Enriching the IDP experience
The purpose of IDP is to serve as an active tool that will assist interns and their supervisors in the process of developing the skills and knowledge required by the profession. The practice of architecture encompasses a range of activities, and the 16 Training Areas of IDP assure that interns will enjoy the benefit of practice-based learning in all of these areas. The interns’ qualitative experience is enriched—and their path toward licensure is more targeted—when they use the mechanisms inherent in IDP.

Regular, contemporaneous reporting ensures that an intern will complete requirements in a timely fashion—and makes the process a smoother one. By documenting training hours every four to six months, interns and supervisors can review the progress made and develop a plan for acquiring training in the remaining areas. Again, this helps makes the experience more beneficial for the intern.

IDP Reporting Proposal
The IDP Committee has found that regular reporting of IDP training units is an integral part of the entire Intern Development Program. That’s why they have recommended that the Handbook for Interns and Architects be amended to require interns report their training activity to NCARB for periods of no longer than six months duration by a report postmarked within 45 days of the end of such reporting period. 

As an example, an individual taking maximum advantage of the new requirement would have until September 14 to report training activity that occurred between February 1 and July 31.  Individuals will still be able—and are encouraged—to report training activity more frequently.  An extension of the six-month reporting and/or 45 day filing period will be allowed in circumstances where reporting and/or filing is prevented by a medical condition, by active duty in military service, or by other like causes.

This proposed rule would not apply to anyone who has established an NCARB Record prior to implementation, and it is proposed only for initial examination candidates after that date. It is the IDP Committee’s goal and belief that this new rule will both enhance the internship experience and reduce the time it takes to fulfill the IDP training requirements.

For more information on the proposed six-month rule, see the fall 2007 Direct Connection.

Ready to take the ARE?
Does your jurisdiction allow early access to the ARE? If so, you may be able to take advantage of NCARB’s new online system to request an Authorization to Test. If you have an active NCARB Record and have fulfilled all of your jurisdiction’s requirements, you can place your request through the “My NCARB Record” section of our web site.  It’s quick and easy!

Here’s what you do:

1. Log into your account at www.ncarb.org.
2. Click “Request Transmittal of Record”.
3. Check the box “Do you want to take the ARE?”
4. Select the jurisdiction in which you would like to test and click transmit.
5. If you fulfill all of your jurisdiction’s requirements, an e-mail will be sent instantly to your state board for them to grant their authorization. For NCARB Direct Registration states, notification will be sent to NCARB to grant your authorization to test. *
6. You will receive an e-mail notification and your Authorization to Test number will be sent to you directly (by mail) if you are eligible.  You may wish to review the Registration Requirements link on our web site or contact your board to determine the criteria required to test.

This new online tool should be used by all interns requesting an Authorization to Test. It was specifically built to speed up the process for jurisdictions that have adopted early eligibility rules, but will ultimately enhance all requests for this service.

*Applicants will be required to pay the full $285 Record fee prior to completion of the request for an Authorization to Test.

IDP + ARE: What Happens Next?

In June, NCARB’s Member Boards voted to approve the ARE Timing resolution granting access to the Architect Registration Examination^® (ARE^®) to interns prior to the completion of the Intern Development Program (IDP). Now, each state board must decide individually if it will allow concurrent IDP and ARE.

It will take state boards a few months to over a year to enact new rule changes if they vote to do so. While some boards only require a vote by board members to make procedure changes, others require proposed rule changes be available for public notice and/or be signed off on by the governor, which can take several months. Some states have licensure sequencing written in state law and will require action by state legislators in order to change it, which could take much more than a year.

Click here to see where several states are currently in enacting ARE timing changes. If you have any questions about this issue, please contact your state board for the latest information.

2007-2008 IDP Guidelines – Now Available Online!

The 2007-2008 IDP Guidelines are now available on NCARB’s web site. In NCARB’s effort to become green, hard copies of the 2007-2008 IDP Guidelines will only be available on a limited basis. Click here to download your copy.

Useful Links

IDP on NCARB.org
IDP Guidelines (PDF)
IDP Resources
IDP e-news (June 2007)