The Architect Licensing Advisors Community is a group of individuals committed to assisting licensure candidates and architects as they navigate the path to licensure and reciprocity. Architect licensing advisors provide guidance throughout the licensure process by facilitating the flow of information to architecture students, licensure candidates, and architects.
The program is led by NCARB and jointly supported by the American Institute of Architects. AIA Virginia members are fortunate to have been guided by Michael Hammon, AIA the last 4 years (2 terms). As Michael finished his term this summer, we are looking for a new State Licensing Advisor. Are you interested in helping young professionals through the licensure process? Do you like to help your colleagues with issues of reciprocity and licensure? If you are interested in being considered for this appointment, please email pbattaglia@aiava.org.
If you are on the path to licensure and have any questions, you can still reach out to Michael at mhammon@glaveandholmes.com before the end of June or Cathy Guske at cguske@aiava.org.
The last couple months have been a bit unstable to say the least. For many who are in the process of taking exams and studying for them it has been a sort of limbo that no one asked for. NCARB has attempted to get out in front of it all and allow for extensions on testing windows, explanations into testing time tables, and how to continue to gain AXP during these unprecedented times. While I will never be able to bring to light information at the level of NCARB, I did think it would be a good time to share some of the questions I’m asked relatively often on topics such as examination, studying, reciprocity, and a few other items.
Question: I’ve met my requirements in a category for hours as I accrue them to sit for exams. Should I continue to accrue hours in those categories even though I’ve met the minimum?
Answer: A simple answer, yes. While doing this it may seem like you’re just stacking hours away in a specific category when you would prefer to have hours going elsewhere, but this can be helpful for a handful of reasons.
It shows where the vast majority of your time is which can help you determine where your possible strengths and weaknesses are with your experience. This helps with the exams and topics for each section, as well as your general work experience.
It’s helpful in those times where you would like to get opportunities for other work experiences in the office by being able to show superiors where more time could be allocated to assist your growth.
Depending on where you are accruing AXP, logging all hours can help you in other categories if ARE updates to a new and improved 6.0. When the jump was made from 4.0 to 5.0 how and where credit hours went were moved around. Those who were short hours in on area were now meeting or exceeding their requirements. At the moment, there isn’t an ARE 6.0 on the horizon, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Question: With working from home, or not being able to secure a position for a summer internship, what other ways can I accrue hours towards AXP?
Answer: The current times are horribly unfortunate and that’s likely an understatement. Many AIA chapters, both local and state, would be the first place to look. Remain tapped in as they have been looking to provide online seminars that can assist in these areas. Even if it doesn’t assist with AXP, there are a number of online seminars that talk to you about the things you will need to know and learn in practice and for exams. These can range from seminars on curtain wall systems to water and air barriers.
Question: What’s the current situation with Prometric and testing?
Answer: Prometric is currently open although at a limited capacity. While you may be able to locate a spot to get in there it may be best if you can to wait until later in the fall. Much of Prometric’s focus currently is on first responders and getting those people in.
Question: With working from home, opportunities to meet specific categories for AXP have become more difficult (CA, etc.), what suggestions are there to continue to accrue time in these categories?
Answer: I would simply advise you to have an honest conversation with your supervisor or studio director. Hours may become crunched and fees may become tight where jobs are not as likely to have the fluff in them to allow for extra people to contribute to certain phases of projects.
Question: Where can I find information on obtaining reciprocity in other states/jurisdictions?
Answer: NCARB updated much of the content on their website last year and added in a really helpful page on this very topic. It provides an interactive map where one can click on the state (or territory) they’re looking to either gain their initial licensure or reciprocity in and what it will require of them. It will list degree requirements, examinations achieved, additional paperwork, and anything else a jurisdiction will need from you. In many cases, it will even provide hyperlinks to the appropriate entities to file paperwork or at a minimum who to contact (The link to this is: https://www.ncarb.org/get-licensed/licensing-requirements-tool).
In closing, if at any point you have any questions or need clarification on anything regarding NCARB, AXP, ARE, or reciprocity please reach out, even if your question is an extension of one of the questions above.
2020 NCARB President’s Medalists for Distinguished Service
Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA
Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA, of Massanutten, VA, is recognized for her outstanding leadership of both the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). As interim executive director of the NAAB, Dreiling led the organization through a period of critical reflection and restructuring. Her efforts transformed the NAAB and built lasting partnerships both within and outside the realm of architectural education. Her commitment to efficiency and professionalism facilitated a new dynamic with NCARB, its staff, and its volunteers. In addition, Dreiling was elected the 90th president of the AIA after over 18 years of service with the organization. During her tenure in 2014, she oversaw a repositioning of the organization with a focus on cultural transformation, while also promoting efforts to support students, emerging professionals, and young architects.
The highest honor bestowed upon architectural professionals by NCARB—the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service—is awarded each year to individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions and dedication to the Council and the architectural profession.
2020 Laudatories
NCARB wishes to express its sincere appreciation to Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA for her invaluable contributions to the Board of Directors, the Council and its mission, and the regulation of the architecture profession.
Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA Helene Combs Dreiling stepped away from her role as the interim executive director of the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) after leading the organization through a critical restructure, re-energizing its focus on the accreditation of architecture education programs, and strengthening the relationship between NAAB and the Council. She helped guide the development of the groundbreaking 2019 Accreditation Review Forum, ensuring the contributions and collaboration of each of the five collateral organizations for the betterment of the education continuum. NCARB President Terry Allers is awarding Dreiling the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service in 2020.
Bring your favorite drink and join us for a virtual ARE® happy hour. Hear the latest updates and engage in an open question and answer session with NCARB leaders.
Featuring Harry M. Falconer, Jr., FAIA, NCARB, HonD, Hon. FCARM | Vice President, Experience + Education
Jared N. Zurn, AIA, NCARB, CAE | Vice President, Examination
As the profession of architecture grows in new and interesting directions, so does the education and licensure paths that feed into it. Many in the profession are familiar with the typical education path of having an intern position to earn NCARB experience while a student, earning a NAAB accredited degree, earn more experience, and pass the exams. However, in the past few years, NCARB has been working to provide an alternative path to licensure and is working with state licensing boards to get this path approved as a viable option. This path is known as the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL).
IPAL is an accelerated path to licensure for students to meet the requirements for licensure while documenting the same hours of work experience, obtaining a NAAB accredited degree, and passing their exams all at once. When they gather their diploma they will be a fully accredited architect (pending any other requirements from their jurisdiction of practice). Currently, there are 26 programs at universities that offer the IPAL program. A majority of the universities offer it as a graduate program, yet there are those that offer it to undergraduates although there may be certain stipulations applied. These programs typically have tie-ins for work-study programs or strong connections to internship programs with local firms to help facilitate the work experience needed to meet IPAL and NCARB requirements. Many IPAL participants will need to work what equates to a part-time job at a minimum along with being a full-time student to meet all the requirements to complete the program.
With a new path to licensure emerging and tying into education requirements provided nationally, those who dream of a career in architecture will have multiple paths to obtaining licensure. In 2018, the first group of IPAL graduates moved into the workforce. It will be interesting to see how their alternative path and experience has molded them as architects, and if any change will be ushered into the profession as a whole.
article submitted by Virginia Licensing Advisor, Michael Hammon, AIA. You can reach out to Michael at mhammon@glaveandholmes.com with any licensing questions.
I recently had the pleasure to represent AIA Virginia as the
NCARB Liaison at the NCARB Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The conference is held every two years to
bring together liaisons from the professional and educational sector, which is
comprised of both educators and students.
For two days, we hunker down and attend presentations, lectures, and
networking events where we are updated on everything NCARB is doing to provide
for students of architecture, those working towards their licensure and those
already licensed. With the exams moving completely to the ARE 5.0, much of what
was discussed was using the correct terminology (AXP instead of IDP), how ARE
5.0 differs from previous versions, and what information NCARB is providing for
those in need. Having taken all my exams
in ARE 5.0, many of the topics were a refresher for me. It was more about those
at NCARB explaining why they did the many things that they did when
transitioning from ARE 4.0 to ARE 5.0.
However, there were two areas they focused on at the conference that I
felt would be worthy to relay and are areas when I accepted this position I
didn’t fully expect I would be able to assist in.
First, as the NCARB Liaison, while I have a duty to help those setting up their NCARB account, accruing credits via AXP, or taking exams, I also have the ability to be of great assistance to the supervisors and mentors of those progressing towards licensure. So for those who are supervisors or mentors to licensee candidates, I’m here to assist with any questions you may have as far as your duties in the role you are taking on. I’m sure there are moments when those you are supervising ask you questions that you simply do not know. That’s perfectly okay and feel free to reach out. Currently, NCARB is putting together a matrix of duties and responsibilities supervisors should aim for. That matrix should be released soon.
Second, how many have heard of NCARB Certification? It’s understandable if you have not, as I was not quite sure what it exactly entailed either when I first took the position. Once you have received licensure you likely keep your NCARB record paid for and current. The best course of action, if desired, would be to apply for your NCARB Certificate. The NCARB Certificate acts as the main component for reciprocity in other jurisdictions. Every state is different and will likely require you to do something a little extra (Virginia has the DPOR exam), but having your NCARB Certificate lets the jurisdiction you apply to know your records are all in one spot and in safe holding with a recognized organization.
If it has been a while since you have visited the NCARB website now is as good of a time to visit. There is a litany of information and resources on their website. Check out NCARB: By the Numbers (2019) for numbers on exam pass rates, timelines on averages to complete the process, numbers on demographics, and plenty more. As well, NCARB has provided an interactive map that can help those working towards licensure figure out what their jurisdiction requires of them, but it can also assist those already licensed to figure out what a jurisdiction will require of them if they’re seeking reciprocity.
As always, if you have questions about any and all things AXP, ARE, or NCARB, you can reach me at mhammon@glaveandholmes.com.
Michael Hammon, AIA AIA Virginia Licensing Advisor
The Architect Licensing Advisors Community is a group of individuals committed to assisting licensure candidates and architects as they navigate the path to licensure and reciprocity. Architect licensing advisors provide guidance throughout the licensure process by facilitating the flow of information to architecture students, licensure candidates, and architects.
The program is led by NCARB and jointly supported by the American Institute of Architects. The AIA Virginia Board of Directors has approved the re-appointment of Michael Hammon, AIA as Virginia’s Architect Licensing Advisor for another two-year term.
Get to know our new licensing advisor below! And if you are on the path to licensure and have any questions, please reach out to Michael at mhammon@glaveandholmes.com or Cathy Guske at cguske@aiava.org.
Michael Hammon, AIA
I began my architectural career developing my skills and process while attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (2006) and Bachelor of Architecture (2007) degrees. While attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, I spent time abroad expanding my design knowledge in England, Italy, Austria, and Spain. Upon graduating I stayed in Charlotte, where I worked for two firms largely on education (K-12 and higher education) and civic projects located in the Carolinas, West Virginia, and Virginia. After a few years and in the midst of the last recession, I returned closer to home to work in Richmond where I expanded my portfolio to include government and commercial projects, along with adding Design-Build to my project delivery experience. For the last three plus years, I have worked at Glavé and Holmes Architecture to strengthen my project manager/project architect skills. I am currently a member of the higher education studio where I am able to immerse myself in some of my favorite project types from early in my career. I am an Associate AIA member in transition to be a full AIA member this year. Since becoming an Associate AIA member, I have volunteered the last two years to help with organizing the AIA Golf Tournament at Willow Oaks Country Club and this year serving as the chair on the committee.
In my personal time, I spend much of my time
with my 10 year old son, Meir, taking day trips, doing science projects, or
enjoying Marvel movies. I also enjoys traveling, having been to St. Lucia,
Savannah, Georgia, San Francisco, California, and Austin, Texas in the last two
years. I’m active in social sports programs in the city, and enjoy other
activities on the river and getting up to the mountains for some camping and
hiking which typically includes a pit stop at a local brewery. I use any
leftover time to apply what I’ve learned professionally with renovation
projects at my home in the Bon Air neighborhood with varying degrees of
success.
As for my desire to serve as the Virginia
Licensing Advisor, a combination of the professional and personal items from
above about myself make me believe I would be a good fit. In regards to NCARB
and the ARE 5.0, I wasn’t the quickest to move forward with taking my exams or
even getting started on them. Since my career had taken such a circuitous
route, I at times questioned if I was ready to start. We all take different
paths to get to the same point. Mine just happened to include one where I did
not work for the same firm, in the same state, or doing the same project
delivery types. Similarly, on the personal side, I have had to juggle soccer
practices and games, parent-teacher conferences, renovating a home, along with
my professional duties at work, as well as still finding time to study. Many
young professionals have started this phase of life and finding the balance to
study after a full day can be the most daunting task of all. I understand that
this role will require me to be there for answering questions or pointing
prospective exam takers in the right direction. I believe my experiences, a
less straight forward professional career and family life, will allow me to
relate to them and let them know it is doable, and that they definitely should
not hold out on beginning the process because it seems like it is too much. I
want to provide people with a level of confidence, as well as resources, to
take on the task of licensure and make it not seem like such an onerous
procedure, but one that is very rewarding professionally and personally.
Now that the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) 4.0 has retired, you may be wondering what’s next for the ARE. NCARB experienced a high volume of testers in June as candidates attempted a final division or two before the retirement. Even with that, we continue to see signs of strong testing volumes on ARE 5.0 moving forward.
As you navigate through the exam, here are some key things to know:
Now that ARE 4.0 has retired, how do you transition to ARE 5.0?
If you haven’t already, you’ll likely be automatically transitioned once you log into your NCARB Record and navigate to the Exams tab. There are three exceptions to this:
If you completed the exam in ARE 4.0—No transition necessary, you are done with the ARE.
If you have approved testing accommodations or if your old eligibilities to test have expired —You’ll need to contact NCARB customer service to be transitioned to ARE 5.0.
How will you know which ARE 5.0 divisions you’ll need to take?
Once you have transitioned, you’ll see what credits you’ve earned in ARE 5.0 based on your ARE 4.0 testing history. The next click will take you to the ARE 5.0 exam screen, where you’ll see your remaining divisions and information about the rolling clock.
What else is different about ARE 5.0?
If you’re new to ARE 5.0, you’ll notice no vignettes, a few new item types, reorganized content, more detailed and faster score reports, the opportunity to view provisional feedback before you leave the test center, the ability to take a 15-minute break at any point during testing, and more.
A lot has changed, but what hasn’t changed is most of the content covered: ARE 4.0 and ARE 5.0 test on the same topics, just structured differently with a new emphasis on some areas of architectural practice.
In addition, we recently launched our new Approved Test Prep Provider Program, so you can see which third-party study materials have been reviewed by NCARB and given our seal of approval.
Now that ARE 4.0 has retired, should you expect any other changes to the exam?
Yes! There are a few upcoming changes to ARE 5.0 that you should be aware of as you continue testing.
The cost per division of the ARE will increase from $210 to $235 on October 1, 2018; this keeps the total cost of ARE 5.0 less than the total cost of ARE 4.0.
Also starting October 1, 2018, ARE 5.0 will reference the 2015 version of the International Building Codes.
Also starting on October 1, 2018, ARE 5.0 will reference the 2017 family of AIA Contract Documents. The ARE will continue to address the standard agreements previously identified. You should expect to see additional questions related to the following contracts;
A133-2009, Owner-Construction Manager as Constructor Agreement;
A195-2008, Owner-Contractor Agreement for Integrated Project Delivery;
A295-2008, General Conditions of the Contract for Integrated Project Delivery;
B195-2008; Owner-Architect Agreement for Integrated Project Delivery;
Do you have licensing questions? Contact your Virginia Licensing Advisor, Rachel Shelton, AIA at reshelton11@gmail.com
The Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) 4.0 retires in just a few weeks—here’s what you should expect if you haven’t finished testing by June 30, 2018.
Transitioning to ARE 5.0
If you haven’t already transitioned before ARE 4.0 retires, our system will most likely transition you the first time you log in to your NCARB Record and open the Exams tab. Any division credits that you’ve earned will show in your Record based on the Transition Calculator, and you’ll be able to schedule your first ARE 5.0 division right away.
If you’ve recently tested in ARE 4.0 and are still waiting on a score report, you will not be able to transition until your score is posted. As soon as the score posts and you view your Exams tab, you’ll either be marked as ARE complete or be transitioned to ARE 5.0 if you still have some divisions left.
If you have testing accommodations that include extra breaks or extended time, you will need to contact NCARB’s Customer Relations team to transition. You’ll also see a message about this on your Exams tab.
Due to extremely high testing volumes, score reports may take longer to process between now and the retirement. Although candidates typically receive their results within 1-2 weeks, score reports for divisions taken between now and June 30, 2018, may take up to 3-4 weeks to post.
Not planning on testing between now and June 30? Make the transition now!
Navigating the New Exam
Not familiar with ARE 5.0? Here are two key resources to help you get used to the new exam: ARE 5.0 Handbook—This essential resource walks you through each division, providing specific objectives, sample questions, suggested references, and more.
ARE 5.0 Demonstration Exam—Want to practice navigating the new exam format? Log in to your NCARB Record to try our free demo exam.
Need Help?
Join the ARE 5.0 Community to connect with NCARB’s exam experts and your fellow candidates.
Do you have questions about licensure? Please contact Rachel Shelton, AIA, Virginia Licensing Advisor at rachel.shelton@dgs.virginia.gov
Rachel Shelton, AIA presents on the topic of compensation. Photo courtesy of NCARB
AIA Virginia member and Virginia Licensing Advisor, Rachel Shelton, AIA, recently attended and presented at the Licensing Advisors Summit held July 28-30 in Chicago.
The summit is held by NCARB with the support of AIA, providing advisors with an opportunity to share resources, get training, and discuss changes to the profession. Keynote Speaker Rosa Sheng, AIA, spoke on equity in the profession, reminding us to “build empathy to achieve equity.” Oswaldo Ortega presented on supporting diversification in the profession, highlighting Chicago’s NOMA program.
Other topics of discussion included compensation upon licensure, the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) program, which is gaining traction, and pass rates for the ARE 5.0 tests, which will be published by NCARB later in August.
