IDP Guide

Your education as an architect typically begins in a school of architecture. But it does not end there. Training in architectural firms, continuing education, and professional practice further the educational process. Schools and firms offer many opportunities for acquiring knowledge and skills; however, you must take responsibility for developing your competencies to the fullest.

Participation in the program is required and better prepares you for both the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) and the wide range of career opportunities that lie beyond registration.

A new IDP resource, the Emerging Professionals Companion (EPC), replaces the AIA Supplementary Education Handbook. The EPC is free to AIAS members and is a web-based professional development resource designed to improve the quality of internship training. EPC activities challenge interns to develop the awareness, understanding, and skills needed to achieve the core competencies identified in each IDP Training Area. Interns can acquire “elective” credit through verified completion of beginner-, intermediate-, and advance-level exercises that provide exposure to key practice issues, including liability; health, safety, welfare; and ethical dilemmas.

The IDP program is adminstered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Learn more.