The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) announced the acceptance of four additional accredited programs into the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) initiative. The initiative encourages programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) to integrate education and experience requirements, as well as the opportunity to take each of the six divisions of the new Architect Registration Examination (ARE) 5.0.

The newly accepted programs include:

  • The Catholic University of America; Washington, D.C.
  • University of Florida; Orlando, Fla.
  • University of Maryland; College Park, Md.
  • Woodbury University; Los Angeles, Calif.

These programs will join the 14 inaugural schools announced in 2015. IPAL is designed to provide a more structured process for students pursuing licensure early in their career. Each program will implement the integrated path according to individual schedules developed by their administration and faculty.

“We fully expect that the new additions will match the creativity, academic rigor, and dedication to the profession that has been demonstrated by their predecessors,” said NCARB President Dennis S. Ward, FAIA, NCARB, who announced the new IPAL programs at the organization’s 97th Annual Business Meeting in Seattle. “NCARB is excited that the initiative continues to grow, and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of its participants over the coming years.”

IPAL was developed by NCARB’s Licensure Task Force, which was composed of licensing board members, industry leadership, recently licensed architects, licensure candidates, deans, educators, and members of the public. Charged with promoting academic flexibility while addressing national requirements for architectural licensure, the task force reviewed existing programs requiring experience as a pre-graduation requisite, and issued a formal Request for Proposals, as part of its deliberations.

NCARB’s Education Committee will oversee the ongoing work of this initiative. The organization will continue to coach accepted programs, help promote engagement with state licensing boards, and oversee the acceptance of future programs.

To learn more about the initiative, visit www.ncarb.org/IPAL.