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Frequently Asked Questions About….IDP

What is IDP?
( From Wikipedia.com )The Intern Development Program (IDP) is a national program designed to provide structured training for interns to insure that they are exposed to most aspects of the architectural profession prior to sitting for the Architectural Registration Exam . A candidate works under the tutelage of one or more architects as mentor(s) on a regular basis. Additionally, the intern architect selects a sponsor, who is an architect who does not work for the firm where the intern is employed. Together the mentor and the sponsor work with the intern to make sure that the intern is actively working towards satisfying the requirements of the IDP program. The program is based on a points system, where the intern tracks experience in a variety of activities. These activities include contracts, client contact, working drawings, design, field supervision and other tasks that architects will perform as part of their professional responsibilities. Note: As of January 1, 2005 , completion of IDP is required in California prior to licensure.

What is CIDP?
(From cab.ca.gov) California also requires an additional overlay component (Comprehensive IDP or CIDP) that focuses on effective communication between the intern and the supervisor, which is driven by the review and discussion of materials relating to the Skills and Application Activities that are part of NCARB's IDP Training Areas. The intern is required to produce "evidence" materials, which are reviewed and discussed with the supervisor. There are two different types of evidence materials - 1) Work Sample, which should be a byproduct of the intern's normal work; and 2) Written Narrative, which is a separate written document prepared by the intern describing a process or an understanding of a particular concept. Documentation relating to the verification of the CIDP overlay component is signed by the intern and supervisor and submitted to CAB by the intern.

Since CAB requires the same NCARB IDP that is required by other states, the NCARB IDP Council Record for California interns should be accepted by other states for licensure and by NCARB for certification - provided that you have met all other requirements established by the state or by NCARB.

I don't have an accredited degree in architecture. Does that mean I can't participate in NCARB's IDP?
(From cab.ca.gov) No. An accredited degree is not required to participate in NCARB's IDP as a California candidate. Interns who have an NAAB-accredited degree can earn credit toward NCARB's IDP after completion of the third year in a professional degree program; California interns who have a lesser degree or no degree can earn credit toward NCARB's IDP after verification of three years of education and/or work experience equivalents based on CAB's Table of Equivalents, as evaluated by CAB.

Do I have to complete the whole CIDP/IDP program before I can be eligible to take the Architect Registration Examination (ARE)?
(From cab.ca.gov) No. In California , candidate are allowed to take the ARE upon verification of five years of education and/or work experience credit, as evaluated by CAB.

How much does it cost to participate in IDP and CIDP?
(From cab.ca.gov) NCARB currently charges interns $285 for compiling the Council Record for the first three years, which includes one transmittal of the IDP Council Record to a member board. An additional $50 per year is assessed for each year beyond the first three years until IDP is completed. Students and recent graduates (within six months of graduation) may submit $100 with their NCARB application and pay the balance, plus any annual increases, before the Council Record is transmitted.

CAB does not currently charge any fees for participation in NCARB's IDP or for participation in CID. However, CAB does charge a $100 eligibility review fee when candidates apply to have their eligibility for the ARE evaluated.

If I complete IDP, does that mean that I can get licensed in any other state or certified by NCARB?
(From cab.ca.gov) It depends on your other qualifications, primarily education. Each state establishes its own licensing laws, as NCARB establishes its own certification requirements. You should contact the individual state directly to find out their licensing requirements or contact NCARB to find out their certification requirements (www.ncarb.org ). Currently, approximately two-thirds of the states require candidates to earn an NAAB-accredited degree in architecture to become licensed.

What is reciprocity?
(From archvoices.org) Once licensure in a "home" state has been obtained, architects may seek reciprocal licensure in other states by demonstrating that they meet their education, training and examination standards. NCARB certification facilitates reciprocal licensure among its member boards. Not all registered architects are eligible for NCARB certification. Qualifications for the NCARB certificate include a current license issued by a member board and satisfaction of the NCARB education, training and examination standards.

Why should I begin documenting my training when my internship starts? Why not wait until I've completed the IDP training requirement?
(From ncarb.org) To derive the maximum benefits from IDP, you should begin documenting your training at the beginning of your first acceptable employment. Retroactive documentation is discouraged for several reasons:

•  Previous supervisors often cannot verify training units earned, resulting in a loss of training credit toward admission to the examination.

•  Retroactive record-keeping usually delays the examination application process, resulting in postponement of examination and registration.

•  Several registration boards place limits on the amount of previous experience that can be retroactively documented.

I am having trouble getting the minimum training units required in several areas. Can I use supplementary education to satisfy these requirements?
(From ncarb.org) No. Supplementary education can be used to supplement minimum levels of required training but cannot serve as a substitute for such experience. More specifically, supplementary education cannot be used to satisfy the minimum training units required in IDP Training Areas 1-16.

Can I complete IDP concurrent with the ARE?

Yes—in Arizona , California , Florida , Kentucky , Texas , Vermont , and Wisconsin .

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Frequently Asked Questions about the ARE Seminar Series 

I don't want to use my credit card online.

While Acteva does offer secure online-credit card transactions, we realize some people prefer to mail in a check. Therefore, feel free to mail or walk-in your registration and check. Also, you can walk-in to the office and pay by credit card.

How can I become a member of AIA East Bay?
If you live and/or work in Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Solano County or Napa County you can join AIA East Bay . If you're currently a member in another AIA chapter but qualify for membership in the AIA East Bay, please contact your current chapter if you'd like to transfer your membership.  

I'm a member of another AIA chapter. Why don't I get the full AIA discount?

Members of AIA East Bay receive full discounts for the ARE series. Members of any other AIA chapter do receive a member-discount off the registration price.
 

I registered but now I can't make it. Can I get a refund?

Since AIA East Bay has to make a commitment to compensate the instructors, we regret cannot give full refunds. However, you can transfer your registration to someone else. Refunds are as follows:

Refund Information:

80% refund given if cancelled more than two weeks prior to class.

40% refund given if cancelled more than seven days prior to class.

No refund given if cancelled seven days or less prior to class.

Are food and beverages included in registration costs?

No. 

Are there hotels nearby? Where should I stay?

There are many hotels and motels in downtown Oakland and Jack London Square. You can look at them at www.expedia.com.

Where can I park? What's the nearest BART Station?

We strongly recommend you take advantage of the BART. We are one block from the 12th Street City Center BART station. If you decide to drive, there are numerous parking garages within a block of the chapter office. The Clay Street Garage, between 14th & 15th Streets, is free on Saturdays and Sundays, and opens at 9:30am on the weekend.

Are review books included in the cost of the session?  

Course materials are included in the cost of the session. However, we encourage you to supplement your preparations with the Kaplan A/E/C materials as well. They are available for 48-hour loan to all chapter members on a first-come basis. Non-members are free to use them as reference materials in the chapter office (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).

I have more questions. Who can help me?

Contact   us at 510/464-3600.