What is IPAL
The Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) is a program offered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) to motivated students studying architecture who seek to become licensed professional architects. This program enables students to simultaneously pursue the three essential components for licensure, i.e. Education (NAAB accredited degree), Experience (AXP), Examination (ARE 5.9), and thereby reduce the overall time required to obtain an architectural license.
The IPAL option offered by the Department of Architecture at Texas A&M University was approved by NCARB in July 2021.
How it Works at Texas A&M University
The next section summarizes the IPAL process at Texas A&M by semester. Students who transfer to the BED program or who have attained the milestones without previously being enrolled may apply to join their academic year level cohort during the fall semester of each year. Several students who join our Master of Architecture degree program have already recorded considerable AXP experience with NCARB. They are advised to meet with the IPAL & AXP advisor to apply for admission to the appropriate IPAL cohort.
For more information contact:
Valerian Miranda, Ph.D., FIIA
IPAL & AXP Advisor
Department of Architecture
Email: COA-IPAL@arch.tamu.edu
Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) Architecture Experience Program (AXP) Architectural Registration Examination (ARE)
IPAL @ Texas A&M Process
The Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) option offered by the Department of Architecture follows the normal curriculum as the Bachelor of Environmental Design (BED) degree and the Master of Architecture (MArch) degree. In addition, IPAL students receive mentoring and guidance in obtaining employment that will accumulate AXP credit toward licensure. IPAL students will have exclusive access to study materials and aids when they are ready to begin taking the Architectural Registration Examination (ARE 5.0). There are no additional academic costs to be enrolled in IPAL.
Below is a summary of the model IPAL option by semester.
Enter Bachelor of Environmental Design (BED) degree program
YEAR 1
Fall: 14 credit hours of coursework.
Spring: 17 credit hours of coursework, students introduced to the IPAL option.
Summer: Students may choose to gain AXP in advance of IPAL.
YEAR 2
Fall: 17 credit hours of coursework. 2nd year students invited to apply for IPAL.
Spring: 16 credit hours of coursework. Students accepted to IPAL option, obtain an NCARB record, and seek professional summer employment.
Summer: Begin recording AXP (600–650 hours).
MILESTONE: 3.0 GPA and 600 hours of AXP.
YEAR 3
In the third year of the BED program all students are expected to spend a semester away in either the fall or spring semesters. Students who are enrolled in the IPAL option should select the internship option.
Fall: 12 credit hours of coursework. (Semester away), record AXP (600–650 hours).
Spring: 15 credit hours of coursework.
Summer: Record AXP (600–650 hours).
MILESTONE: 3.0 GPA and 1800 hours of AXP.
YEAR 4
Fall: 12 credit hours of coursework. Apply to Master of Architecture program
Spring: 14 credit hours of coursework.
Summer: Record AXP (600–650 hours). Register and begin taking the Architectural Registration Examination (ARE).
MILESTONE: Bachelor of Environmental Design degree awarded, Master of Architecture admission, 2500 hours AXP, take at least one ARE division.
Enter Master of Architecture (MArch) degree program
YEAR 5
Fall: 12 credit hours of coursework, take ARE division.
Spring: 12 credit hours of coursework, take ARE division.
Summer: 6 credit hours of coursework, record AXP (600-650 hours), take ARE division.
MILESTONE: 3.0 GPA and 3100 hours of AXP, three ARE divisions.
YEAR 6
Fall: 9 credit hours of coursework, take ARE division.
Spring: 10 credit hours of coursework, take ARE division.
Summer: 6 credit hours of coursework, complete all ARE divisions.
MILESTONE: Master of Architecture degree awarded, architectural license and NCARB certificate obtained.
Consortium of Firms
We are able offer the IPAL option to our students because of the active support of several alumni, individuals, regional and national architectural firms. THANK YOU!
