Showing posts with label EESA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EESA. Show all posts

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Foreign Education - EESA

Dr Architecture: I was study to bachelor degree of architecture in Mexico and a master degree in Puerto Rico of management and strategic leadership, I am interested in obtaining an license of architecture in E.E.U.U.  But I do not know how and where to make to examination and the syllabus and tutorial for the exam as NAAB , I live in Miami. Can you help me, can you give an orientation,I wish to work in your country. Thank you for your help. I wish you have a blessed and successful day.
___________

To become a licensed architect in most U.S. jurisdictions, you must accomplish three tasks - 1) education - professional NAAB degree, 2) experience - completion of IDP, and 3) examination - passing all portions of the ARE.

Now, if your degree is from another country, you may go thru a process called EESA with NAAB to evaluate your foreign education - https://www.eesa-naab.org/home.aspx - Visit this website and simply follow the process.

I do hope this helps.

Monday, November 25, 2013

EESA Foreign Degree

Can you please tell me licensing procedure to work as an architect in USA.  I have heard that B.Arch/M.Arch degree from India is not sufficient.for that there would be another procedures by AIA.  If you know any details regarding this kindly help me.
_________

In the U.S., an individual needs to fulfill three requirements for most jurisdictions - 1) education, 2) experience, and 3) examination.
For 1) education, a BArch/MArch from another country such as India will not serve as an automatic equivalent, but you can submit your credentials to EESA (https://www.eesa-naab.org/home.aspx) to determine that your education is equivalent to the NCARB Education Standard.  In most cases, it will not be totally equivalent, but EESA will share what you need to complete.
After education, you must complete IDP - Intern Development Program to fulfill the experience component.  Once you have met education and IDP, you are eligible to sit for the ARE - Architect Registration Examination.  For details on IDP and ARE, visit NCARB - http://www.ncarb.org.
I hope this is helpful.

Monday, July 22, 2013

EESA Becoming an Architect


Dear Dr. Architecture
 
First in first: I’ve to say that I’m glad that I found your blog because is quite interesting and exhaustive and when I started to read all your answers I understood that is a matter of heart!. Then, I bought your book and I found a lot of answers, interesting comments and point of view about our profession, about how to do and the best way to do it , about architects with different experience...but my questions are still there without an answer...
 
I am a foreign italian architect. I have been reading for the last six month everything about the NCARB, the NAAB, the EESA but I have to confess that I’m still confused and I’m not so sure the best path for me to do. Can you help me?.
My credentials are:

- a Bachelor Degree in Architecture (Architettura U.E. – Università degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza”): it is a five year degree with 300 credits (150 US credits)
- a Master II Level Degre (Master P.A.R.E.S. – Master in Architectural Design for the Recovery of Historical Buildings and Public Spaces): it is an one year degree with 60 credits (30 US credits)
- and to conclude, I’m a Licensed Architect (My Proffessional Association: The Order of Roman Architects: Albo dell’ “Ordine degli Architetti Pianificatori Paesaggisti e Conservatori di Roma e Provincia”, member since 2011)
 
What should I do to start my process of accreditation?  I read that for a Licensed Architect the best thing to do is the BEA/BEFA Program but I don’t have seven years of experience like a Licensed Architect, but just two...and even if I have five plus years of experience, before, I worked while I was studying to present my board test.
 
While the process of accreditation goes ahead and/or before I present all the documents, can I start to submit the IDP hours?! Is it possible?!

Do you think there is a better way to do?  I am reall confused about all the process and I’m having some problems with the University of Rome due to the certified Academic Course Description so I’ll really apreciate if you can give some advices and how can I proceed to make my path easiest.

Than you, again, for your kindness. Best regards,



_______________

Before I answer your questions directly, allow me to provide an overview of the formal process of becoming an architect in the U.S.  To become an architect in the U.S., you need to accomplish three tasks:

1) Education - For most, this is accomplished through obtaining a NAAB accredited professional degree in the U.S.  As this can only be accomplish through a U.S. institution, NCARB (http://www.ncarb.org) does allow an individual to have their foreign education evaluated against the NCARB Education Standard; this process is done via EESA - Evaluating Education Services for Architects (https://www.eesa-naab.org).

What is the NCARB Educational Standard?

The NCARB Educational Standard is established by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. NCARB determines the minimum number of credits which are required for coursework taken in five major categories and sub-categories within each major category. The five categories are (1) General Education, (2) History, Human Behavior and Environment; (3) Design, (4) Technical Systems and (5) Practice. 

The Education Standard further stipulates that an applicant must have a minimum of 160 semester credits, overall. Please refer to http://www.ncarb.org/en/~/media/Files/PDF/Guidelines/EDU_Guidelines.pdf

2) Experience - To satisfy this task, one my fulfill IDP (Intern Development Program - http://www.ncarb.org/idp2); basically, you must work under the supervision of an architect for a period of time (5600 hours) gaining experience in different training categories.

3) Examination - For the last task, you must take and pass all seven exams of the ARE (Architect Registration Exam - (http://www.ncarb.org/en/ARE.aspx).

With the above stated, your first step is to pursue EESA - having your foreign education evaluated.  I would suggest you read the NCARB Education Standard (see above listing).  It is likely that you will be deficient in an area requiring you to take an additional course or two.

You may wish to contact EESA for more direct answers to your questions.

However, I think that you can start your NCARB Council Record to begin recording your IDP Experience - you will be limited to how much time can be under a foreign architect (again review the materials listed above).

At minimum, if you have more questions contact NCARB or the registration board of the state in which you wish to become licensed.

I wish you the best.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Questions

I have a B.Arch (Architect) from India, and currently struggling for following three issues:

1. Not able to find a job in US, I am currently in Phoenix AZ. Can you please suggest some good jobsite where I might able to see some openings.


2. Are there any distance learning universities where I can get my M. Arch completed.


3. Is the Indian B. Arch degree valid in US? Can I start my own practice with Indian Architecture Degree?
__________

Here is a start on your issues/questions.

1. I would steer you away from websites and network.  If you have not done so, join the AIA chapter or attend lectures/events frequented by architects to network.  Research the firms in the region and contact them with your materials.

2. There are two accredited M.Arch programs that a portion of their program is delivered online - Boston Architectural College and Lawrence Technological University.  You can visit - naab.org for their websites.  

3. The simple answer is NO, but you can still apply for licensure within the U.S; contact ncarb.org and review the information for foreign-educated individuals.  You will need to have your education evaluated through EESA to determine its equivalency to the NCARB Education Standard.

As for starting your own practice, the answer would be YES, but you could not practice architecture until you became licensed in the state in which you practice.  You could hire architects in the interim.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Professional or Post-Professional?

I'm from Dominican Republic; in my country we only have one degree: Architect, there is no such thing as B. Arch, pre professional.  You go to the university and take 5 years of design studios and clases.. and you are an architect.
 
I graduated a year ago, and now I am looking forward to do a master in USA, but I'm confused whether to choose a post professional or a professional, I love sustainable design, and that's what I'm aiming for.. but doubt keeps eating me!!! I also want to work in the US, so im not sure if i should take some "general" Master Degree just because is accredited by the NAAB… or go post professional with the Sustainable Design..

What is my best choice?
_____________
 
The degree to which you will pursue depends on your longer term career goals.

If you wish to pursue licensure in the U.S., you will want to pursue the accredited professional Master of Architecture degree typically two years in length.  To obtain a list of possible degrees, visit -- http://www.naab.org --.

Instead, if you are seeking additional architectural education, but intend to return the Dominican Republic after graduate, you would be better served to pursue the post-professional graduate degree in architecture.  These are typically named - Master of Science in Architecture and are one-year in length.


If you still wish to become licensed in the U.S. with a post-professional degree but you would need to have your education evaluated - see below.


http://www.ncarb.org/en/Certification-and-Reciprocity/EESA.aspx

Best.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Licensing for foreign architects

I am sending you seeking your advice regarding becoming a licensed architect in the USA.

I finished my architectural studies from the German Jordanian University in Amman, Jordan and I hold a Bachelor of Architecture degree. 

I have been researching the process for becoming a licensed architect and I need to know first if my school is an accredited university by the NAAB. I sent them an email with my request but was not lucky and got no response. Any suggestions where can I get such information? I tried the NAAB website but also wasn't lucky enough.

Do you think I have good chances of becoming a licensed architect in USA since I am not American and I did not get my degree from an accredited school in the USA? I know it is a long process and I am willing to go through it till the end but has it happened before that non-American architects get the license and are allowed to work in USA?

Thank you for your help, looking forward to hear from you soon.
________________

First, I can say with certainty that your degree is not accredited by NAAB, but you can still pursue licensure in the U.S. 

Next, I would suggest you review the following website:
http://www.ncarb.org/en/Getting-an-Initial-License/Foreign-Architects.aspx
If you do not qualify for the BEFA or choose to pursue the traditional path toward licensure, the three main requirements you must fulfill to be licensed in a U.S. jurisdiction include education, experience, and examination. Recognize that not all jurisdictions have adopted NCARB's education and experience standards. All questions regarding your eligibility must be directed to your jurisdiction’s registration board.

Do recognize that you apply for licensure with a particular state, but NCARB facilitates the process for documenting your education, experience, and examination.

You will need to have your education evaluated via EESA; below is their website.
https://www.eesa-naab.org/home.aspx


There is certainly a good chance of becoming licensed if your education is equivalent to the NCARB Education Standard, you complete IDP and pass the ARE.

Contact EESA or NCARB with more detailed questions.  Best!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

International Education

My daughter wants to study and become an architect. However she is thinking of studying this in the UK or Australia-If she wants to practice in America as an architect would the UK degrees or Australian degrees be recognized in America? What does she have to do to gain her license once qualified in lets say California or Florida?
_________________

Congrats to your daughter for pursuing a career in architecture.

To become licensed as an architect in the United States, one must fulfill the requirements of the state/jurisdiction in which they wish to practice.  In most states, you need to fulfill 1) education (NAAB professional degree), 2) experience (fulfill IDP), and 3 examination (pass all divisions of ARE).  You may wish to contact the NCARB website to learn the specifics of Florida and California

If she decides to study in the UK or Australia, she would need to have her education evaluated against the NCARB Education Standard better known as
EESA.

You may also wish to review the Canberra Accord with regards to an education in Australia.

http://www.naab.org/international/canberraaccord.aspx


Best!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Validate Diploma

I am sorry to bother you but I am in doubt, because I have arrived at the United States a month ago, I majored in architecture in a Cuban university and I was wondering if there is any way for me to validate my diploma here. 
____________

The following confirms that your foreign education is equivalent to the NCARB Education Standard.

EESA
https://www.eesa-naab.org/home.aspx

Saturday, March 3, 2012

EESA - Foreign Architect

Is it possible to work as an architect in the US with an Austrian degree in architecture (master degree)? Would it be possible or is it a must to pursue an "Architect Registration Examination" (ARE) with that background? Or would it be enough to be a licensed Austrian architect?
_______

You may pursue licensure in the U.S. with a foreign degree but you must have your education reviewed through EESA - https://www.eesa-naab.org/home.aspx
NAAB administers the EESA-NCARB program, which evaluates the credentials of foreign educated and broadly experienced architects against the NCARB Education Standard. EESA-NCARB provides assistance to individuals who do not have a professional degree in architecture from an NAAB-accredited school of architecture and who wish to either apply for NCARB certification or for registration by an NCARB member board. 

Also reference the following information from NCARB -- http://www.ncarb.org/en/Getting-an-Initial-License/Foreign-Architects.aspx

You would NOT be able to practice architecture in the U.S. with your Austrian license.



Thursday, March 1, 2012

EESA - Foreign Architect

My question is simple, I am confused about the specific functions of the NAAB, NCARB, EESA, related to becoming an Architect, the NAAB says it is "a non profit" and  "is the sole agency authorized to accredit US professional degree programs in architecture ", but there is a fee of near 1900 for an evaluation, also there is the  "EESA-NCARB program", which mixes the two, oh! there is another mix " The NAAB has recently established maintenance and reinstatement fees for EESA "

So, to make short, can you please tell me what is the process to become an architect classified by stages, and which organization commands each stage?

Thank you in advance for your help, and patience. And if it helps, I am an Architect in my country, but as a legal resident in the United States of America, I want to live here and have my credentials working.
_____________

Having worked at NAAB, I can provide you some insight on the EESA process.  NAAB is under contract with NCARB to run EESA.  Just because NAAB is a non-profit does not mean that they do not collect fees.

In the U.S., the architectural profession is represented by the following:

American Institute of Architects (AIA) – Professional organization for licensed and non-licensed architects;
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) – Organization which administers IDP and the ARE;
American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) – Independent, student-run organization representing students of architecture;
Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) – Works to advance the quality of architectural education
National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) – Agency that accredits schools of architecture.

Each one has a role in the process of becoming an architect.  As you are an architect in another country, I would suggest you work with NCARB to become licensed in the U.S.  Review the following:

http://www.ncarb.org/en/Getting-an-Initial-License/Foreign-Architects.aspx


How long have you been an architect?  Read the materials to learn more.

Best.


Thursday, February 16, 2012

Foreign Architect

I am writing to find out if I can practice as an architect in Massachusetts following a BArch from a state university in Malaysia.  The name of the school is Universiti Sains Malaysia (http://hbp.usm.my/index.php/programmes/undergraduates/archi)
Who should I talk to concerning my question? Please advise. 

I hold a degree in Economics and an MBA and have worked in the high-tech corp for 12 years. I'm currently evaluating my career and would like to go back to school in architecture, something that I've always wanted to study. 

Many thanks
__________

Bottom line, you can become licensed in Massachusetts and the U.S. from the degree you list below, but the process is more longer and more complicated with a foreign degree.

Your best source for more information is the following:

EESA - Education Evaluation Services for Architects - as your degree would be a foreign country, you would need to have it evaluated against the NCARB Education Standard. (
https://www.eesa-naab.org/home.aspx)

NCARB - Foreign Architects - outlines what is needed. (
http://www.ncarb.org/Getting-an-Initial-License/Foreign-Architects.aspx)

Another route that may be more challenging and expensive is to purse the NAAB accredited Master of Architecture (3-4 years) from a U.S. institution.  Just a thought.

Friday, January 20, 2012

NCARB Licensure

After first personal ARCHITECTURE level as undergraduate M.Arch /5 years curriculum of Arch. faculty of Belgrade University / DIPLOMA, afterward intention to pass MArch II on HARVARD /so since that is NOT accredited by NCARB ?/, will you guide me how to pass - qualify as Graduated Architect for licensure with NCARB, please?

Will you be so kind recommend to me some NCARB accredited, as well, high level as HARVARD faculty school MArch II program, please?
_________

As your undergraduate MArch is from a foreign institution, you will need to have your education (both degrees) evaluated as part of the EESA process.

This will review your education and determine its equivalency to the NCARB Education Standard. 

https://www.eesa-naab.org/home.aspx


http://www.ncarb.org/Certification-and-Reciprocity/EESA.aspx

Once your education has been determined equivalent you will have met the education standrard; afterwards, you will need to meet the training (IDP) and examination (ARE) standards.


Your best source of information on licensure is NCARB - http://www.ncarb.org

Best!  Dr. Architecture

Monday, October 17, 2011

Information about accrediation

I have completed my Bachelors of Architecture (B.Arch)  and Post Graduation in Construction Management (PGCM) from India. I have relocated to Santa Clara, CA few months back. I am looking forward to enroll into a master's program in San Fransisco Institute of Architecture (SFIA) or UC berkeley for students with architecture background. Both these programs do not have accreditation. Does accreditation carry weight-age during job search?

What are the disadvantages of earning a degree from universities that do not have accreditation?  I am also looking for jobs in architecture. Could you please forward me some leads/pointers for the same?
___________

Below is a basic definition of accreditation as listed on the NAAB website (www.naab.org).
What is accreditation?
Accreditation, in general, is a process of external quality review used to scrutinize colleges, universities and educational programs for quality assurance and quality improvement. In the United States, accreditation is carried out by private, nonprofit organizations designed for this specific purpose. Institutions and educational programs seek accredited status as a means of demonstrating their academic quality to students and the public

For you, accreditation may be important if you intend to become a licensed architect in the U.S.  Almost every jurisdiction requires an individual to have a professional accredited degree by NAAB to pursue licensure.

Of course, as you have an equivalent degree from India, you may pursue licensure and meet the education requirement through EESA - Evaluation Education Services for Architects (
https://www.eesa-naab.org/), a process done by NAAB.  As you will see, it is an expensive process (almost $2,000), but less monies that obtaining an additional degree.

Thus, your decision on pursuing an accredited degree or not depends on your longer term goals of becoming an architect in the U.S.


Best
Dr. Architecture

Monday, September 12, 2011

Foreign Credentials

I studied Architecture in Fine Arts college in Egypt for five years,  and got graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture .  I have the green card  and planning to move to the united states soon.
Now I am seeking to continue my studies there to finally become an accredited Architect with a license to pursue my career.
I understood that I need an equivalency to determine how many more points I need to earn before getting graduated from an American college or an continuing to get a Master

Please advise me on how and where I can send my transcript , or the steps I need to follow to be able to apply in a college

Your feedback is highly appreciated.
________

You need to be in touch with NCARB to learn the process of becoming licensed in the U.S. as one who has been education in another country.

In addition, you need to contact EESA - Education Evaluation Services for Architects -- https://www.eesa-naab.org/home.aspx

Be sure to review all of the information on the website.

Dr. Architecture 

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

EESA

Could you help me out in UK universities which offer architecture?  Can I practice architecture in the US or india with a degree from a UK university?
__________

I cannot be of any assistance with regards to UK universities.

As for your last question, you can become licensed with a foreign degree, but you must go through NCARB to have your education evaluated.  This is done by EESA - Education Evaluation Services for Architects.
EESA assists those individuals who wish to apply for NCARB certification or for registration by an NCARB member board and who do not have a professional degree in architecture from an NAAB-accredited program of study. EESA works with internationally educated applicants and with architects in NCARB’s Broadly Experienced Architects (BEA) program.

Obviously, if your intent is to become licensed in the U.S., you can always obtain a professional accredited degree in architecture in the U.S.


Dr. Architecture

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Foreign Architect

I am writing in regard to my career and new situation as I am an architect holding an architectural BSC. degree from a university in Egypt, I am also PMP certified and working for a firm in Kuwait.  However I am now U.S. green card holder and I am seriously thinking to move to the United States NYC. Please advise me what process needed to be done in order to be able to work in NYC and if my certificate needs accreditation what steps should I follow.
 
Your support will be highly appreciated
________

To become a licensed architect in the U.S., one needs 1) education, 2) experience, and 3) examination.  While it slightly varies from state to state, NCARB does require a professional accredited degree in architecture, completion of IDP and passing of the ARE to obtain certification allowing one to gain reciprocity from state to state.

For your education in Egypt, you will need to have it evaluated by EESA - 
https://www.eesa-naab.org/home.aspx -- It is a process by which they evaluate your education against the NCARB Education Standard.

You may also wish to review the following from NCARB --

http://www.ncarb.org/Getting-an-Initial-License/Foreign-Architects.aspx

Best!
 
Dr. Architecture 

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Reciprocity Degree

My Bachelor of Architecture Degree and Master Degree in Architecture & Urban Planning were issued by Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture, Viet Nam. The BA Degree was issued in 1994, and the Master Degree was issued in 1998. I would like to have my degree to be certificated (Reciprocity Degree) for future using. Please advise. 
I am looking forward to hearing from you soon. I will be truly appreciated for your help. 
_________
I am not sure exactly what you mean by reciprocity for future using, but if your desire is to become a licensed architect in the U.S., you would need your architectural education evaluated by the following:
Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA-NCARB)
NAAB administers the EESA-NCARB program, which evaluates the credentials of foreign educated and broadly experienced architects against the NCARB Education Standard. EESA-NCARB provides assistance to individuals who do not have a professional degree in architecture from an NAAB-accredited school of architecture and who wish to either apply for NCARB certification or for registration by an NCARB member board. 

If this is not what you mean, send a more detailed explanation.
Dr. Architecture 

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Starting IDP and EESA

Hello Dr. Architecture,
I have recently completed BArch (5years) from accredited school of architecture in india now i am thinking to come for internship in USA (I have got offer as intern too). So my question is do I become eligible for registering and starting IDP process as my internship is going on over there and if soo how many years of office experience is needed to be elligible for licensure exam to become licensed architect over there or its necessary to go for MArch degree or so from U.S
university since my B.arch degree is from India?

Any insights you may have would be greatly appreciated

Thank you so much for your valuable time.
____________

Congrats on your recently completed BArch.

To learn more about IDP (Intern Development Program), visit NCARB at www.ncarb.org; download the IDP Guidelines (see below).

when can I start?
Your “IDP eligibility date” is the date after which you are able to earn IDP experience. Qualifying experience must be earned on or after your IDP eligibility date. Once your IDP eligibility date has been established, it is set for all experience earned on or after that date.
Under the IDP eligibility dates effective 1 October 2010, the earliest eligibility date you can obtain is 1 October 2010. For experience earned prior to 1 October 2010, you must comply with the eligibility dates in effect prior to 1 October 2010.
For experience earned prior to 1 October 2010:
For experience earned prior to 1 October 2010, you must comply with the IDP eligibility dates and documentation outlined in Appendix A.
For experience earned on or after 1 October 2010:
For experience earned on or after 1 October 2010, you can earn IDP experience1 once you have successfully established:
1. Enrollment in a NAAB/CACB-accredited degree program. [link to form1] 2. Enrollment in a pre-professional architecture degree program at a school
that offers a NAAB/CACB-accredited degree program. [link to form 2]
3. Employment in work setting A after obtaining a U.S. high school diploma, General Education Degree (GED) equivalent, or comparable foreign degree. [link to form 3]

The overall IDP requirement is 5600 hours which is not quite a full three years if working full-time.

the IDp training requirement
In order to satisfy the IDP training requirement, you must earn 5,600 hours of experience. You earn training hours when you are employed in work settings recognized by your state registration board. Of the 5,600 hours required for completion of IDP, 3,720 hours are considered core minimum hours. Core minimum hours are earned in four training categories that include 16 training areas. The additional 1,880 hours required are considered elective hours.

In terms of your education, you would NOT need to necessarily pursue the Master of Architecture, but you would need to have your education from India evaluated against the NCARB Education Standard via EESA - Education Evaluation Services for Architects -- https://www.eesa-naab.org/home.aspx

I hope this all helps!

Dr. Architecture

Sunday, July 18, 2010

I have completed B.Arch (2004) and Masters in Urban Development and Planning (2007) from India. In total I have 2 years of experience in Architecture, but not in Urban Planning. Due to some personal reasons I have stopped working. Now I am in U.S.A on dependent Visa. I really wish to work again as I am passionate about Architecture. Can you please suggest me some short term courses to brush up my architectural skills . It would be a great help if guide me on some queries-

As I m a foreign Architect so is it mandatory to pass ARE and evaluate my education through EESA?

Can I work with Architectural firms without being registered in U.S.A. As I want to gain the experience in this field not practice by my own?

Do I need to work as an intern with architectural firms? As I don’t have work permit?

Can you suggest me about firms which provide services for both disciplines (Architecture and Urban Planning)? Where I can work as an Architect and Planner?
________

As your questions are very specific, I may not be the best person to address them, but I will do my best and possibly refer you to other resources.

 If your desire is to become a licensed architect in the U.S., I suggest you review the NCARB website -- All jurisdictions require an education, training, and exam requirement (www.ncarb.org). As a foreign architect, you may wish to learn more about the BEFA program -- http://www.ncarb.org/Getting-an-Initial-License/Foreign-Architects.aspx -- 



An individual may certainly work for an architecture firm without being licensed in the U.S., but please become knowledgeable on work permits given your visa status. I am not an expert of this and suggest you contact someone who is -- perhaps, the U.S. Government. 

The position you would work within a firm would be more dependent on your experience level than anything. You would NOT be able to be an architect as you are not licensed. Again, check out resources about work permits.



I do not recommend specific firms, but there are many resources that list firms. Most chapters of the American Institute of Architects have websites of firms.

Dr. Architecture

Sunday, April 18, 2010

EESA

I just came across your blog - i wish i had found it a year or so earlier; perhaps you can help?

when did EESA start accrediting foreign degrees?

when did NCARB stop accepting foreign degrees? - and why? was it protectionism?

why i ask - i am Bartlett educated to RIBA part 2, living & working in New Orleans since 1981

after 2 years IDP my boss encouraged me to sit the licensing exam - all my peers were going through it - it was a fun study group - BUT they had just stopped accepting foreign, (as the Washington NCARB office put it - 'even English') degrees - and i could not proceed (was this 1983 or 4?)

5 or so years of full time practice later i was invited to teach at Tulane - i LOVED teaching and sought to become better qualified - but did not ,and do not, seek a full time tenured position

i continued practice locally - solo and as a part time consultant to several firms - and teach until 1993 when i returned to London for a couple of years (coincident with personal responsibilities) and achieved a Masters degree in Advanced Architectural Studies

i returned to New Orleans, continued my practice and teaching at TUSA

as of 2007 new requirements for my position include licensure and the new administration put me on 'probation' regarding the issue in 2008, stating they were looking for steps toward that end, now the new administration is stating i have had enough time - despite faculty recommendations that the process, thru' registration, will take about 3 years
________

First, EESA does not accredit foreign degrees, they evaluate foreign academic credentials as they meet the NCARB Education Standard; below is their website and a statement from their website. I am not sure when EESA begin providing this serve on behalf of NCARB, but I think it was about 2003 or so.

EESA
EESA assists those individuals who wish to apply for NCARB certification or for registration by an NCARB member board and who do not have a professional degree in architecture from an NAAB-accredited program of study. EESA works with internationally educated applicants and with architects in NCARB’s Broadly Experienced Architects (BEA) program.

https://www.eesa-naab.org/

Second, NCARB did not stop accepting foreign degrees, instead, they contact with NAAB for the EESA process to evaluate foreign credentials against the NCARB Education Standard. To learn more, visit the NCARB website - www.ncarb.org.

You may also wish to review the BEFA program of NCARB assuming that you have what is listed as the minimum requirements.

http://www.ncarb.org/en/Getting-an-Initial-License/Foreign-Architects.aspx

NCARB offers an alternative for certification through our Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect (BEFA) Program. At a minimum, this program requires:

  • A professional degree in architecture from an accredited/ validated/officially recognized architecture program
  • An architect credential in a country other than the United States and Canada (NCARB provides certification for architects registered in Canada) that:
  • Has a formal record-keeping method for disciplinary actions for architects; and
  • Provides reasonable reciprocal credentialing opportunities for U.S. architects
  • A minimum of seven years of comprehensive, unlimited practice as a credentialed architect over which the applicant exercised responsible control in the foreign country where the applicant is credentialed
I highly suggest you contact NCARB to learn the process. I hope this helps!

Dr. Architecture