Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure Program (IPAL)

The PSU School of Architecture is one of only 21 institutions across the country that has an IPAL program allowing students to concurrently work on their professional degree, their AXP, and their ARE.  If you are seeking more information about this program, Professors Sestak and Bell can help explain different options for participating in our IPAL program, and the process for applying. While students who have been admitted to the professional track undergraduate program and graduate students are eligible to apply to the program, any architecture student can request information. Book an appointment with one of these professors to learn more.

NCARB Requirements for Becoming a Licensed Architect 

In order to become licensed as an architect, one must accomplish three primary milestones:

• You must hold a degree from an accredited architecture program. At PSU, that degree is the Master of Architecture.

• You must pass all sections of the Architectural Licensing Exam (ARE).

• You must complete the required number of professional experience hours through NCARB’s Architectural Experience Program (AXP)

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is the organization that design and administers the AXP and ARE and that maintains the database tracking and individual’s completion of the degree, AXP and ARE.  Through NCARB, students can report their work hours, take exams and upload school information by establishing an NCARB Record. Students can begin fulfilling professional experience hours while in school.  More information regarding the licensing process can be found on the NCARB website. 

The School of Architecture supports students working toward obtaining licensure in three major ways: 

• Advising: Two faculty members serve as Architect Licensing Advisors: Travis Bell, AIA, and Barbara Sestak, FAIA, help students with licensing questions.  Professor Bell can be reached at btravis@pdx.edu and Professor Sestak at sestakb@pdx.edu, or you can make appointments with them through the School of Architecture office or the advising page.

• NCARB Record Fee: Twice a year, in October and May, students can apply to the School to have their initial $100 NCARB Record fee paid by the School.  Information about this application is published in the School Bulletin several weeks before the applications are due.  If you are employed in an architectural, engineering or landscape architectural office, you are eligible to earn AXP hours and should consider starting your NCARB Record.

• Integrated Path Toward Architectural License (IPAL): The School of Architecture is one of only 21 universities that have an Integrated Path Towards Architectural License (IPAL) program.  IPAL was designed by NCARB to streamline the process to getting licensed.  IPAL provides students the opportunity to complete the AXP and the ARE while earning your degree.  Only students enrolled in an IPAL program may take the ARE before obtaining their professional degree.  At PSU, students admitted and enrolled in the undergraduate professional track (registered in Arch 380) or in the M.Arch program are eligible.  The program is fairly intense since the expectation is that students are working in firms approximate 12 to 18 hours per week.  Application to the PSU IPAL program is continuous and starts with contacting either Professor Bell or Professor Sestak.  

Start Your NCARB AXP Record Now! Apply to receive a scholarship to cover your AXP application fee.

The School of Architecture at Portland State University strives to help our students in obtaining AXP hours during their academic program.  The School is committed to getting our students' AXP records started with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and has created an endowment that pays the initial $100 for NCARB’s AXP Application Fee.  Applications to this fund occur twice a year, once in October/November and again in April/May.  Students who have been admitted to the professional track undergraduate program and graduate students are eligible to apply. 

Students who are interested in applying for this support need to access the application form and login using their PDX.EDU e-mail address/ODIN account. The application deadline is early Spring 2023.  Students will be notified via email of the results.

Questions about this fund or application can be sent to the School's Architect Licensing Advisors, Barbara Sestak (sestakb@pdx.edu) and Travis Bell (btravis@pdx.edu). Information about the AXP program itself can be found on the NCARB AXP website.