How do you become an architect?

Architects are the visionaries who blend art, science, and human need to shape the spaces where we live, work, and play. Becoming an architect is a challenging yet rewarding journey that requires dedication, education, hands-on experience, and professional certification. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about entering the field and earning your license.

What do architects do?

While sketching beautiful designs is part of the job, it's just one piece of the puzzle. A licensed architect is a project's lead, responsible for the public's health, safety, and welfare.

On any given day, an architect might:

• Meet with clients to understand their needs, budget, and vision.

• Create detailed designs and 3D models using sophisticated software.

• Research building codes, zoning laws, and material specifications.

• Coordinate with engineers (structural, mechanical, and civil) to ensure the building is safe and functional.

• Manage project timelines, budgets, and construction contracts.

• Visit job sites to observe construction and solve problems as they arise.

It's a dynamic career that demands a unique mix of creativity, technical knowledge, management skill, and precise communication.

The core steps to become an architect

In the United States, the path to becoming a licensed architect is built on three pillars—education, experience, and examination—often called the "three E's." All are managed and tracked by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

Step 1: Get the right education

Your journey starts with a professional degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). This is a non-negotiable requirement for licensure in most states. You have two primary paths to get this degree:

• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch): This is a 5-year undergraduate professional degree. It's an intensive, focused program that takes you directly from high school to a professional qualification.

• Master of Architecture (M.Arch): This is a graduate-level professional degree. It's typically a 2- to 3-year program designed for students who have already completed a 4-year bachelor's degree, either in a "pre-professional" field like architectural studies or in a completely unrelated subject like English or biology.

Alternative pathways

Seventeen jurisdictions offer pathways to licensure for candidates without NAAB-accredited degrees. These typically require extensive documented work experience and passing the licensing exam.

Some states also accept NCARB's Education Alternative program, which evaluates your existing education and work experience. While these alternatives exist, earning a formal architecture degree remains the recommended path.

Step 2: Gain professional experience (AXP)

You can't just learn architecture in a classroom. The next step is the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), which is a structured, supervised, professional experience program that takes place under the guidance of a licensed architect.

You must document 3,740 total hours of real-world work under the supervision of a licensed architect. These hours are broken down into six specific practice areas to ensure you get a well-rounded understanding of the profession. You can start logging AXP hours while still in school.

Step 3: Pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE)

After your education and experience, it's time to prove your knowledge. The Architect Registration Examination (ARE 5.0) is the final "E." It's a challenging six-part exam that covers all aspects of architectural practice.

The six divisions of the ARE 5.0 align with the required areas of experience:

• Practice Management

• Project Management

• Programming & Analysis

• Project Planning & Design

• Project Development & Documentation

• Construction & Evaluation

You can take these exams in any order. Thanks to overlapping requirements, many candidates start taking ARE divisions while they are still finishing their AXP hours.

Step 4: Apply for licensure

Once you have successfully completed the "three E's," the final step is to apply for a license in the state or jurisdiction where you plan to practice.

Each state's architectural licensing board verifies your NCARB record, which includes your degree, AXP hours, and ARE scores. After a background check and payment of a final fee, you'll be granted your license. Some states may also require an additional state-specific exam.

How to maintain your architect license

Earning your license isn't the end of the journey. Because architecture has a direct impact on public safety, you must keep your skills sharp and stay current on new codes, materials, and practices. To maintain your license, you'll have two primary requirements: continuing education (CE) and license renewal.

Continuing education (CE)

You must complete a specific number of continuing education hours during each renewal cycle. These are often called Learning Units (LUs).

• State requirements: Each state board sets its own rules. For example, some states require 12 hours of CE every year, while others might require 24 hours every two years.

• HSW hours: Most states mandate that a large portion of these hours be in Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) topics. These are courses that directly relate to protecting the public, such as building codes, accessibility, or sustainable design.

• AIA membership: If you join the American Institute of Architects (AIA), you'll have a separate CE requirement to maintain your membership, which typically includes 18 LUs per year (12 of which must be HSW).

License renewal

Your license isn't permanent; it must be renewed on a regular basis. This involves paying a renewal fee to your state's licensing board and attesting that you have completed your required CE hours. Renewal cycles vary by state—some are annual, while others are biennial (every two years).

Finding your architectural specialty

"Architect" is a broad term. Once licensed, many professionals specialize in a particular area of interest. While the core "architect" license is the same, the project types can be vastly different.

Common specializations include:

• Residential architects focus on designing places where people live. This includes everything from custom single-family homes and renovations to large apartment buildings and multi-family housing complexes.

• Commercial architects design spaces for business and public use. This is a huge category that includes office towers, retail stores, hotels, museums, schools, and hospitals.

• Sustainable or "green" architects specialize in designing energy-efficient, eco-friendly buildings. They have deep knowledge of sustainable materials, solar design, and green building certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

• Landscape architects design outdoor spaces, from public parks and university campuses to residential gardens and urban plazas. This is a distinct profession that often requires its own separate license.

• Urban designers think on a massive scale. Instead of one building, they design entire neighborhoods or city districts. They focus on how buildings, public spaces, and transportation systems work together.

• Restoration architects, also known as a conservation or preservation architects, specialize in preserving, restoring, and adapting historic buildings for modern use while honoring their original character.

• Industrial architects focus on designing buildings like factories, warehouses, power plants, and distribution centers. The primary focus is on safety, efficiency, and process.

FAQs about becoming an architect

How long does it take to become an architect?

While the minimum time to become an architect is around 8 years (5-year B.Arch + 3 years of AXP/AREs), the national average is longer. According to recent NCARB data, the average time to licensure from the start of college is about 12.9 years. The average time to complete just the AXP and ARE portions after graduation is around 7.5 years.

How hard is it to become an architect?

Becoming an architect requires significant dedication but is achievable with commitment and the right skill set — artistic talent, technical precision, and strong interpersonal skills. Architecture programs demand intensive studio hours and strong math, spatial reasoning, and visual skills. The ARE exam tests complex scenarios and practical knowledge.

However, NCARB has made the process to become an architect more accessible through flexible testing policies, year-round exam scheduling, and the retirement of the five-year rolling clock.

How much do architects make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for architects is $96,690. However, salaries vary widely by region, experience, and firm size. Entry-level architects typically earn less than average, while principals and partners at large or specialized firms often exceed $120,000 per year.

How much does it cost to become an architect?

The total cost to become an architect ranges from $65,000 to $180,000 on average. A five-year Bachelor of Architecture costs $50,000 to $170,000 depending on the school. Additional costs include NCARB Record fees, AXP registration, ARE exams, study materials, and state licensing. Scholarships and employer reimbursement help reduce expenses.

Can I become an architect without a degree?

Whether you can become an architect without a degree depends on where you live. You cannot legally call yourself an "architect" or sign plans without a license, and in most of the U.S., an NAAB-accredited degree is required for licensure. However, 17 jurisdictions now offer non-NAAB degree pathways.

You can work in the architectural field as a "designer" or "drafter" without a license, but you will work under a licensed architect and will not have the same level of responsibility, authority, or pay.