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The Rochester chapter of The American Institute of Architects
Become an Architect in New York State
Licensure Requirements
Education
Examination
The Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) is a series of six examinations that test the comprehensive knowledge of licensure candidates.
Experience
You will need to work in a position supervised by a licensed architect for a time before you can become an architect yourself.
You might consider an architecture program that is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Many jurisdictions (though not NY) require a NAAB accredited degree in order to become licensed in that state.
To legally call yourself an architect and stamp your own drawings, you must earn an architectural license. These are given by jurisdiction (usually, by states) and only allow you to practice in that jurisdiction. Reciprocity is possible, but you must meet the criteria of the jurisdiction.
In most jurisdictions, licensure is achieved through the “Three Es”: education, examination, and experience. In most jurisdictions, students must earn a NAAB accredited degree (either B.Arch or M.Arch), which generally takes 5-8 years.
Education
The National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) has been providing quality assurance to architecture programs since 1967. Teams of volunteer professionals visit and review architecture programs. NAAB accreditation is the primary means by which professional degree programs in architecture assure quality to students and the public.
Though a NAAB accredited degree is not required in New York state, it is required to practice in most other jurisdictions in the U.S. We have many opportunities to earn a NAAB accredited degree within even a 6-hour driving radius of Rochester. Visit the NAAB site for a list of all accredited programs. Programs are reviewed and reaccredited on a cyclical basis.
Architecture programs will generally require a high school transcript meeting college prep requirements, a statement or essay regarding objectives, letters of recommendation, a resume/curriculum vitae and a portfolio.
AIA Rochester has two NAAB accredited architecture programs in its jurisdiction:
Rochester Institute of Technology (M.Arch)
&
SUNY College of Technology at Alfred (B. Arch)
Experience
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) administers the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®), which is a framework to gain real world, comprehensive architectural experience. The program requires experience hours in six different facets of architecture including design, project management, construction, and more. It is intended to be a tool to ensure that architectural candidates earn experience in all facets of the profession.
It is up to each jurisdiction if they require or accept the AXP® for licensure requirement. Different jurisdictions have different eligibilities for beginning to earn experience (concurrent with education, after graduation, etc.) The New York State board must approve all experience, and might not accept experience hours that the AXP® would. Eligibility to start testing varies as well. Refer to The New York State Education Department Office of the Professions website for detailed information about New York State's experience requirements.
"The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is a nonprofit organization made up of the architectural licensing boards of 55 U.S. states and territories. While each jurisdiction is responsible for regulating the practice of architecture within its borders, NCARB develops and administers national programs for candidates pursuing architectural licensure and helps architects expand their professional reach through the NCARB Certificate."
In New York State: Education + Experience = 12 Units
The path to architecture in New York State does not require a degree from a NAAB accredited program. You must earn 12 units of combined education and experience and pass the (ARE®). The credit awarded for education determines the required number of units (years) of experience, where one unit of experience is equal to one year. Note that if you wish to practice in other jurisdictions or states, most require a NAAB accredited degree.
NAAB professional degree
9
Years of supervised experience
3
+
Non-NAAB professional degree
8
Years of supervised experience
4
+
12
UNITS
4 year pre- professional degree
7
Years of supervised experience
5
+
Architectural
technical
degree
2
Years of supervised experience
10
+
Degree in related profession
5
Years of supervised experience
7
+
Examination
Architectural examinations have changed radically in their existence. The original examination was a multi-day event with paper and pencil offered only once or twice a year. It has recently evolved from a series of nine exams on computer to six.
NCARB develops The Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®), which is a series of examinations that test the comprehensive knowledge of licensure candidates.
There are currently six examinations which align with the six categories in the AXP®. The examinations are taken at a testing center and can be taken individually and at the candidate's discretion.
It is up to each jurisdiction if they require or accept the ARE® for licensure requirement. Different jurisdictions have different eligibilities for beginning to take the exam. New York State does require that candidates pass the ARE®. Eligibility to start taking the exam varies as well in NY, though some education or experience must first be satisfied. Refer to The New York State Education Department Office of the Professions website for detailed information about New York State's examination requirements.
Architectural licensure in New York State is through The New York State Education Department (“SED”) Office of the Professions (“OP”).
It should be noted that a NYS architecture license earned without a NAAB accredited degree may not be reciprocated by jurisdictions that require such a degree.
The path to architecture described here is generalized. Always refer to the requirements of the jurisdiction where you are seeking licensure for current, complete requirements. New York State requirements are found on The New York State Education Department Office of the Professions website. The information presented here is current as of April 2025.
Opportunities to Learn More
Local Programs
There are local programs of interest for students K-12 interested in architecture! Please notify us about additional opportunities to share!
Girls in Architecture
Presented by: AIA Rochester's Women in Architecture Committee
Available to: Girls K-8; exact ages to be specified per individual program
When: TBD
Local architects and designers who identify as women mentor girls in the community who are interested in architecture in this one day program.
Exploring Post in Architecture
Presented by: AIA Rochester in partnership with LaBella Associates, Passero Associates ETC
Available to: High School Students interested in architecture
When: One evening a week for six weeks starting after Spring Break. Registration available in early spring.
Local architects and designers who are women mentor girls in the community who are interested in architecture in this one day program.
Presented by: Coalition that includes Builders Exchange, Livingston Associates, Genesee County BEA, & others
Available to: Students ages 12-15
When: Weekly format in July and August
Camp Hard Hat teaches the fundamentals of construction design, project safety and proper use of tools while creating something for the community! All camps are taught by certified instructors. Max of 30 students per camp.
Presented by: RMSC Museum & Science Center
Available to: Students ages 6-8
When: Weekly format June - August
We have the blueprints and measurements to design a one-of-a-kind experience. In Architects & Engineers, campers will learn how the two professions work together to create dynamic structures. Explore some local designs, then create your own!
Presented by: Rochester chapter of the ACE Mentor Program (industry professional volunteers)
Available to: High School Students interested in architecture, engineering, and construction
When: One evening per week throughout the fall semester
High school students in the Rochester area can now benefit from a nationwide program designed to introduce them to the wide range of career opportunities open to young people in architecture, construction, engineering, and related areas of the building design and construction industry.
Presented by: Rochester Architecture Foundation (RAF)
Available to: Currently, students attending Rochester Prep High School
When: Taught twice per week throughout the school year.
RAF has launched a pilot program to expand career opportunities for young people from traditionally disadvantaged backgrounds. The initiative brings an introduction to the field of architecture into the midst of the school day at the High School level. This has been enabled by a partnership with Rochester Prep High School, where the course is taught twice a week throughout the school year.
Scholarship Opportunities
There are scholarship opportunities available for students interested in studying architecture. A partial list is below. We hope to add to this list - please notify us about additional opportunities!
AIA Rochester partners with the Rochester Architecture Foundation (RAF), the Family of Myron Starks, Women in Architecture, and AIA National to award scholarships to high school seniors and continuing university students pursuing architecture at the university level. Information regarding the Scholarship Program will be available in February of each year.
Rochester Architecture Foundation's Urban Scholar Award
New in 2025, the RAF provides a scholarship opportunity for high school seniors who are residents of the City of Rochester and who are accepted into a program for architecture, engineering, a related profession, or a trade the following fall.
Resources
There are countless resources available to explore the profession on your own. Below are some examples!
Explore Architecture Career Guide
Presented by: AIA Kansas City
We are excited to bring this Explore Architecture guide to you. We hope you learn more about the profession and what exactly it is that we do. Use this guide as a tool to work with your teachers and parents to challenge your creativity and develop your interests. Now, go get started on designing your future!
Bee an Architect Coloring Book (download & print)
Presented by: AIA Iowa
Learn more about what architects do and the tools they use with this engaging activity and coloring book.
Architectural Sketching Tutorial Videos
Presented by: Themodmin
Architecture is all about communicating ideas visually, and there is no better way to quickly express an idea than through sketching. We provide short, simple tutorials on how to get the most out of your sketches.
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