Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
Special Requirements
Licensing requirements include a professional degree in architecture, a period of practical training, and passing all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination. A growing number of architects voluntarily seek certification by the NCARB, which can facilitate an individual’s becoming licensed to practice in additional States. Certification is awarded after independent verification of the candidate’s educational transcripts, employment record, and professional references. Certification is the primary requirement for reciprocity of licensing among State Boards that are NCARB members.
All States and the District of Columbia require individuals to be licensed (registered) before they may call themselves architects or contract to provide architectural services. Nevertheless, many architecture school graduates work in the field while they are in the process of becoming licensed. However, a licensed architect is required to take legal responsibility for all work. Licensing requirements include a professional degree in architecture, a period of practical training or internship, and passage of all divisions of the ARE.
Education Requirements:
Virginia requires that all applicants for original licensure hold a professional degree in architecture from one of the 113 schools of architecture that have degree programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) not later than two years after graduation. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for equivalency to a NAAB accredited degree. The board reserves the right to reject, for good cause, any evaluation submitted. Any cost of translation and evaluation will be borne by the applicant.
Three types of professional degrees in architecture are available through colleges and universities. The majority of all architectural degrees are from 5-year Bachelor of Architecture programs, intended for students entering university - level studies from high school or with no previous architectural training. In addition, a number of schools offer a 2-year Master of Architecture program for students with a preprofessional undergraduate degree in architecture or a related area, or a 3 to 4 year Master of Architecture program for students with a degree in another discipline.
Although graduate education beyond the professional degree is not required for practicing architects, it may be for research, teaching, and certain specialties.
Experience Required:
The successful completion of the Intern Development Program, a branch of the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards shall be required for original licensure.
Before submitting an application for original licensure in Virginia:
1. An applicant shall be enrolled in NCARB - IDP for one year or more.
2. Applicants must have a minimum of 36 month experience /training. Any experience/training of less than 10 consecutive weeks will not be considered in satisfying this requirement.
3. All applicants must have a minimum of 12 months experience/training as an employee in the office of a licensed architect .
Other Requirements:
Applicants shall submit 3 references with their application from licensed architects in a jurisdiction or territory of the United States or Canada. References shall be current for one year. The same people providing references may not also verify experience and training.
Exam:
All applicants for original licensure in Virginia are required to pass an NCARB prepared exam after meeting the educational and experience requirements.
The exam is offered at least once a year at a time designated by the board.
License by comity:
Any person who is or has been licensed in the U.S. or Canada may be granted a license provided that:
1. The applicant meets all of the requirements for licensing in Virginia that were in effect at the time of the original licensure or possesses an NCARB certificate and:
2. The applicant currently holds an active valid license in good standing in the U.S. or Canada.
3. Applicants licensed in foreign countries other than Canada may be granted a license in Virginia based on an NCARB certificate.
Most States have adopted the training standards established by the (NCARB). These standards stipulate broad and diversified training under the supervision of a licensed architect over a 3-year period. New graduates usually begin as interns in architectural firms, where they assist in preparing architectural documents or drawings. Some States allow some of the training to occur in the offices of related professionals, such as engineers or general contractors. Architecture students who complete internships in architectural firms while still in school can count some of that time toward the required 3-year training period.
Interns may research building codes and materials or write specifications for building materials, installation criteria, the quality of finishes, and other, related details. After completing the on-the-job training period, interns are eligible to sit for the ARE. The examination tests candidates’ knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required in the design and construction of buildings. Nine critical areas are covered. Candidates who pass the ARE and meet all standards established by their State board are licensed to practice in that State.
LICENSE RENEWAL:
• Must be renewed every two years
Required Fees:
|
Application
|
$ 45
|
|
Pre-Design
|
$102
|
|
General Structures
|
$102
|
|
Lateral Forces
|
$102
|
|
Mechanical and Electrical Systems
|
$102
|
|
Materials and Methods
|
$102
|
|
Construction Documents and Services
|
$102
|
|
Site Planning
|
$153
|
|
Building Planning
|
$153
|
|
Building Technology
|
$153
|
|
Renewal
|
$ 35
|
|
Test Rescheduling Fee
|
$ 35
|
|
Programming, Planning, and Practice
|
$170
|
|
Site Planning and Design
|
$170
|
|
Building Design and Construction Systems
|
$170
|
|
Schematic Designs
|
$170
|
|
Structural Systems
|
$170
|
|
Building Systems
|
$170
|
|
Construction and Services
|
$170
|
|
Test Rescheduling Fee
|
$ 35
|
For More Information, Contact:
Apelscidla Department Of Professional And Occupational Regulation
3600 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23230-4917
Phone: 804.367.8506
TTY: 804.367.9753
Fax: 804.367.8512
http://www.state.va.us/dpor/
National Council Of Architectural Registration Boards
1801 K Street, NW
Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202.783.6500
Fax: 282.783.0290
http://www.ncarb.org/
The American Institute Of Architects
1735 New York Ave. NW.
Washington, DC 20006
http://www.aia.org/
Intern Development Program
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research.
