IDP & ARE – TIMING OF THE EXAM & THE EXPERIENCE IDP & ARE – TIMING OF THE EXAM & THE EXPERIENCE

Rule Allows an architectural candidate in Texas to begin the ARE after completing accredited education plus six months’ experience under a registered architect. This amendment was adopted on June 7, 2001; the rule took effect October 10, 2001.

Issues to be Considered: Application Form – BEFORE, applicant could have been required to pay an extra NCARB record transmittal fee to be sent once after 6 months experience & once when the IDP was completed. NOW the Board has a simpler application form. The candidate signs an affidavit verifying that he/she has 6 months fulltime experience under the direct supervision of an architect. He/she must also submit a certified transcript to verify an NAAB accredited degree.Application Form – BEFORE, applicant could have been required to pay an extra NCARB record transmittal fee to be sent once after 6 months experience & once when the IDP was completed. NOW the Board has a simpler application form. The candidate signs an affidavit verifying that he/she has 6 months fulltime experience under the direct supervision of an architect. He/she must also submit a certified transcript to verify an NAAB accredited degree.

Duplicate Records & File Storage Problems – The candidate is required to send the NCARB record only once.Duplicate Records & File Storage Problems – The candidate is required to send the NCARB record only once. Tracking and handling information –Tracking and handling information – To reduce burden on staff, an Access Table was created to handle tracking both the early (six months) candidates and all other candidates. This was incorporated into the Board’s new database (Fall, 2005).

Pros: Reduces the exam drop-out rate of candidates.Reduces the exam drop-out rate of candidates. Offers shorter time period between school & testing; candidate has educational knowledge fresh in his/her mind.Offers shorter time period between school & testing; candidate has educational knowledge fresh in his/her mind. Reinforces the candidate to pursue registration when he/she has documented success.Reinforces the candidate to pursue registration when he/she has documented success. Allows other states’ candidates to enter the exam pipeline at this earlier schedule.Allows other states’ candidates to enter the exam pipeline at this earlier schedule.

Cons: Could create issues with licensing boards in other states.Could create issues with licensing boards in other states. Candidates may have to pay NCARB a maintenance fee over a longer period of time.Candidates may have to pay NCARB a maintenance fee over a longer period of time. Candidates may have to pay Texas a maintenance fee over a longer period of time.Candidates may have to pay Texas a maintenance fee over a longer period of time. Question of certification acceptance with NCARB and/or other states.Question of certification acceptance with NCARB and/or other states.

“Snapshot” of ARE Candidates, February ,841 ARE candidates currently in the exam process in Texas. 565 ARE candidates qualify for early exam. 565 ARE candidates qualify for early exam. 487 of these are in Texas; 78 are outside of Texas. 487 of these are in Texas; 78 are outside of Texas. 38 candidates completed the exam in the past 2 months; 8 of those were early exam candidates. 38 candidates completed the exam in the past 2 months; 8 of those were early exam candidates. In this fiscal year Texas has recorded 89 early applicants and 91 other applicants for the ARE.In this fiscal year Texas has recorded 89 early applicants and 91 other applicants for the ARE.

Average Time to Complete the ARE in Texas: (Measured in Last Quarter of 2005) Those who complete IDPThose who complete IDP prior to taking the ARE: 46 months (Nat’l: 26 months) Those who are taking the exam while completing IDP: 12 months Those who are taking the exam while completing IDP: 12 months

Observations: Early exam candidates are obviously “achievers.” Exam has not changed its difficulty or level of acceptance; exam has not been “dumbed down.” Exam has not changed its difficulty or level of acceptance; exam has not been “dumbed down.” If prepared (whether through education or experience), candidate will pass the exam parts. If prepared (whether through education or experience), candidate will pass the exam parts. If not prepared, the candidate will fail and will re-take the exam parts. If not prepared, the candidate will fail and will re-take the exam parts.

Texas, along with a growing number of states, continues to seek ways to work “smarter.” Our Board often asks “Why not?” rather than “Why?” We see this change as an enhancement for the profession of architecture and for the candidates who will inherit the obligations and the responsi- bilities of the future. We are confident that we are moving in the right direction. In Closing:

Where do we go from here? Where do we go from here?