Four More Architecture Programs Join NCARB’s ‘Integrated Path to Licensure’ Initiative

Architecture programs at the Catholic University of America, University of Florida, University of Maryland, and Woodbury University will bring experience and examination into curricula.

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) announced the acceptance of four additional accredited programs into the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) initiative. The initiative encourages programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) to integrate education and experience requirements, as well as the opportunity to take each of the six divisions of the new Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) 5.0.

The newly accepted programs include:

The Catholic University of America; Washington, DC

University of Florida; Orlando, FL

University of Maryland; College Park, MD

Woodbury University; Los Angeles, CA

These programs will join the 14 inaugural schools announced in 2015. IPAL is designed to provide a more structured process for students pursuing licensure early in their career. Each program will implement the integrated path according to individual schedules developed by their administration and faculty.

“We fully expect that the new additions will match the creativity, academic rigor, and dedication to the profession that has been demonstrated by their predecessors,” said NCARB President Dennis S. Ward, FAIA, NCARB, who announced the new IPAL programs at the organization’s 97th Annual Business Meeting in Seattle. “NCARB is excited that the initiative continues to grow, and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of its participants over the coming years.”

IPAL was developed by NCARB’s Licensure Task Force, which was composed of licensing board members, industry leadership, recently licensed architects, licensure candidates, deans, educators, and members of the public. Charged with promoting academic flexibility while addressing national requirements for architectural licensure, the task force reviewed existing programs requiring experience as a pre-graduation requisite, and issued a formal Request for Proposals, as part of its deliberations.

NCARB’s Education Committee will oversee the ongoing work of this initiative. The organization will continue to coach accepted programs, help promote engagement with state licensing boards, and oversee the acceptance of future programs.

To learn more about the initiative, visit www.ncarb.org/IPAL.

About NCARB

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ membership is made up of the architectural registration boards of all 50 states as well as those of the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCARB assists its member registration boards in carrying out their duties and provides a certification program for individual architects.

NCARB protects the public health, safety, and welfare by leading the regulation of the practice of architecture through the development and application of standards for licensure and credentialing of architects. In order to achieve these goals, the Council develops and recommends standards to be required of an applicant for architectural registration; develops and recommends standards regulating the practice of architecture; provides to Member Boards a process for certifying the qualifications of an architect for registration; and represents the interests of Member Boards before public and private agencies. NCARB has established reciprocal registration for architects in the United States and Canada.