Pathways
There are numerous paths for an individual to become an architect in California. In fact, California has the most options to become an architect. These paths can be distilled into the following categories.
Traditional (Accredited Degree) Path
The Traditional Path consists of a degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB), completion of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), completion of the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), and the California Supplemental Examination (CSE).
Candidates with foreign education who have a NAAB Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA) performed and who meet the NCARB Education Standard would also fall into this path.
Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) Program
IPAL is an NCARB program that closely follows the Traditional Path but allows candidates to complete their education while simultaneously earning AXP experience and taking the ARE. The IPAL Path is an accelerated way to become an architect. Candidates enrolled in IPAL must wait until they either graduate from the program or withdraw from it before applying with CAB. IPAL candidates must also complete the CSE to become eligible for a California architect license. You can find complete information on IPAL from the NCARB website.
Degree + Work Experience Path
Candidates who choose this path have earned a degree from a non-accredited program (a program not accredited by either NAAB or CACB) or from a foreign educational institution. CAB does not require the ESSA and has a list of approved foreign education evaluation services from which a candidate could select to evaluate their foreign education. This path affords flexibility for candidates as it permits them to combine any field of study with work architectural work experience under a licensed architect. This path also requires completion of the ARE, CSE and AXP.
Apprenticeship (Work Experience) Path
Candidates may also use architectural training (work) experience to become eligible for an architect license. Following this path a candidate uses the experience earned working under the direct supervision of a licensed or registered architect in a U.S. jurisdiction in lieu of earning a degree to qualify for licensure. CAB awards work experience credit based on the standard 40-hour work week. Like the other paths, the ARE, AXP, and CSE are required to receive an architect license.
NOTE: Transcripts may either be submitted by your school(s) to NCARB or the Board. Transcripts submitted from a school to NCARB may help candidates seeking licensure in multiple U.S. jurisdictions. Submissions by a candidate are not acceptable.