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  Architects work with other professionals to provide the facilities in which people go about their lives. From houses, schools and churches to offices, airports and industrial complexes, architects design structures for safety as well as function. Given the important nature of their work, the educational requirements for architects are rigorous.
  
  

Job Functions

• Architects play a broad role in the design and building of various structures to include everything from houses to office spaces and college campuses. Predesign services include site scouting and cost analysis. Design services include detailed structural drawings showing all of the systems of the building, each of which must meet local building codes. Construction services might include project management and general oversight.
  
  

Job Qualifications

• Candidates for internships have normally completed their architectural degrees. However, some firms may allow students to hold internship positions. Interns have a broad range of responsibilities that could include research, specification writing, drawings or a small role in design.
  
  Candidates must have professional licenses to hold themselves out as architects and offer their services. The requirements for a license vary by state, but include an architectural degree, previous experience and a passing score on the licensing exam.
  
  

Education Requirements

• Most state licensing requirements specify candidates must have graduated from an architectural program accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board. The National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) offers accreditation for Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture and Doctorate of Architecture. The Bachelor of Architecture is typically a five-year program. The Master of Architecture takes one to five years to complete depending on what bachelor degree a candidate holds. Bachelor of Science or Art degrees in Architecture, Architectural Studies and Environmental Design may provide the background necessary to complete the Master of Architecture in a shorter time span.
  
  Architectural degree programs offer a variety of courses to cover fundamental aspects of the job. Design classes expose students to critical decision making processes undertaken during the conception phase of a project. Graphic skills teach students how to express concepts using both freehand drawing and computer-aided design. Math classes provide students with the background necessary to understanding engineering-related aspects such as structural forces. Architectural history classes and specialized classes provide a broad exposure to the field.
  
  

Professional License

• Candidates must have a license in the state they practice in to be able to claim the title of architect and offer their services. To qualify for a license, the candidate must possess the proper education. In most cases a degree from a NAAB accredited school is necessary. The candidate must also have experience gained under the tutelage of a licensed architect and pass the nine-section Architect Registration Examination. In some states, architects must take continuing education classes to maintain their licenses. Requirements may vary by state.
  
  

Certification

• Many states require certification by the National Council of Architectural Registration Board in order to grant reciprocity to an architect. Reciprocity allows the architect to work as an architect in a state other than the one he is licensed in. To become National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) certified, an architect must submit her educational records, employment history and professional references.