Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL)

The School of Architecture and Allied Arts at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ is proud to offer the Integrated Path to Architecture Licensure (IPAL) program developed by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).  IPAL is an optional, rigorous, accelerated program to help students achieve architecture licensure upon graduation from an accredited architecture school.

In order to practice architecture as a Registered Architect, all U.S. jurisdictions have requirements an individual must meet before they can legally use the title “Architect”.  While you do not need to be a Licensed Architect to work at an architecture firm, for a Licensed Architect, the title signifies to the public that you have successfully completed the requirements to practice architecture under your own name and license.

NCARB is the governing body that defines the three basic requirements to become a Licensed Architect; education, experience, and exams.  Depending on the jurisdiction you choose to register in there may be additional requirements, like an additional test or additional experience hours, you must meet before becoming a Registered Architect.  More information on each state’s requirements can be found here: .

Every jurisdiction is different but these are the minimum requirements:

  1. Education: Individuals need a NAAB accredited professional degree to be a licensed architect.  The National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB) is the governing body which accredits schools of architecture throughout the country.  At Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ, our Master of Architecture program is the only accredited professional degree we offer.  More information can be found here:
  2. Experience: NCARB requires that individuals seeking licensure must complete a minimum of 3,740 hours working for a Registered Architect or in a related field like construction or engineering.  This process is called the Architectural Experience Program (AXP).  More information can be found here:
  3. Exams: The Architecture Registration Examination (ARE) is six exams covering everything an architect must know during their time practicing architecture.  Individuals must pass all six exams before they can be a Registered Architect.  More information can be found here:

The majority of architecture students in the U.S. today must complete the architecture licensure process in a sequential method.  Individuals must first complete their NAAB accredited professional degree, complete their required AXP hours, then pass the ARE.  The IPAL program allows for an integrated method.  Students can work to complete their NAAB accredited degree, while they work to complete their AXP hours, while they begin to take the ARE.  This helps students become a Licensed Architect earlier in their career.  More information about the IPAL program can be found here: https://www.ncarb.org/earn-a-degree/ipal.  The IPAL program is optional and please think of it like a jump start into your career and architecture licensure process.  We encourage students to set long term career goals and the faculty and staff in the School of Architecture and Allied Arts are here to assist and advise students on their career path.  If you have any questions please contact our IPAL Advisor, David Lanetti at 23lanetti@cua.edu.

 

  • Why should I participate in an IPAL program?

    Think of the IPAL program as a jumpstart to licensure. It allows students to start the licensure process earlier than if they were not part of the IPAL program. At Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ, we are always striving to help students achieve their professional goals. The IPAL program is one way the faculty and staff can work with students to set and achieve professional goals.

  • Can international students join the IPAL program?

    Yes. All students may join the IPAL program as long as they complete the Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ IPAL application. International students will need the proper work permits and visa to begin working in the US and earning AXP hours. This is the only additional step needed for international students.

  • What happens if the student is not a Licensed Architect by the time they graduate?

    The student will simply not finish the IPAL program and will not be a Licensed Architect yet. The IPAL program is like a regular minor or certificate, if you do not finish the requirements you will still graduate but you will not earn the certificate. Students will not lose the AXP hours they have already finished and they will not lose credit for any ARE divisions they pass before graduating. The student can continue working to receive their architecture license after they graduate. The IPAL program is like a jumpstart to licensure and they will not lose any progress after graduating.

  • Do students need to stay in Washington, DC for their internship?

    No. Students may choose an internship wherever they please. Students often choose to either stay in DC or find an internship closer to home.

  • Do I have to take different or more classes to complete the IPAL program?

    No. The IPAL program does not require any additional or different classes than our Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree and our Master of Architecture degree. The only additional requirements for the IPAL program include meeting with your IPAL Advisor annually and attending two or three IPAL specific events each semester to help students prepare for the ARE and internships.

  • Do students need an NCARB Record while in the IPAL program?

    Yes. Every IPAL student needs to create an NCARB record to be a registered IPAL student. While in school, each IPAL student will meet with their IPAL advisor to create an account and discuss the IPAL program. More information on creating an NCARB record can be found here:  

  • Can you tell me more about earning AXP hours?

    AXP hours are earned while working for a Licensed Architect or working in a related field like construction or engineering. While in school, each IPAL student will meet with their IPAL advisor to discuss their internships and AXP hours. More information can be found here:

  • Can you tell me more about the ARE?

    The Architecture Registration Exam (ARE) is a six division exam covering everything a person needs to know to be a Licensed Architect. While in school, each IPAL student will meet with their IPAL advisor to prepare for the exams and discuss studying. Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ provides resources and study materials for students while they are preparing for the exams. More information can be found here:

  • Why should I receive a Bachelor of Science in Architecture if it is not an accredited professional degree?

    1. A Bachelor of Science in Architecture from a NAAB accredited school is a pre-professional degree.  This allows the student to enroll in an accelerated Master of Architecture program.  More information can be found here:
    2. There are three options to choose from when looking for a NAAB accredited professional degree program:
      1. Receive a 4 year Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree then a Master of Architecture degree which, at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ, is a 1.5 year program but other universities may offer a 2 year program.
      2. Receive a 4 year Bachelor's degree that is not an architecture degree then a 3 year Master of Architecture degree.
      3. Receive a 5 year Bachelor of Architecture degree.  This is the only option not offered at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ.

  • Do students have to apply for graduate school or are they already accepted if they are in the IPAL program?

    Yes, students have to apply for Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ’s graduate program even if they come from our undergrad program.  It is a separate degree, separate scholarship / financial aid process, and a separate application process from the undergraduate program.  Students from Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ’s undergraduate program are eligible for early consideration which allows them to apply for our graduate program during their junior year of their undergraduate studies.

  • Does the student’s undergraduate scholarship continue into the graduate portion of IPAL?

    No. Students are awarded separate undergraduate and graduate scholarships. Undergraduate scholarships only apply for eight semesters. Students may also earn a different, separate, scholarship for the graduate portion of their studies.

  • How long does it usually take to become a Registered Architect?

    There are two paths to becoming a Registered Architect. The first path is the sequential method in which students must first complete their architecture education, then experience, then their exams. The second method is the integrated method, through the IPAL program, in which students can complete their education, while they complete their experience, and while they complete their exams. According to NCARB, the sequential method takes individuals on average twelve years from the time they start architecture school until the time they pass their last exam. Also according to NCARB, the integrated method takes individuals on average seven years from the time they start architecture school until the time they pass their last exam. The IPAL program significantly reduces the amount of time it takes to become a Registered Architect.
#renderRow_Selectavalue($rowMap $renderRowsLocation)

IPAL Student Michael Matthews Featured by NCARB

Michael Matthews shares his unique experiences and opportunities at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ of America as well as advice for prospective students with NCARB. 

View story .

Sara Cangarlu: Experincing Benefits of the IPAL Program Firsthand

Sara Cangarlu shares her experience of laanding a full-time paid internship last year at a Washington, D.C., firm, where she was assigned to work on a major project — the design of a sports entertainment complex in Buffalo, NY.

Read more .