your degree in the field of architecture. Your professional degree should be from a program that’s been accredited by the NAAB. This stands for the National Architectural Accrediting Board.
Usually, accredited institutions offer undergraduate courses that last for five years, as well as graduate courses that last for an additional three years. Are you someone who wants to start working as an architect as soon as possible? Then you can enroll in an undergraduate degree that lasts for four years, but isn’t accredited by the NAAB. While this will allow you to begin working for an architecture firm, you won’t be able to obtain your professional license.
You could also be a graduate student who has an undergraduate degree in an unrelated field. If this is the case, then you can enroll in a two year graduate degree in the field of architecture, that isn’t accredited by the NAAB.
What Career Paths Can You Pursue After Obtaining Your Degree?
Say you’ve completed your NAAB accredited course. What do you do next? As per the NCARB, you’ll need to get your architectural license next. To get this license, you need to first devote at least 3740 hours towards internships. This is a part of the AXP requirements. This internship program is meant to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to pursue an independent practice in the field of architecture.
It also helps ensure that the health, welfare, and safety of the public are protected as well. When you complete your bachelor’s degree program from an institution accredited to the NAAB, you’ll become eligible to establish your NCARB record. You’ll also begin earning AXP credits. To get your AXP credentials, you’ll need to complete around 3740 hours of experience. This includes project design and planning, development and documentation, as well as construction and evaluation.
When you start your journey as an architect, you should also consider getting insurance for architect. This is because working as an architect leaves you exposed to certain risks, such as getting sued by clients. When you have insurance for architect, you can better protect both your career and your finances. If you would like to learn more about insurance for architect, then click here.
What Examinations Do You Need To Take?
Before you can obtain your architectural license, you’ll need to sit for various exams as well. The ARE, or the Architect Registration Examination, tests your abilities and knowledge regarding what architectural principles and practices are. It’s used across the country to test people who want to become professional architects.
You’ll need to pass all the divisions in the ARE, within five years of getting your professional degree. Some firms, they ask you to pass your exams even sooner. There are seven divisions in this examination, which you can take in any order you like.
Conclusion
If you want to become an architect, then you’ll need to complete a relevant course from an accredited institution first. You’ll also need to get work experience and sit for examinations before you can get your professional license. It can take you between eight to eleven years to become an architect.
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