MY PATH(-ing) TO LICENSURE

Here are the steps that I am taking to get licensed:

1.  Earning an NAAB-Accredited M.Arch (or B.Arch) Program

   • Mine took 3 years since my undergraduate degree was in landscape architecture.

2.  Completing AXP Hours

   • 3740 hours total, allocated to 6 different categories, A & O types.

   • The hours are approved by my supervisor, who is a licensed architect in CA.

3.  Passing ARE Exams

   • NCARB exams of 6 different subjects (echoing the AXP experience)

   • California Supplemental Exam (CSE)

It is possible to take the ARE exams while in school. To do so, I requested exam eligibility from the California Architects Board (CAB), which evaluates my degree and completed AXP hours to grant me access to scheduling exam appointments. From interviewing my colleagues, I learned that being in school is a great setting to invest in studying, since studying while working can be tiring sometimes, and many things can come up that will compromise the time dedicated to studying.

To complete the AXP hours, I submit my work hours on NCARB Records (requires registration and annual membership renewal) to my supervisor on a biweekly basis (every two weeks) so that these hours are clearly indicated in the correct categories and are not lost due to a lack of communication. Once the hours are approved in the system, they exist permanently, so it is better to be diligent than to receive reduced hours due to expiration. 

To pass the ARE exams, I study using the PPI exam prep book and condense the notes into my own sheets (provided here for personal use only). Since NCARB offers free practice exams, I try to take them before I attempt the real ones, as those are very expensive if failed. I developed a habit of studying for about an hour every day, and more on the weekends, to keep the progress moving. By scheduling an exam day and dividing the required content into daily pieces to review, I keep myself on track; after a while, the habit just becomes integrated into my daily routine and is not stressful. I once heard that "stress primarily comes from ignoring and not taking action at the time when you have the ability to do so," which makes me realize that keeping up with consistent effort is important. The content also helps me become a better architect and gives me more confidence in practice.