Planning on Being an Architect?
Step 1: Graduate High School with Strong Academic Skills
Work and study hard for each and every one of your classes throughout High School. Colleges will be reviewing your Freshman through Junior year grades, so it is extremely important to hit the books hard from the very beginning, and ask for help if you feel are falling behind. Take Math every year in High School. Challenge yourself with advanced placement courses. Exceed on your AIMS tests and earn the equivalent of $20,000 for college!
Step 2: Meet Education Requirement
Earn a professional degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Most architectural education programs are Bachelor's or Master's level, requiring five or six years of study. Choose a college that will provide the program you are interested in. Master's programs are great, but in this field only required if you want to go on to teaching architecture.
Step 3: Complete Internship
The Intern Development Program helps you apply your education to real world professional practice and usually lasts for three years. It is possible to begin your internships before graduation from college.
Step 4: Become Registered
You must pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) to become a registered architect in all jurisdictions.
Step 5: Get Certified
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Certificate is the final credential you should obtain. Certification recognizes registered architects who meet the profession's highest standards. Certificate holders automatically qualify for reciprocal registration in most jurisdictions and a growing number of foreign countries.