The road to licensure for architects is getting shorter, thanks to a recent initiative spearheaded by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).
The Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) provides students the opportunity to complete requirements for licensure while they are still earning their degree. Through the initiative, schools are encouraged to incorporate the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), formerly the Intern Development Program, directly into the curriculum, as well as the opportunity to take the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
NCARB reports that 21 design programs at 17 schools are already participating in IPAL, integrating education, experience and examination requirements in order to provide a structure for students who wish to pursue licensure early in their careers.
Each school’s IPAL participation is unique, with faculty and staff developing individual schedules for review and acceptance by NCARB.
According to Paola Sanguinetti, Ph.D., department Chair of the University of Kansas School of Architecture, Design and Planning, IPAL is galvanizing the school’s partnership with the profession and helping students excel in their education and profession.
The following is a list of participating IPAL programs.
- Boston Architectural College
- The Catholic University of America
- Clemson University
- Drexel University
- Lawrence Technological University
- NewSchool of Architecture and Design (two programs)
- North Carolina State University (two programs)
- Portland State University
- Savannah College of Art and Design
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Detroit Mercy
- University of Florida
- University of Kansas
- University of Maryland
- University of North Carolina-Charlotte (two programs)
- University of Southern California
- Woodbury University (two programs)
2 Comments
Are IPAL faculty and staff going to be NCARB certified?
Given the lack of practical knowledge by many recent graduates, this seems ill-advised even if well-intentioned. Experience before completing academic work is of necessity less rigorous and cannot be compared to experience after graduation. When I passed my 12-hour design exam on the first try, 85% failed. I know they have unfortunately made the test easier so more could pass and also segmented the tests more to facilitate cramming as opposed to having a well-balanced knowledge base you had to be able to use at one sitting. I Think the sole purpose of this was to license more architects which seems strange wince 22,000 left the field during the recession. We need better architects, not just more mediocre ones.