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The professional (five-year) degrees offered by the School of Architecture start you on the path to professional licensure. You must have a license to practice architecture and landscape architecture!

Here’s how to earn your license:

• Earn your degree. Most registration boards require a professional degree in architecture or landscape architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB).

• Participate in an intern development program (IDP).

  Most architecture registration boards require 170 to 180 weeks of internship with a licensed professional – about  three years – for licensure. Architecture students can start earning these hours while they are still in school – most boards will accept training units earned after completion of the first three years in an accredited professional degree program. Architecture students, visit the NCARB site to start your IDP record.

  Landscape architecture registration boards require from one to three or more years of post-graduate internship experience with a licensed professional. Landscape architecture students, visit the CLARB site to learn more about the council record.

• Take the test. Architects take the Architecture Registration Exam (ARE) ; landscape architects take the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE). Expect a comprehensive examination that covers every aspect of professional practice, from site analysis to structures. You may study for and take portions of the exam at different times.

• Get certified. Architects should apply for the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Certificate. 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. For landscape architects, certification by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) is formal recognition that the certificate holder's education, experience, examination and professional conduct meet or exceed CLARB's Standards. CLARB Certification does not guarantee that the applicant will be accepted for licensure in any  jurisdiction, however.

• Keep current. Architects and landscape architects may be required to earn continuing education credits throughout their careers. Classes, workshops and lectures count towards continuing education.

• Do your research. Requirements vary by state. If you know where you want to practice after graduation, begin to read up now on that state’s requirements for licensure.  Licensure laws and contact info for every state are available online. Architecture students, check out the NCARB site; Landscape architecture students, check out the ASLA site.
  

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Established in 1919 to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the public, the National Council of Registration Boards (NCARB) develops and recommends standards for architectural registration and the practice of architecture. NCARB also represents the interests of member boards before public and private agencies.

The Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) is dedicated to ensuring that all individuals who affect the natural and built environment through the practice of landscape architecture are qualified to do so. CLARB members work together to establish standards for education, experience and examination required for the professional licensure of landscape architects. CLARB also helps current and future practitioners understand, obtain and maintain the knowledge, skills and abilities required to practice the profession safely.