To become an architect, you need to complete either a five-year bachelor's degree program or a Master of Architecture (M.Arch.). Traditionally, aspiring architects must earn a bachelor's degree or master of architecture degree from a school approved by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Zevi, the most important Historian and critic of architecture on the planet until his death in 1999, used to say that Schools of Architecture are completely useless to become an architect. First, the AIA is a professional organization for architects, they don’t give certifications. Whatever you do, do not ask an Architect to just stamp the plans for you, as it is illegal for an Architect to “plan stamp” without having reasonable control or review of the drawings that were produced. National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, architecture license requirements by state, National Architectural Accrediting Board: School Search, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards: Gain AXP Experience, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards: Licensure Basics, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards: Licensing Requirements Tool, State of Washington: How to Get Your License: Architect by Exam, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards: Start the AXP, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards: Experience Requirements, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards: Setting O, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards: Education Alternative, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards: Certification Guidelines. In this case, you may submit a portfolio that addresses the organization's education requirements. I do have a degree in engineering. An Architecture degree is NOT necessarily required Depending on your previous work experience, attending architecture school may not be a prequisite for becoming an architect. You now need to get reciprocity in your home state. Which you choose depends on your comfort level with getting all the information you need from the state or if you are willing to pay NCARB to do it for you. The tests are administered through computer and can be taken anywhere, so you can still test in your home state. Becoming an architect without a degree is a very challenging prospect with requirements that differ from state to state. College is not an option for everyone and thankfully, Architecture is not limited to only those able to attend college. Moreover, more than 100 colleges offer the course, so you don’t need to worry. There are two ways to get reciprocity in your home state, the first requires you to contact your accrediting board and send them the information from the state you were licensed in, the other way is to get an NCARB Certificate. They allow licensed professionals to join. Another way to practice this profession without earning a degree in architecture is to complete the Education Alternative program. What Is a Beginning Salary for Architects. Before taking these steps, head over to the NCARB website to see architecture license requirements by state. or. and the Master of Architecture (M.Arch.). The same source notes that nearly half of your experience during the program must be gained while working for an architecture firm. Together we will explore various aspects of architecture to give you an understanding of what exactly an architect is, their responsibilities, how much money they make, and the process involved in becoming an architect. The State of Washington has similar rules. The most common path to becoming an architect involves obtaining a degree from a NAAB (National Architecture Accrediting Board) school, either a five-year Bachelor of Architecture or a two- to three-year Masters program, followed by an internship and examinations. According to the NCARB, those who complete the AXP should be able to perform 96 key tasks by the time they apply for an architect license. Now it’s your turn, do you think it is important for somebody to go through school in order to get a license, or is work experience an acceptable substitute? There are many examples of people who also practice design of large buildings without a license, but they have an Architect working for them to review the drawings. Many states do not require an Architect’s stamp for certain types of buildings. Becoming an architect requires lifelong study and practice. If you don't have one, you may still become an architect.