Why should I take the ARE?

Why should architects take these exams?

What are the benefits of becoming a licensed architect? Becoming a licensed Architect is a big responsibility but with bigger responsibilities comes bigger rewards. Obtaining license opens many doors that an architectural designer without a degree can’t obtain. Becoming licensed is not for everyone and that is OKAY. Many individuals are still very successful without obtaining their license. The process requires a lot of time, money and learning. But the rewards are endless, allow me to list some below

1. You can legally call yourself an Architect. Anyone without a license is legally not considered an “Architect” until they obtain their license.
2. Being a licensed architect makes you more valuable to your firm. It qualifies you as an individual who can sign and seal drawings which only so many people can do it.
3. You are responsible for protecting the public health, safety, and welfare. That responsibility is now in your hands which is pretty cool. Having that control allows you to make a positive impact on society.
4. More responsibility= More Money. Plain and simple.
5. The ability to sign off drawings. You will finally be the Architect of Record. You can say that the building you designed and built is actually your design. Rather than designing the whole thing and having someone else sign off. Whoever signs off on it, is the Architect of Record.
6. After becoming licensed you can put AIA,RA, or NCARB after your name to really make a professional impact when people see you. You will be the real deal.
7. After completing all of school and spending all that money, you might as well make it all worth it. Even if you do not ever sign a drawing, you can at least say you finished the entire process.

There are many advantages of being a licensed Architect. Becoming licensed is a big deal. According to NCARB.com, there are roughly 110,000 licensed architects in the United States. Which may seem like a lot. However, according to www.census.gov there are roughly 325,000,000 people in the United States. Out of all the people in the United States, only 3% are licensed architect. You too could be in that 3%, which is where the valuable lies. The riches are in the niches.

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