What is accreditation?

In general accreditation is a process of external quality review used to scrutinize colleges, universities and educational programs for quality assurance and quality improvement.

What is architectural accreditation? 

Architectural accreditation is the primary means by which programs assure quality to students and the public. Accredited status is a signal to students and the public that an institution or program meets at least minimal standards for its faculty, curriculum, student services and libraries. Since most state registration boards in the United States require any applicant for licensure to have graduated from a NAAB-accredited program, obtaining such a degree is an essential aspect of preparing for the professional practice of architecture.

NAAB 2009 Conditions for Accreditation

The NAAB Conditions for Accreditation outline the requirements that the accredited degree programs must meet to ensure minimum standards and a uniform accrediting process.

NAAB 2012 Procedures for Accreditation

The NAAB Procedures for Accreditation outline the procedures that the accredited degree programs and the visiting teams must follow to ensure minimum standards and a uniform accrediting process.

Is the program you are attending accredited?

There are currently 154 NAAB accredited and candidate programs housed in 123 institutions offering NAAB accredited professional programs in architecture leading to the Doctor of Architecture, Master of Architecture or Bachelor of Architecture degree.

Architecture Program Report

The Architecture Program Report (APR) provides insight into the program, as well as its institutional context and resources; it forms the basis for the visiting team to prepare for the site visit and evaluate evidence during the visit.

Do you wish to serve on a NAAB Visiting Team as the Student Representative?

Each summer, the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) invites applications from individuals interested in serving on teams. These names are submitted to the NAAB in the fall. To learn more about the process of being nominated, contact the AIAS President.

Visiting Team Training Workshop

Each year, NAAB conducts workshops for individuals who will serve on a NAAB visiting team.  Contact NAAB for the schedule. 

As an architecture student, please feel free to contact NAAB if you have any questions.