Administered by NCARB, jurisdictions gradually began adopting the program to satisfy their experience requirement.
The program has been monitored annually by NCARB’s Internship Committee, which has recommended other minor changes over the years based on interpretations of the current practice of architecture.
In this study, almost 10,000 practicing architects completed an extensive electronic survey to identify the tasks, knowledge, and skills that recently licensed architects, practicing independently, need in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
In addition, NCARB decided to rename the IDP the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) as part of an effort to sunset the term “intern.” The introduction of the new name and the overhaul were both launched on June 29, 2016.
In the AXP, the previous 17 experience categories were realigned into six broad areas that reflect the current practice of architecture.
Required hours: 160 Practice Management is where licensure candidates gain experience running an architecture firm—including the ins and outs of managing a business, marketing firms, securing projects, working with clients, and sustaining a positive and professional work environment.
Licensure candidates will experience tasks related to researching and evaluating client requirements, building code and zoning regulations, and site data to develop recommendations on the feasibility of a project.
Required hours: 360 In Construction & Evaluation, licensure candidates will get involved with the construction administration and post-construction phases of a project—this includes being out on the job site; meeting with contractors, clients, and building officials; and punching lists, leading to the completion of the project.
It includes steps to completing the program, reporting procedures, training requirements, and core competencies that should understand before becoming licensed.