Licensure, Certification, and Reciprocity

I am an Intern Architect finishing up my IDP Record.  I will be relocating to Chicago soon.  I currently live in FL. I  graduated with a pre-professional degree in architecture.  I learned that you need @9,000 something credits by Dec 31, 2013.  I already have 6823 credits earned already.

Q #1: Do I apply for Illinois via a separate applic or do I just only click on IL in NCARB website of record transmittal? 

Q #2: Once I am licensed in IL and completed all exams, can I apply for NCARB reciprocity to other states AFTER all this is done? (with pre-professional degree)

Q #3: In general, what are the positives and negatives in being licensed out of state while living in another state?

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You are asking specific questions concerning licensure; as I do not wish to misdirect you, I will suggest you contact NCARB and the Department of Professional Regulation for the state of Illinois.

NCARB | 1801 K Street, NW | Suite 700K | Washington, DC 20006 | P: 202/879-0520 | F: 202/783-0290

Illinois Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation
Division of Professional Regulation
320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62786
217/524-3211
217/782-7645
fpr.prfgroup02@illinois.gov

#1) As I understand it, you may simply request your NCARB record be transmitted to the state of Illinois.  Be sure to review the following -- http://academics.triton.edu/faculty/fheitzman/idp.htm -- as a guide to licensure in Illinois.  Effective 1/1/2014, you will need a NAAB accredited degree to become licensed in Illinois.

#2) Yes, you do that through NCARB, but you need an accredited degree for NCARB Certification - http://www.ncarb.org/Certification-and-Reciprocity.aspx --

#3) Value of Certification - http://www.ncarb.org/Certification-and-Reciprocity/Value-of-an-NCARB-Certificate.aspx

I hope this is helpful.

To pursue MArch upon graduation or Not.

I am a student at the University of ... The program is a 4 year accredited program.  I am in my third year spring semester.  I was planning on doing my maters after my senior year, but now am having second thoughts and may want to work for a year,  I am presently going to be doing an internship in May upon the completion of this semester. I have mixed feelings about what is the right decision.  Also I have heard that I could sit for the exam without a masters degree.  Could you please let me know if this is correct and any advice you could offer.

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First, let me address your last question.  In certain jurisdictions (very few), you may sit for the ARE with only a preprofessional degree such as you are receiving.  However, you will NOT be eligible for NCARB Certification which would be necessary for reciprocity - allowing you to become licensed in another state. 

Thus, it is STRONGLY encouraged for you to complete the NAAB accredited Master of Architecture which is necessary for NCARB Certification and all jurisdictions accept to meet the education standard.

Now to your other question - The decision to pursue graduates studies directly after your undergraduate degree or entering the workforce is "the million dollar question."  In my opinion, there is no "right" decision; it is what is best for you given your circumstances.  Consider the following:

Are you excited about pursuing graduate studies?  Will you stay at Buffalo or pursue graduate studies elsewhere?  Do you have the academic credentials to gain admission to graduate studies?  Are you able to secure employment?  See, there are many factors to consider.

I will also offer the following - for me, I went six years straight but did attend a different graduate program from my undergraduate.  I was ready to pursue graduate studies.  If you decide to work, I would suggest staying out a full year because a year is not enough to experience work; plus, it is not fair to your employer to leave for school only 12-15 months later.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Dr. Architecture

I've just read through your website and firstly, I would like to thank you for all the information you brought to my attention.

Now let me shed light on my situation:

I'm currently a high school student and recently architecture has been "calling" to me. Luckily, I live close to one of the top graduate schools of the nation. However, it's 4 year undergraduate architecture program only results in a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. Now, my state requires a NAAB accredited education for registration for the ARE, but I have a question. I've done a lot of research and cannot seem to find a conclusive answer and hope you can shed light on the situation for me.

If I acquire a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, then reside in a state that accepts a non-NAAB accredited education for the ARE, upon completion, can I move out of state to one that requires a NAAB accredited education and be recognized as a licensed architect or am I required to live in a state that recognizes a Bachelor of Science in Architecture as worthy?

Also, I have one more question. I cannot afford the graduate college immediately after undergraduate. If I were to complete my internship and return to complete a masters degree, would my previous internship suffice, or would I need to complete my three years after my highest level of education?

Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

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Rather than directly answer your question, let me help you understand the process of becoming an architect in a different way.

First, the process of becoming an architect requires the completion of three tasks - 1) completion of an NAAB accredited professional degree in architecture; 2) completion of Intern Development Program (IDP) - experience under the supervision of a licensed architect; and 3) passing the 7-part Architect Registration Examination (ARE).  With that said, very few states allow only a preprofessional degree (as you mention), but it limits your career options later.

The above requirements vary from state-to-state, but almost all require the three tasks as outlined above.

When you have completed the three tasks you will be a licensed architect in the state or jurisdiction in which you applied to be an architect.  If you move to another state, you may not practice as an architect because the licensing of an architect is by state.

However, you can gain NCARB certification which will facilitate your becoming an architect in a new state or jurisdiction.

As for your last question -- first, there is actually more financial aid at the graduate level; almost all programs provide fellowships, assistantships and scholarships.  You certainly could work between your undergraduate and graduate degrees, but some states do require experience after your graduate degree.

I hope this all helps; do contact me if you have any additional questions.

Dr. Architecture