The road to licensure for architects is getting shorter and shorter, thanks to a recent initiative spearheaded by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

The Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) provides students the opportunity to complete requirements for licensure while they are still earning their degree. Through the initiative, schools are encouraged to incorporate the Architectural Experience Program (AXP, formerly the Intern Development Program) directly into the curriculum, as well as the opportunity to take the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).

NCARB reports that 21 design programs at 17 schools are already participating in IPAL, integrating education, experience and examination requirements in order to provide a structure for students who wish to pursue licensure early in their careers.

Each school's IPAL participation is unique, with faculty and staff developing individual schedules for review and acceptance by NCARB.
 
According to Paola Sanguinetti, Ph.D., department Chair of the University of Kansas School of Architecture, Design and Planning — which has been participating in IPAL since the initiative launched in 2015 — IPAL is galvanizing the school's partnership with the profession and helping students "excel in their education and profession."

A list of participating IPAL programs can be found below.

NCARB Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure
21 accepted programs at 17 schools (six Bachelor of Arch., 15 Master of Arch.)
 
1.     Boston Architectural College
2.     The Catholic University of America
3.     Clemson University
4.     Drexel University
5.     Lawrence Technological University
6.     NewSchool of Architecture and Design (two programs)
7.     North Carolina State University (two programs)
8.     Portland State University
9.     Savannah College of Art and Design
10.  University of Cincinnati
11.  University of Detroit Mercy
12.  University of Florida
13.  University of Kansas
14.  University of Maryland
15.  University of North Carolina-Charlotte (two programs)
16.  University of Southern California
17.  Woodbury University (two programs)