Architectural Examinations and Internship

The basic steps for licensure as an architect in Nebraska are:

1. Graduate from a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited program, or equivalent;
2. Enroll in and begin the Intern Development Program (IDP) training program, as required and verified by NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) and;
3. Pass all sections of the NCARB Architect Registration Examination (ARE)

Important Notice!

In accordance with Neb. Rev. Stat. §§4-108 through 4-114, all exam and license applicants in the state of Nebraska must attest to their legal presence in the United States prior to their completion of the application process. Individuals who are not U.S. citizens will be required to provide the Board office with proof of immigration status such as a copy of permanent resident card, work visa or other immigration documentation. At a minimum, this documentation must include the applicant’s name, alien number and date of birth. In some cases, a I-94 and/or SEVIS number will also be required.

Information provided by the applicant will be used to verify his/her status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through the Department of Homeland Security. Applicants will be notified if additional information is required or if immigration status cannot be verified. Exam and license applications will not be directed to the Board for review until the above criteria has been satisfied.

Step 1: Education

At the University of Nebraska’s College of Architecture, the Master of Architecture is the NAAB-accredited program. To search for other accredited programs, click here to search NAAB’s database.

The title of "Intern Architect" may be used once a person has earned a NAAB-accredited degree, or equivalent, in architecture.

Non-Accredited Degree Evaluations

Applicants who wish to take the exams, but do not have a NAAB-accredited degree must obtain an evaluation report from Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA-NCARB). The Nebraska Board requires the applicant to have met the NCARB Education Requirement with a degree in the field of architecture. The EESA-NCARB program evaluates the credentials of foreign-educated and broadly-experienced architects against the NCARB Education Standard. Their report is to be submitted directly to the Nebraska Board.

Step 2: IDP

The Intern Development Program (IDP) is a comprehensive training program created to ensure that architectural interns gain the knowledge and skills required for the independent practice of architecture.

The Nebraska Board allows candidates who have completed their accredited degree program and have signed up for IDP through NCARB to start taking the ARE.

IDP Reimbursement Request

Architecture students may receive a $100 reimbursement from the Board if they:

1. Are enrolled in IDP
2. Are a graduate of an NAAB-accredited program from the University of Nebraska College of Architecture
3. Have qualifying educational debt. Qualifying education debt is defined as any government or commercial loans obtained by a student for post-secondary education, tuition, other educational expenses, or reasonable living expenses, as determined by the Board, and
4. Apply no later than six months after graduation

To request reimbursement, complete the request form available here.

Step 3: ARE

Candidates who wish to take the ARE in Nebraska must first apply to the Nebraska Board and be approved before registering to take any exam.

Approval Process

• Applications are reviewed and approved by the Nebraska Board.
• Approval notification is sent to the applicant advising him/her they are registered with Prometric (the exam administrator), and further information will be sent to them from Prometric.
• Applicant is now allowed to begin registering for and taking the ARE exams

Individuals who have earned a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies with an architecture emphasis prior to December 31, 1999 can apply for the ARE by submitting evidence of 12 years combined architectural education and architectural work experience, including the equivalent of the IDP.

The applicant will be sent further instructions for completing the architect license process after she/he has passed all sections of the ARE and proof of IDP completion has been received by the Board.