Practice Management Member Conversations

I'm Michelle, the Assistant Director, Education for NCARB. Certification requirements can be complex and I'm sorry to hear that you have been having trouble finding accurate information. This thread caught my attention and I wanted to offer my assistance. NCARB has several programs that provide alternate paths to certification for U.S.-registered architects (BEA program) and foreign architects interested in U.S. licensure (BEFA program) and I work closely with both programs.

I'd be glad to provide more detailed information and answer any specific questions. Please feel free to contact me at mkinasiewicz@ncarb.org or forward my contact information to your colleagues.

-------------------------------------------
Michelle Kinasiewicz AIA
Assistant Director
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
-------------------------------------------

Hi Michelle,

Thank you for providing us with your contact information.  I've been reading the posts and am interested in how NCARB can achieve more congruency between state licensing boards.  From my early days, when I first started my IDP file after graduating from The Ohio State University's 4-year undergrad program, I realized- saw the writing on the wall, if you will- how crucial it was to establish my IDP record which I gladly did.  In one of their circlulars of information, NCARB had provided a map of the U.S. and denoted several key licensure requirements of each state; and they differed greatly.

One thing that stood out to me then was how California, at the time, was really a free spirit- you didn't have to wait 3 years before taking the A.R.E. but could do sit for it straight out of school, and they didn't require an accredited degree.  Contrast that with Ohio, back in 1989, and they were already requiring state licensure candidates to have an accredited degree; there may have been some leeway...not sure what year that went into effect in Ohio.

I have been fortunate to have worked in states where my licensure is possible- both California and Texas. I am only licensed in Texas as we relocated here before I completed the process there; and I have not gone back to California to take the oral exam. 

So, all this brings me to my question: isn't it important, and wouldn't it make reciprocity far easier for everyone if all the states were "on the same page" in terms of licensure requirements, CEU's, etc.? 

It seems ridiculous that someone who's licensed in one state, say New York, for example, might not "count" as a licensed architect in New Jersey.  

Are  there any plans underway within NCARB to move the states toward adopting the same licensing requirements across the board?  And, if so, what will happen to all of us who are licensed in states that don't currently require an accredited degree?  It seems only fair that there would be a grandfather clause to allow us to remain licensed without having to go back to school to earn an MArch (although, I would like to earn one, doing so would be a major time commitment and I'm not sure my family would support that goal at this time).

I look forward to your response.

Kind regards,
Tara

-------------------------------------------
Tara Imani AIA
Principal
Tara Imani Designs, LLC
Houston TX
-------------------------------------------