Obtaining The Proper Licenses To Become An Architect
In order to become an architect, there are special requirements and certifications that you will need to complete. You will need to complete a national certification exam, and you will also be required to take state licensing exams that your state will require. We will now take a look at the steps that you will need to take in order to be a part of this demanding field.
The first part of your education involves earning a bachelor’s degree. Many times, students will work for and earn a five year bachelor’s degree in architecture. This eliminates the need for the student to earn a graduate degree as well. For students who choose to earn a four year bachelor’s degree, you will also need to complete a master’s degree in architecture. If your undergraduate degree is in architecture, you will need to complete a two year program, but if your undergraduate degree is in any other field, you will need to complete a three or four year master’s degree program.
Once your educational work is completed, getting work experience through an internship is an essential part of the training necessary in order to become an architect. The state architecture boards of all fifty states will require graduates to complete a minimum of a three year internship under a licensed architect in order to be eligible to take the architecture licensing test.
Once you have completed the educational requirements and the internship, the architecture boards of all states will require you to complete and pass the national Architect Registration Exam. There are nine sections to this exam, and you must obtain a passing grade in all sections in order to pass the test. Once you pass the national exam, an architect will obtain their state license. This will allow them to begin working without supervision. Most states will also require you to take additional annual or biannual continuing education classes in order to keep your license active and valid.
Once your career begins as an architect, you will work at creating building design concepts for various types of structures. The responsibilities of this job will include creating images and plans for buildings while ensuring safety and proper functioning of their building designs. You will work closely with engineers, designers, and urban planners throughout all phases of a construction project.
