Architects must be licensed before they can practice as an architect or call themselves an architect. There are three main steps in becoming an architect: education, internship and examination.
Education: The Montana State University School of Architecture offers a Master of Architecture professional degree that is fully accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). In the United States, most state registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite.
Internship: Most state architectural registration boards require architectural graduates to complete an internship in order to become licensed.
Examination: All states require the completion of the Architect Registration Examination, in order to gain licensure within the 54 jurisdictions covered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB).
The American Institute of Architects is the voice of the architecture profession dedicated to serving its members, advancing their values and improving the quality of the built environment. Through a culture of innovation, the American Institute of Architects empowers its members and inspires creation of a better built environment.