PRACTICING ARCHITECTURE IN WASHINGTON STATE
In Washington as throughout the US, only individuals licensed to do so may represent themselves using the title "architect" or engage in the practice of architecture as defined by law. Generally, the requirements for licensure include a combination of education and practical experience, and passage of a qualifying exam (the Architect Registration Exam/ARE) administered by most US states. As a service to those seeking architectural careers and to the public, AIA Seattle provides this summary:
What you need to know about
THE ARCHITECTURAL LICENSING PROCESS
• Step 1: IDP
At or after completion of architectural education, the Intern Development Program, administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), provides structure to the required practical training experience and a record-keeping system toward eligibility to take the ARE (see below). The Washington State Board of Registration for Architects requires completion of IDP as part of eligibility to sit for the exam. To download an IDP packet, click here, or pick up a copy at the AIA Seattle office.
For employers:
* "What Every Firm Needs to Know about IDP"
* AIA Intern-Friendly/Teaching Firm Guidelines (draft 4/06)
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Individuals seeking initial or reciprocal licensure may register to have NCARB maintain the record of their education and practical experience, toward eligibility for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). The NCARB website provides a full range of information relevant to licensure, including eligibility requirements, individual state registration boards contacts, ARE guidelines, tutorials, and ARE study guides.
1801 K Street NW, Suite 1100K
Washington, DC 20006-1310
202/783-6500 202/783-0290 (fax)
AIA Emerging Professionals Resources
... including Emerging Professionals Companion
... more about IDP
Step 2: The Exam
The Architectural Registration Examination (ARE)
Registration to practice architecture in Washington State requires passage of the ARE. Through NCARB's arrangements, eligible candidates may take the computerized exam, administered at three Washington locations as well as many others throughout the US, Canada, and US Territories. The exam includes 9 sections, each offered separately. Click here to download the application to sit for the exam.
The Washington Board for Architects
The Washington State Architect Registration Board, operating within the Washington Department of Licensing, determines eligibility to sit for the ARE for initial licensure in Washington, as well as handling reciprocal licensure, license renewal, and enforcement of Washington's licensure laws.
Board of Registration for Architects
PO Box 9045
Olympia, WA 98057-9045
(360) 664-1388
RESOURCES:
IDP Coordinator: An IDP Coordinator provides liaison with NCARB and help counsel architecture students and IDP enrollees. Please direct IDP questions to volunteer IDP Coordinator Patricia Shelby AIA by e-mail including "IDP" in the subject line, or by phone (425) 463-1371.
ARE Prep Series: AIA Seattle coordinates the twice-yearly offering (in April and October) of ARE Prep, a series of seminars and workshops (next October 2007) designed to focus exam candidates on techniques for success in passing the exam as well as on the exam subject matter.
