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Introduction to IDP
About IDP
IDP Training
Requirement
When Can I Begin?
Establishing a
Council Record &
Fees
Training Settings:
Maximum Units
Allowed
Required Direct
Supervision
Required Duration
IDP Training Areas
and Core
Competencies
Supplementary
Education
Conditions
Applying for the ARE
IDP Frequently
Asked Questions
IDP Timeline
Foreign Applicants

March 2008

November 2007

June 2007

IDP Guidelines
IDP Resources
& Links
IDP TU Workbook
Employment
Verification Form
Transcript
Request Form
Transmit IDP
Record
to State Board
for the ARE

IDP helps you achieve comprehensive exposure to architectural practice. To understand how IDP works, you must first become familiar with those resources designed to fulfill each of the program’s objectives.

IDP Training Requirement

The IDP training requirement is the program’s foundation. To satisfy this requirement, you must complete specific periods of training in four major categories: design and construction documents, construction contract administration, management, and related activities (professional and community service). You are also encouraged, but not required, to gain training in areas beyond the traditional scope of architectural practice.

Each of the IDP training categories is subdivided into training areas. In order to satisfy the IDP training requirement, a specific period of training must be completed in each training area.

In IDP, training is measured in training units. One training unit equals eight hours of acceptable experience. The IDP Training Requirement section displays the required training units for each IDP training category and area.

You earn training units for training acquired under the direct supervision of a qualified professional in one of two ways. Through participation, experience is acquired by performing a particular task. This is the best way to satisfy the program’s training objective. Experience through observation occurs when you work with a professional who is performing the task.

A description of each IDP training area and recommended intern activities are found in the IDP Training Area Descriptions section. Conditions governing satisfaction of the IDP training requirement can be found in the Training Settings section.

It is important to remember that differences may exist between the IDP training requirement and related conditions presented in the current edition of the IDP Guidelines and those established by a particular registration board. You must first comply with your board’s training requirement; however, compliance with the IDP training requirement is required to facilitate future registration in other states.

IDP Mentorship System

The architectural profession has a responsibility to provide interns with the best possible advice relating to day-to-day training and long-range career plans. In IDP, two key individuals share this responsibility: the supervisor and the mentor. Refer to: The IDP Process: Getting Started for detailed information.