Virginia Licensing Advisor

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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.

Michael’s Resume

ARE 4.0 Retirement & Changes to ARE 5.0

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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.

Where can you find ARE 5.0 study materials?

NCARB offers a variety of free study materials, including the ARE 5.0 Handbook, ARE 5.0 Demonstration Exam, and our video prep series, all of which can help you adjust to ARE 5.0’s structure and exam format.

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

ARE Update

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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

Shelton Presents at Summit

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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.

Read more about NCARB’s Architect Licensing Advisors Community

Contact Rachel at rshelton@glaveandholmes.com if you have questions about your path to licensure.

NCARB Responds to ABA Announcement

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On Jan. 9, 2017, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) issued a statement responding to an announcement made by the recently constituted American Board of Architecture (ABA).

The ABA was founded in 2014 and describes itself as an accrediting body. ABA recently asserted that it is “writing new licensing exams and reforming state board [sic] of examiners to ensure qualified, unbiased public representation in law-making bodies.” ABA hopes to address what it describes as “corruption” and “fairness” issues stemming from current architectural licensing practices. NCARB requires a degree from a NAAB-accredited program to satisfy the education requirement for certification.

According to NCARB’s statement, “only state and jurisdictional governments have the authority to form, or reform, their boards. Regarding examination, all U.S. jurisdictions use the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) as produced by NCARB; some jurisdictions overlay additional examination components.”

Read NCARB’s full response>>

Mutual Recognition Arrangement with Australia and New Zealand

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A new Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) between the architectural licensing authorities of the United States, Australia, and New Zealand enables U.S. architects to earn reciprocal licenses abroad, effective January 1, 2017.

Spearheaded by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the arrangement was signed by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) and the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB). To take advantage of the arrangement, eligible architects must hold a current NCARB Certificate—a credential that facilitates licensure across borders. To date, 29 U.S. licensing boards have accepted the arrangement including Virginia, North and South Carolina, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

“The arrangement is an exciting opportunity for architects seeking to expand their careers internationally,” said NCARB President Kristine Harding, NCARB, AIA. “NCARB Certificate holders have been able to pursue licensure in Canada and Mexico for some time, and this arrangement represents a significant step in providing additional benefits to these architects.”

This decision is the result of over two years of research and negotiation by a special NCARB evaluation team. The group’s analysis concluded that the path to licensure in Australia and New Zealand parallels U.S. requirements, with a strong emphasis on the three pillars of licensure: accredited education, structured experience, and comprehensive examination.

Inspired by a similar agreement with Canada, U.S. and foreign architects interested in earning a license in Australia or New Zealand must meet the following requirements:
• Citizenship or lawful permanent residence in the home country
• An active NCARB Certificate
• A license to practice architecture from a U.S. jurisdiction that has signed the arrangement
• 6,000 hours (approximately three years) of post-licensure experience in the home country
• Validation of licensure in good standing from the home authority
• Licensure in the home country not gained through foreign reciprocity
To learn more about earning a license to practice architecture abroad, visit www.ncarb.org/international.

About NCARB
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ membership is made up of the architectural registration boards of all 50 states as well as those of the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCARB assists its member registration boards in carrying out their duties and provides a certification program for individual architects.
NCARB protects the public health, safety, and welfare by leading the regulation of the practice of architecture through the development and application of standards for licensure and credentialing of architects. In order to achieve these goals, the Council develops and recommends standards to be required of an applicant for architectural registration; develops and recommends standards regulating the practice of architecture; provides to Member Boards a process for certifying the qualifications of an architect for registration, and represents the interests of Member Boards before public and private agencies. NCARB has established reciprocal registration for architects in the United States and Canada.

Visit: www.ncarb.org
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ncarb
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ncarb
YouTube: www.youtube.com/NCARBorg

Congratulations New Architects

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We understand the dedication and effort required to study for and pass the ARE. Congratulations to the following members for passing their exams and gaining licensure. This is great news that thrills all of us and we are so proud to call you architects!

Have you recently passed the ARE? Please send an email to your Membership Manager at scalvin@aiava.org to upgrade your membership and be featured in the next newsletter.

Christopher J. Moore, AIA
Carrie L. Parker, AIA
Neil Walls, AIA
Erin M. Webb, AIA

NCARB Announces IDP Overhaul Details

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On Nov. 3, 2015, NCARB announced details on its IDP Overhaul. The new IDP will allow up to 20 hours of AIA CEUs in each experience area (up to 120 total), but they all must be HSW. You can see the complete description of the overhaul on NCARB’s website at http://www.ncarb.org/Experience-Through-Internships/IDP2-Experience-Categories-Areas/Overhauled-IDP.aspx

NCARB has also created a visual map of the transition. In the coming months, be on the lookout on the NCARB site for video webinars, blog articles, social media updates, and more.

Also note: when the overhauled IDP launches, the following opportunities will no longer be eligible for IDP or additional jurisdictional experience:

  • Emerging Professional’s Companion (EPC)
  • GBCI LEED AP Certification
  • Advanced Degrees
  • AIA Continuing Education LUs
  • CSI Certificate Program: CDT
  • Teaching or Research in a NAAB-accredited program

Specific questions should be directed to NCARB Customer Service at (202) 879-0520 or customerservice@ncarb.org.

Virginia Ranks Among the Top Ten

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Virginia’s Young Architects lead over most States according to NCARB

NCARB has announced their national statistics for 2015, and Virginia is a leader in multiple significant metrics. Virginia ranks among the top ten states for highest number people in the Intern Development Program (IDP). Virginians complete the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) tests in a shorter time period than the national average. Of the 327 people in Virginia currently taking the ARE, not only are candidates completing the testing 8 months faster but they also have a higher pass rate (75% compared to the national average of 65%). Some of this success may be attributed to the licensing board adopting rules allowing candidates to start the ARE before completing IDP.

National statistics also include good news. Last year the number of architects in the United States increased 2%, and this represents a sharp gain compared to 2014. It also is the third consecutive year of growth in the number of architects. Read the full report>>

AIA Virginia congratulates all the recently licensed architects for their superior progress.

NCARB Endorses New Path to Licensure

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© 2006, The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.
© 2006, The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Board of Directors has announced their endorsement of the concept of an additional, structured path that leads to licensure in a U.S. jurisdiction. The new path—licensure upon graduation from an accredited program—would integrate the rigorous internship and examination requirements that aspiring architects must fulfill into the years spent completing a professional degree in architecture.

The concept was designed by a distinguished group of volunteers convened by NCARB, which recommends national architect registration standards, called the Licensure Task Force. This group, which was initially formed in mid-2013, is headed by NCARB’s Immediate Past President Ron Blitch of Louisiana, and it includes former and current leaders of NCARB, the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Association of Colleges and Schools of Architecture (ACSA), and the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), as well as interns, recently licensed architects, program deans and instructors, and jurisdictional licensing board representatives.[adrotate banner=”59″]

Describing the work of the Licensure Task Force, NCARB CEO Michael Armstrong said, “NCARB is engaged in streamlining and simplifying the licensing process for aspiring architects, and we are actively re-engineering all elements of the architectural licensing process—education, experience and examination—to focus on facilitation of licensing.”

“This additional path to licensure is another concrete step to reimagining and reconfiguring each part of the process while upholding the rigorous standards needed to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare,” he said.

This progressive concept was borne of research and development efforts by the Licensure Task Force, with leaders from diverse segments of the architectural community to analyze each component of the licensure process to identify overlaps and redundancies to existing programs.

Now beginning the second year, the Licensure Task Force will start to identify schools interested in participating in the program. NCARB expects to issue schools Requests for Information later in the year, followed by a Request for Proposal process in 2015.

In addition to the licensure work, NCARB also announced this month that a transition plan is underway to guide the implementation of major improvements and changes to the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®), the test that all prospective architects must take to get their licenses. The new ARE 5.0 will launch in late 2016, while ARE 4.0 will remain available for at least 18 months after the launch.

The exam is required by all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands for initial architectural licensure by assessing candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide all services required in the practice of architecture.