Top 10 Architect Certifications

Certifications are important for architects in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. Certified architects have proven their technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, ethical standards, and commitment to professional development. Employers view certifications as a sign of credibility and trustworthiness. Additionally, certifications can provide architects with access to exclusive industry networks and events that can help them stay up-to-date on the latest developments in their field. Certifications also make it easier for employers to find qualified candidates who have the right skillset for their needs. Ultimately, certifications can give architects an edge over non-certified competitors when applying for jobs or promotions.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for Architects and explains how they can help advance an architect's career.

What are Architect Certifications?

Architect certification is a process that involves the evaluation and verification of an architect’s qualifications, skills, and experience. This certification is typically administered by a professional organization or regulatory body to ensure that architects meet certain standards of excellence.

By obtaining architect certification, architects demonstrate their commitment to maintaining the highest levels of professionalism in their field. Certified architects have access to exclusive resources and opportunities that non-certified architects may not be able to access. For example, some organizations offer discounts on professional liability insurance for certified architects. Additionally, some employers may prefer to hire certified architects as they are considered more reliable and qualified than non-certified professionals.

Certification can also help architects stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies so they can better serve their clients. Certification programs often include continuing education requirements which help keep architecture professionals informed about new developments in the field. In addition, certification may provide recognition among peers which could lead to more job opportunities and higher salaries.

Overall, architect certification can provide many benefits including greater career opportunities, increased recognition among peers, access to exclusive resources and discounts, and staying abreast of industry trends and technologies.

Pro tip: When considering an architect certification, make sure to research the requirements for the specific certification you are interested in and then focus on acquiring the necessary qualifications and experience. Additionally, consider taking courses or attending workshops related to the certification's area of expertise.

Related: What does an Architect do?

Top 10 Architect Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Architects today.

1. LEED Green Associate

LEED Green Associate is a professional certification program offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This certification recognizes professionals who have demonstrated knowledge of green building principles, practices, and strategies to support the design, construction, and operation of high-performance buildings. It is an entry-level credential for professionals in the green building industry.

The LEED Green Associate exam takes about 90 minutes to complete and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, materials selection, and site selection.

To get the LEED Green Associate certification, you must first register with the USGBC to take the exam. After registering online, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to schedule your exam appointment at a Prometric testing center near you.

The cost of taking the LEED Green Associate exam is $200 USD for members of the USGBC or $250 USD for non-members.

2. Architectural Registration Exam (ARE)

The Architectural Registration Exam (ARE) is a series of exams administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). It is designed to assess the knowledge and skills required for the practice of architecture in the United States. The exam consists of seven divisions: Practice Management, Project Management, Programming & Analysis, Project Planning & Design, Construction & Evaluation, Structural Systems, and Building Technology.

It typically takes three to five years to complete all seven divisions of the ARE. Each division requires a minimum number of hours spent studying and taking practice tests before attempting the actual exam. Additionally, most states require that candidates have completed a professional degree program in architecture from an accredited school before taking the ARE.

To get started with the ARE process, candidates must first register with NCARB and pay an initial fee. After registering with NCARB, candidates can then purchase individual exams or bundles of exams at a discounted rate. Each exam costs $210 USD plus additional fees for late registration or rescheduling.

In total, it can cost up to $2,500 USD to take all seven divisions of the ARE depending on whether or not you purchase any discounted bundles or special offers.

3. National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Certification

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Certification is a voluntary certification program for architects. It is designed to ensure that architects meet the highest standards of professional practice and ethical conduct.

The NCARB Certificate Program allows architects to demonstrate their commitment to public safety, professionalism, and lifelong learning. To obtain the NCARB Certificate, an architect must complete a series of educational requirements, as well as pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).

The educational requirements include completing a bachelor’s degree in architecture from an accredited institution, passing the ARE, and completing an internship program. The internship program requires at least three years of experience in architectural practice under the supervision of a registered architect.

It typically takes five years or more to complete all of the requirements for the NCARB Certificate. However, it is possible to complete them sooner if you are able to work quickly and efficiently.

To get started on your path towards obtaining the NCARB Certificate, you will need to register with NCARB and pay an initial fee. After registering, you will be required to submit transcripts from your college or university showing that you have completed a bachelor’s degree in architecture from an accredited institution. You will then need to take and pass the ARE exam before beginning your internship program.

Once you have completed all of these steps, you can apply for your NCARB Certificate by submitting an application along with supporting documentation such as transcripts and proof of completion of your internship program. Once approved, you will receive your certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

The cost for obtaining the NCARB Certificate varies depending on which state you live in; however, it typically costs around $1,000-$2,000 USD including registration fees and other associated costs such as taking the ARE exam and completing internships.

4. American Institute of Architects (AIA) Certification

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Certification is an advanced level of professional recognition for architects. It is a voluntary program that recognizes the highest standards of professional practice and ethical conduct. The AIA Certification Program was established in 1969 to provide a means for architects to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the profession.

To become AIA certified, an architect must meet certain criteria, including: having at least seven years of experience as an architect, passing the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), and completing continuing education requirements. In addition, applicants must be members in good standing with the AIA.

It typically takes between two and four years to become AIA certified. During this time, applicants must complete all necessary steps such as taking and passing the ARE, completing continuing education courses, and submitting all required paperwork.

To get started on the path to becoming AIA certified, you should first join the AIA by paying annual dues which range from $130-$400 depending on your membership type. After joining, you can begin studying for the ARE exam and complete any other requirements needed for certification.

The cost of becoming AIA certified varies depending on several factors such as your membership type, study materials purchased for the ARE exam, and any additional fees associated with submitting paperwork or taking continuing education courses. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 to become AIA certified.

5. Certified Passive House Designer/Consultant

A Certified Passive House Designer/Consultant is a professional who has been trained and certified to design and consult on the construction of Passive House buildings. The certification is issued by the Passive House Institute (PHI), an international organization dedicated to promoting energy-efficient building standards.

It typically takes two years to become a Certified Passive House Designer/Consultant, but it can be done in less time depending on the individual's experience and knowledge. To become certified, applicants must attend an accredited training program, pass a written exam, and complete a project that meets PHI standards.

To get certified as a Passive House Designer/Consultant, applicants must first find an accredited training program. There are several programs offered around the world, including online courses. Once they have completed their training program, they must take and pass the PHI written exam. After passing the exam, they will need to complete a project that meets PHI standards before being officially certified as a Passive House Designer/Consultant.

The cost of becoming a Certified Passive House Designer/Consultant varies depending on the type of training program chosen and other factors such as travel expenses for attending classes or taking exams in person. Generally speaking, it can cost between $2,000-$5,000 USD to become certified.

6. Certified Accessible Design Professional (CADP)

Certified Accessible Design Professional (CADP) is a credential offered by the International Code Council (ICC). The CADP certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in designing and constructing accessible buildings and facilities that meet ICC accessibility codes.

It typically takes about three months to complete the CADP certification process. To get certified, individuals must first take an online course on accessible design principles and obtain a passing score on the associated exam. After completing the course, applicants must submit a portfolio of their work that demonstrates their knowledge and experience in designing accessible buildings or facilities. Finally, applicants must pass an oral examination administered by an ICC-approved proctor.

The cost of obtaining the CADP certification varies depending on the jurisdiction in which you are applying for it. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,000 USD for all fees associated with taking the course, submitting your portfolio, and taking the oral exam.

7. Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst Professional

The Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst Professional certification is a nationally recognized credential for professionals who assess and diagnose existing residential buildings to identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements. This certification is designed to ensure that building analysts have the necessary skills and knowledge to accurately assess and diagnose existing homes, as well as recommend appropriate energy efficiency measures.

To become a BPI Building Analyst Professional, individuals must complete an online training course and pass an exam. The online training course covers topics such as building science fundamentals, air leakage testing, combustion safety testing, diagnostics, and more. The course typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete. After completing the course, individuals must pass a proctored exam at a designated test center in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the BPI Building Analyst Professional certification varies depending on the provider offering the training course and exam. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD depending on the provider and any additional services they may offer (such as study materials or practice exams).

8. International Code Council (ICC) Commercial Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner

The International Code Council (ICC) Commercial Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to inspect and evaluate commercial buildings for energy efficiency. The certification requires applicants to pass an exam, which covers topics such as building envelope, mechanical systems, lighting, and renewable energy systems.

It typically takes between four and six weeks to get certified after submitting an application. To apply for the certification, individuals must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. They must also submit proof of completion of a minimum of 16 hours of approved training in commercial energy inspection/planning examination.

The cost of the ICC Commercial Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner certification varies depending on the country or region where it is taken. In the United States, it costs $250 for members of ICC or $400 for non-members.

9. Construction Documents Technology (CDT)

Construction Documents Technology (CDT) is a comprehensive suite of electronic tools and services designed to streamline the preparation, review, approval, and distribution of construction documents. It enables architects, engineers, and contractors to create, review, and approve project documents more quickly and accurately than ever before. CDT eliminates paper-based document management processes by providing an online platform for collaboration between all stakeholders.

CDT typically takes anywhere from two to four weeks to set up depending on the size of the project. The process begins with a consultation with a CDT specialist who will assess the project requirements and determine which components are needed. After that, the specialist will configure the system according to the specific needs of the project. Once configured, users can begin creating their documents in CDT’s easy-to-use web interface.

To get CDT, you must contact an authorized provider or reseller who can provide you with access to the software as well as support and training services. The cost of CDT varies depending on the number of users and features required for your project but generally ranges from $2,000-$5,000 per month for larger projects.

10. Autodesk Revit Architecture Professional Certification

Autodesk Revit Architecture Professional Certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates a user’s expertise in the use of Autodesk Revit software for architectural design and documentation. It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the use of the software, enabling users to maximize their productivity and create high-quality designs.

The certification process takes approximately eight hours to complete and consists of two parts: a written exam and a hands-on lab exam. The written exam tests knowledge of Revit’s features, commands, and functions as well as general concepts related to BIM (Building Information Modeling). The hands-on lab exam requires users to demonstrate their ability to apply these skills by completing a series of tasks using the software.

To get certified, individuals must first register with Autodesk and then purchase an eligible certification voucher from an authorized reseller or directly from Autodesk. Once registered, they can schedule their exams at any authorized Autodesk testing center.

The cost for the certification varies depending on the type of voucher purchased but typically ranges from $150-$250 USD.

Do You Really Need a Architect Certificate?

Whether you need an architect certificate or not depends on what type of work you are planning to do. If you want to become a professional architect, then having an architect certificate is essential. It will help demonstrate your qualifications and expertise in the field, and it will give potential employers assurance that you have the necessary skills for the job.

An architect certificate can also be beneficial if you plan to design buildings, homes, or other structures. Having a certificate can give clients confidence that your designs are based on sound engineering principles and standards and that they meet local building codes. Having an architect's certification also allows you to use specialized software programs that are designed specifically for architects, which can make designing easier and more efficient.

In addition, an architect certificate may be required by some local governments when applying for permits or licenses to build certain types of projects. This is especially true if the project involves constructing multiple stories or large-scale structures such as commercial buildings. Without a valid certificate, you may not be able to obtain the necessary permits or licenses for a particular project.

Overall, whether or not you need an architect certificate depends on your specific goals and plans. However, having one can certainly provide numerous benefits both professionally and personally. So if you are considering becoming an architect or designing buildings of any kind, it is worth looking into obtaining an architect certification in order to maximize your chances of success.

Related: Architect Resume Examples

FAQs About Architect Certifications

1. What types of architect certifications are available?

Answer: There are several types of architect certifications available, including those from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and International Union of Architects (UIA).

2. How do I become certified as an architect?

Answer: To become certified as an architect, you must take and pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) administered by NCARB. You will also need to meet any additional requirements set by your state or local jurisdiction.

3. Is a certification required to practice architecture?

Answer: Yes, in most states, you must be licensed or certified in order to practice architecture legally. However, some states may have different requirements for licensure or certification depending on the type of work being done.

4. How long does it take to get certified as an architect?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified as an architect depends on several factors such as how quickly you can complete the necessary education and experience requirements and how quickly you can pass the ARE exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two to five years to become certified as an architect.

5. How often do I need to renew my certification?

Answer: Most architectural certifications require renewal every three years in order for them to remain valid. Renewal typically involves completing continuing education courses and paying a fee associated with renewal.