Six Months’ Experience Option

The Board recently amended its regulations to allow a candidate to begin taking the A.R.E.® if he/she has completed a professional degree from an architectural education program accredited by NAAB and has completed six months of full-time experience under the direct supervision of a registered architect.

It is important to note that all registration requirements must be completed before the candidate can be registered as an architect, even if all parts of the A.R.E® have been passed. This means that in addition to the educational requirement, the candidate must complete the Intern Development Program requirement and submit his/her completed NCARB IDP file to the Board before he/she can be registered as an architect.

There are two important factors that should be evaluated prior to making the decision to begin testing under this provision:

• Effective January 1, 2006, all candidates for the A.R.E.® must pass the seven-division exam within five years. The five-year period shall commence on the date when the first passed division is administered.

• Due to differing state requirements, it is possible that beginning the exam prior to completion of the IDP may affect opportunities for reciprocal registration in other states.

To apply, submit the A.R.E. Six Months Application, the $10 application fee (payable to Alabama Board of Architects), and other required documentation.