NCARB transitions to the Architectural Experience Program

Late last month, NCARB underwent a major transition in the process of pursuing licensure for emerging professionals. Namely, the Intern Development Program (IDP) was replaced by the Architectural Experience Program, or AXP. The name change stems from the organization’s decision to move away from the title intern when it comes to those pursuing an architectural license, but the changes are more than in title only.

The largest changes involve pooling the IDP’s 17 experience areas into 6 streamlined experience areas. They are:

• Programming and Analysis
• Project Planning & Design
• Practice Management
• Project Management
• Project Development & Documentation
• Construction & Evaluation
  

You can see how the IDP categories transfer over to AXP here.  These changes recognize differences in how firms are organized and that knowledge in previously distinct categories can have carryover to other areas of the architectural process. Additionally, there have been some changes to the ways you can earn hours outside of a working under a license architect.

1. The Emerging Professional’s Companion can no longer be used to earn hours. This was a valuable resource for emerging professionals to work with their mentor to earn both core and elective hours in all of the IDP categories. A new version in line with the AXP experience areas may be in the works, but for now you’ll have to forgo using this tool to gain hours.
2. Construction Work counts towards Construction & Evaluation. In IDP, Construction Work counted as Supplemental Experience and not core hours. Any hours reported following the transition will now be applied to the core Construction & Evaluation requirement. This includes both paid and volunteer work covering a wide range of trades.
3. AIA Continuing Education (HSW) for AXP hours. While this was true in the past, the AIA recently announced a tool called AIAU Emerge that will offer Associate AIA members the chance to gain AXP hours through online courses on their own schedule.

 
Finally, the AXP provides an additional option to aid in the process of license in lieu of hours: the AXP Portfolio. If you have been working in the field but are unable to complete hours due to the time restrictions of the reporting requirements, you may submit a portfolio that demonstrates your competency in the various areas covered by the AXP. See the AXP Guidelines for more details on eligibility requirements and process.
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Access the guidelines on NCARB's website

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