FAQs on Qualifications and Licensure for Vermont Architects
- How do I get licensed based on education and/or experience and examination?
- I am certified by NCARB; how do I get licensed in Vermont?
- I am currently licensed in another state; how do I get licensed in Vermont?
- Can I get a license in Vermont without an accredited degree?
- If I have a degree accredited by NAAB, does this shorten the required internship?
- Can I be licensed with a foreign architecture degree?
- Does a degree from a technical college count towards internship requirements?
- How much credit do I get for a regular college degree (not in Architecture)?
- Can I take the examination before the end of my internship?
- Can I take the examination in another state?
- Can I take one section at a time?
- Can I pay for the examination by credit card?
- Can I be licensed in Vermont without completing the Internship Development Program (IDP)?
- How do I enter the Intern Development Program?
- Can I complete an internship under any Architect?
- How long does take to get a license?
- How do I get an application?
Q: How do I get licensed based on education and/or experience and examination?
A: There are TWO requirements:
You must have done ONE of the following:
(a) Obtained a professional degree from a school or college of architecture accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), and at least three years of practical experience under the supervision of an licensed architect, OR
(b) Completed at least nine years of diversified practical experience working under the supervision of an experienced practicing architect who has been licensed for at least three years, OR
(c) Completed training equivalent to that required by option (a) or (b), above. Other education, training or practice experience may be substituted for the requirements as outlined above only insofar as the Vermont Board of Architects considers them to be equivalent to the required education, training, or practice experience.
AND you must have successfully completed the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards (NCARB) examination.
Q: I am certified by NCARB; how do I get licensed in Vermont?
A: Architects certified by NCARB can have their records sent directly from NCARB to the Board for evaluation. Visit the NCARB site for more information.
Q: I am currently licensed in another state; how do I get licensed in Vermont?
A: Architects licensed in another state may be eligible for a Vermont license if the requirements for licensure, in that other state, are essentially equivalent to Vermont's requirements.
Q: Can I get a license in Vermont without an accredited degree?
A: Yes, Vermont law provides for examination of candidates after completing a period of structured internship under a licensed architect and education totaling not less than nine years.
Q: If I have a degree accredited by NAAB, does this shorten the required internship?
A: Yes, candidates with an accredited degree are eligible to take the exam after an internship of not less than three years under the direction of a licensed architect.
Q: Can I be licensed with a foreign architecture degree?
A: Yes. The National Association of Credentials Evaluation Services can assist with evaluating the equivalency of foreign degrees. Visit the NCARB site for more information on credential evaluation.
Q: Does a degree from a technical college count towards internship requirements?
A: Yes. A degree accredited by the American Board for Engineers and Technology (ABET) is eligible for up to two years credit towards the nine years experience required for licensure.
Q: How much credit do I get for a regular college degree (not in Architecture)?
A: Up to two years credit are available for other bachelor's degrees.
Q: Can I take the examination before the end of my internship?
A: Yes. The Board allows candidates to begin taking the examination one year prior to the completion of an internship. The remaining year of internship must be completed prior to licensure.
Q: Can I take the examination in another state?
A: Yes. Once you are qualified for the examination you can make arrangements to take it in any one of hundreds of testing centers nationwide.
Q: Can I take one section at a time?
A: Yes. You may take examination sections in any order.
Q: Can I pay for the examination by credit card?
A: Yes, you may pay for the examination by credit card.
Q: Can I be licensed in Vermont without completing the Internship Development Program (IDP)?
A: Pursuant to 26 V.S.A § 201(f) (effective July 1, 1998), completion of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Intern Development Program (IDP) will be a condition of eligibility for initial licensure as an architect in Vermont. The Board is currently revising its rules to reflect this amendment of § 201.
However, until January 1, 2002, an applicant who has not completed the NCARB IDP may meet the eligibility requirements for initial licensure by presenting evidence on the Board's architect/employer reference form of actual experience or significant exposure in the essential areas of architectural practice. Copies of the architect/employer reference form may be obtained from the Board.
Beginning January 1, 2002, all applicants for initial licensure must have completed the NCARB Intern Development Program to be eligible for licensure in Vermont.
Q: How do I enter the Intern Development Program?
A: Contact the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards (visit NCARB's web site).
Q: Can I complete an internship under any Architect?
A: Architects must be licensed for a minimum of three years in order to supervise an internship.
Q: How long does take to get a license?
A: If you are applying on the basis of your education and/or experience, the time period will depend on how long it takes you to submit the completed application and pass the examination. Completed applications are usually reviewed at the next Board meeting. If you have applied on the basis of being certified by NCARB, upon receipt of the records from NCARB, your application will be reviewed at the next Board meeting. The Board usually meets once a month.
Q: How do I get an application?
A: You may e-mail a request to the Board at architects@vtprofessionals.org.
