Course/Examination Pre-Approval
Applicants must request pre-approval from NAAB before enrolling in a course or registering for an examination. Below are instructions on how to satisfy deficiencies based on the subject area and category of the 2020 NCARB Education Standard:
Liberal Arts
To satisfy deficiencies in Liberal Arts, relevant coursework taken at institutions holding institutional accreditation or examinations offered through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) are accepted. In addition to post-secondary courses as described, the following tests will be recognized for waiver to deficiencies in English composition:
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet Based Test (TOEFL iBT) with a score of 94 overall and 20 in the writing section; or
- The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 7; or
- Similar internationally recognized test of English proficiency if deemed equivalent by the NAAB.
Design Synthesis
All deficiencies in Design Synthesis must be satisfied in studio courses offered either within a professional degree program accredited by the NAAB or the CACB/CCCA or in a pre-professional architecture degree program offered at a four-year institution accredited by a U.S. institutional accrediting agency. Studios must be administered or monitored by a member of the design faculty and must be taken for academic credit.
Building Technology
To satisfy deficiencies in Building Technology, relevant coursework taken successfully completed through:
- Four-year institutions that hold institutional accreditation and offer a professional or a pre-professional degree in architecture or continuing education; or
- The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and American Institute of Architects (continuing education) are accepted.
History, Theory, and Human Behavior/Professional Practice/Electives
To satisfy deficiencies in History, Theory, and Human Behavior; Professional Practice; or Electives, relevant coursework successfully completed through:
- Institutions that hold institutional accreditation; or
- Four-year institutions that hold institutional accreditation and offer a professional or a pre-continuing education; or
- The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and American Institute of Architects (continuing education) are accepted.
If a U.S. academic institution holding institutional accreditation grants credit in relevant subjects on the basis of equivalency examinations administered by the institution, and if that credit is listed on an official transcript issued by that institution, then that credit can be used to satisfy these Professional Practice requirements.