The Pathway to Architecture 

The pathway to become an architect is marked by many years of study, subsequent years of internship and then a rigorous testing program.  This means that the title Architect reflects a high level of competency in the design of beautiful, safe and sound buildings and Missouri law dictates that title may only be used by those licensed in the practice of architecture.

The practice of architecture is licensed by each state and is therefore governed by each state's respective architectural registration board, typically architects, appointed by a governor and confirmed by legislative representatives. 

In Missouri, the practice is governed by the Missouri Registration Board of Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Landscape, Professional Land Surveyors.

The State of Missouri is a member of the National Council of Architectural Review Boards (NCARB), the membership organization of the 50 architectural registration boards in the US.  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. 

All of NCARB's jurisdictions have an experience requirement that must be documented and completed prior to licensure.  The time between fufilling the educational requirement and securing a registration is referred to as architectural internship.  NCARB's Architectural Experience  Program (AXP) guides the interns through this process, the standard means of completing the experience requirement.  The NCARB AXP Guidelines is essential reading for interns, supervisors and mentors.  

The complication and rigorous path to becoming an architect is required to ensure the public health, safety and welfare in the built environment and speaks to the grave responsibility of the architect.

The Rigorous Testing Process to Become an Architect 

The Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) assesses candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required in the practice of architecture. The ARE has been adopted for use by all U.S. Member Boards and the Canadian provincial and territorial architectural associations as a registration examination required for architectural registration.

The ARE® is a multi-division exam used to assess your knowledge and skills regarding the practice of architecture. The current version of the exam, ARE 5.0, is developed by NCARB and features six divisions. Completing ARE 5.0 by passing all six divisions is required by all U.S. jurisdictions as a key step on the path to earning a license.

AIA St. Louis has study guides for ARE 5.0 to lend to members and member firms.

To learn more, Click Here.