Emerging Professionals (EPs) are generally considered to be designers aspiring towards their architecture licensure, as well as those who have been licensed for 10 years or less. Led by Associate Director Felicia Reyes, Assoc. AIA and Emerging Professionals Director Elizabeth Hawks McBride, AIA.
Events & Activities
We have an active Emerging Professionals Committee which meets every 1st Wednesday of the month, noon to plan events and activities, and network with peers. Subscribe to the Chapter’s NOTES newsletter for notices of upcoming EP events.
Events have included:
Many of our Emerging Professionals hold leadership positions on our Board of Directors, organize events, or spearhead new initiatives at our Chapter. If you’re interested in getting more involved, please contact the Chapter office {[email protected]}.
Architect Registration Examination (ARE®)
The Architect Registration Examination (ARE) is administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) to assess candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required in the practice of architecture.
The ARE 5.0 launched in November 1, 2016 and consists of the following six divisions that can be taken in any sequence. Exams include a combination of multiple-choice, check-all-that-apply, fill-in-the-blank, hot spot, and drag-and-place questions, as well as case studies. For the go-to resource to understand this new version, download the ARE 5.0 Handbook.
- Practice Management
- Project Management
- Programming & Analysis
- Project Planning & Design
- Project Development & Documentation
- Construction & Evaluation
For those looking to get licensed in California, in addition to the ARE, the California Architects Board requires the California Supplemental Examination (CSE) for licensure. The CSE ensures that candidates are able to demonstrate minimum standards of competency and necessary architectural knowledge and skills to respond to the unique requirements and conditions in California.
For a visual reference about the Path To Licensure in California, download the infographic created by AIA California Council.
Chapter Resources
Our Resource Library has materials that can be checked out by AIA Associate members for 3 week periods. Click here for a current list of our materials. Click here for the library check out policy. Please call the chapter office to inquire if materials are available. Have suggestions for new materials for our library? Email us at [email protected].
Other resources include:
- Demonstration exam and video prep are also available in the Prepare for the ARE 5.0 section of the NCARB website.
- AXP hours may be earned through Chapter-Coordinated Tours. Subscribe to the Chapter’s NOTES newsletter for notices.
AIA Resources
AIA National and AIA California (AIA CA) provide a number of resources for Emerging Professionals as well as the firms that support them:
- AIA CA Academy of Emerging Professionals (AEP) – The Academy is the collective voice and source for information and support regarding the career development for Emerging Professionals in the early stages of their architectural career.
- AIA Center for Emerging Professional (CEP) – The Center is the authoritative voice and resource for architecture students, recent graduates and newly licensed architects. Whether you’re seeking information on licensing or testing, job prospects, leadership opportunities or entrepreneurial issues, the CEP is the place to start.
- Emerge by AIAU – Emerge provides emerging professionals with online video-based education courses, supplying knowledge that is not always available at firms. Emerge by AIAU offers HSW courses on a number of topics including economics, ethics, and sustainability. Free for AIA Associate Members.
- For Firms {www.aia.org/mentorship} – The AIA provides tools, resources, and best practices to help firms, supervisors, mentors, and AXP Coordinators foster intern professional development on the path toward licensure.
- Champions of Licensure – Read some shining examples of the NCARB’s 2015-2018 IDP Outstanding Firm Award Winners. Learn innovative ways of how these firms actively embraced the Intern Development Program (now AXP) and demonstrate a commitment to interns by making the path to licensure an integral part of the firm’s culture.
- Young Architects Forum, an AIA National member group, addresses issues of particular importance to recently licensed architects, providing resources on leadership, mentorship and fellowship useful to those launching their careers.