Update: Adroit School and the American Board of Architecture

The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), Inc. has been following recent reports regarding the Adroit School of Architecture in Sacramento, California and the creation of the American Board of Architecture.

First, the three degree programs to be offered by Adroit are not accredited by the NAAB; nor has the institution applied for candidacy for accreditation. Further, Adroit is not accredited by a U.S. regional accrediting agency; a key component of eligibility for NAAB accreditation. Students enrolling in Adroit will not be eligible for federal financial aid. The NAAB-accredited degree is accepted as meeting the education requirement for registration in 37 U.S. jurisdictions and for Certification by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

Next, the American Board of Architecture is described as an alternative to accreditation and registration in the U.S. The NAAB is the only agency authorized to accredit professional degrees in architecture offered by institutions with regional accreditation from a U.S. agency and only NCARB Member Boards are authorized to license or register individuals to practice architecture in their respective jurisdictions.

Students, their parents, and the public are advised to be cautious about claims by any institution that cannot demonstrate that it is accredited by a U.S. regional accrediting agency. All are advised to be equally careful in assessing claims by professional degree programs in architecture that are not accredited by the NAAB.