How Long Does It Take to Become an Architect?
Quick Answer
7–11 years after high school. This includes 5 years for a B.Arch or 6–7 years for a bachelor's plus M.Arch, 2–3 years of internship experience, and passing the ARE exam.
Typical Duration
Quick Answer
Becoming a licensed architect takes 7–11 years after high school. The path includes earning an accredited architecture degree (5–7 years), completing the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) with 3,740 hours of supervised work, and passing all six divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). The exact timeline depends on your degree path and how quickly you accumulate experience hours.
Timeline Breakdown
| Stage | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| B.Arch (5-year professional degree) | 5 years | Accredited bachelor's degree in architecture |
| OR: Bachelor's + M.Arch | 6–7 years | 4-year bachelor's (any field) + 2–3 year Master of Architecture |
| Architectural Experience Program (AXP) | 2–3 years | 3,740 hours of supervised work experience |
| ARE exam | 6–12 months | Pass all 6 divisions of the licensing exam |
| Total | 7–11 years | Varies by degree path and pace |
Degree Paths
B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) is a 5-year NAAB-accredited professional degree. This is the fastest route because you can begin accumulating AXP hours during school. Programs include design studios, structural engineering, building technology, and architectural history.
M.Arch (Master of Architecture) is a 2–3 year graduate degree. If your undergraduate degree is in another field, the M.Arch typically takes 3 years. If you already have a pre-professional architecture bachelor's (4-year BA or BS in architecture), the M.Arch takes about 2 years.
NAAB accreditation is essential. Only graduates of NAAB-accredited programs (or equivalent) can pursue licensure in most US states. There are about 130 accredited programs in the United States.
The Architectural Experience Program (AXP)
Formerly called the Intern Development Program (IDP), the AXP requires 3,740 hours of documented work experience across six practice areas:
- Practice management
- Project management
- Programming and analysis
- Project planning and design
- Project development and documentation
- Construction and evaluation
Key AXP facts:
- You can start logging hours after enrolling in an accredited program (some states allow hours during school)
- Hours must be supervised by a licensed architect
- Most candidates complete the AXP in 2–3 years of full-time work
- NCARB tracks your hours through an online record
The ARE Exam
The Architect Registration Examination (ARE) consists of six divisions:
- Practice management
- Project management
- Programming and analysis
- Project planning and design
- Project development and documentation
- Construction and evaluation
Each division takes 3–5 hours to complete. Most candidates study 50–100 hours per division and take 6–18 months to pass all six. You can take divisions in any order, and you don't need to finish the AXP before starting the ARE in most states.
Pass rates vary by division, averaging around 50–65%. If you fail a division, you must wait 60 days before retaking it.
Factors That Affect the Timeline
Degree choice is the biggest variable. A 5-year B.Arch gets you to licensure fastest. A career changer pursuing a 3-year M.Arch after a non-architecture bachelor's adds time.
Concurrent AXP and ARE can compress the timeline. Many states allow you to begin the AXP during school and start the ARE before completing all experience hours.
State requirements vary. Some states have additional requirements beyond the NCARB standard, such as extra experience hours or supplemental exams. California, for example, has its own supplemental exam.
Architect Salary and Outlook
- Median salary: $82,840 per year (BLS, 2024)
- Top 10%: Over $136,000 per year
- Job growth: 5% projected (2022–2032), about average for all occupations
- Intern architect salary: $50,000–$65,000 during the AXP period
Tips for Aspiring Architects
- Choose a NAAB-accredited program — licensure is nearly impossible without one
- Start AXP hours during school to shorten the post-graduation timeline
- Begin the ARE as early as your state allows — spreading exams over 12–18 months is more manageable than cramming
- Build a strong portfolio throughout school and internship, as it's essential for career advancement
- Consider specialization early — sustainable design, healthcare, or high-rise work can affect your career trajectory and earning potential
- Join AIAS (student chapter) and AIA for networking, mentorship, and ARE study resources