Throughout your online Bachelor of Architecture degree program, you have learned all about designing, drafting and the construction processes required to build homes, offices, and factories. You’ve graduated, so this is where things start to get exciting! You have, most likely, completed your internship at this point as well, and you are ready to take the Architect Registration Exam (ARE).
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) regulates the testing and licensing process for architects. Their efforts ensure public health and safety is at the forefront of every architect’s designs. They determine an applicant’s knowledge, abilities, and skills related to the field of architecture. To begin, you must create an active NCARB Record to experience their program, as well as, take the ARE and maintain your NCARB certification. You should be sure to check with your state’s regulations before beginning the examination and licensing process to assure that you have your exam prerequisites in place.
The NCARB organization will require you to have an online Bachelor of Architecture degree (B.Arch.) offered from a school accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Depending on your state’s requirements, you may also need to have on record some professional experience, typically a year, before you can take the ARE test.
As you prepare for your examination, rest assured, the ARE test can be difficult and very challenging. It will consist of six different types of questioning, such as fill-in-the-blank, multiple-choice, case study questions, in addition to, check-all-that-apply, hotspot, and drag-and-place questions. Categories of test questions are divided into six sections. They are Practice Management, Programming and Analysis, Project Development and Documentation, Project Management, Project Planning and Design, along with Construction and Evaluation. Upon completion, you will receive a passing or failing grade about a week later. And yes, if you fail, you can retake the test.
However, if you do receive a passing grade, you can then apply for licensure per your jurisdiction’s requirements. What’s next? You are ready to claim your title as “Licensed Architect.” You will have earned the trust and confidence of your clients, by displaying your skills and knowledge in your chosen field.
In addition, as you gain valuable experience, you may want to earn additional voluntary certifications offered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). If you have previously received your license, you are eligible to sit for certification exams. Continuing Education Hours (CEH) through NCARB allows you to qualify for job promotions and raises, as well as, helps you stay current in the field of architecture.
If you have an interest in becoming a professional licensed architect, check out OnlineSchoolsCenter.com’s list of the Best Online Schools for Bachelor of Architecture Degrees.