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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 Purpose and Objectives
IDP is a profession-wide, comprehensive program that contributes to the development of competent architects who can provide exemplary architectural services.

Historically, most interns were trained by mentors. A daily, working relationship allowed the experienced practitioner to transfer knowledge and skills to the apprentice. However, such a sustained learning environment has become less attainable as architectural practice grew more complex. With the decline of mentorship, interns lack a structured transition between formal education and architectural registration. IDP endeavors to recreate the learning environment.

A comprehensive internship program is necessary to acquire and reinforce the discipline, integrity, judgment, skills, knowledge, and quest for learning that must serve the registered architect for a lifetime. IDP has five objectives:

1. define areas of architectural practice in which interns should acquire basic knowledge and skills;
2. encourage additional training in the broad aspects of
   architectural practice;
3. provide the highest quality information and advice about educational, internship and professional issues and opportunities;
4. provide a uniform system for documentation and periodic assessment of internship activity; and
5. provide greater access to educational opportunities designed to enrich training.

IDP Organization
The program’s policies are established by the IDP Coordinating Committee, which is composed of the following representatives:

The American Institute of Architects (AIA), as the professional society, has prime responsibility, through its state and local components, for identifying, organizing, and educating IDP supervisors and mentors. The AIA also develops supplementary education resources and the system to deliver them to interns.

The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) collaborates with the IDP Coordinating Committee on matters related to student concerns about internship and registration. Through its publications and network of student chapters, AIAS keeps students advised on IDP and related issues.

The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) is the organization of the architectural schools. ACSA’s role in IDP is to present the program to students and educators, keep them advised on new developments, and assist educator coordinators in their activities.

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), as a federation of all registration boards of the United States, sets national standards for architectural registration. NCARB interprets these standards, maintains records, and acts as the central clearinghouse and contact point for all interns, architects and registration boards in matters dealing with the registration and professional conduct of architects. NCARB is responsible for establishing, interpreting, and enforcing the IDP training requirement.

The National Associates Committee (NAC), representing AIA associate members, coordinates their concerns with the IDP Coordinating Committee.

The Council of Architectural Component Executives (CACE) represents the executive staff who support IDP activities in AIA state and local components.

The Society of Design Administration (SDA) represents architectural office administrators who support IDP activities in firms and organizations.

The IDP Coordinating Committee monitors IDP through input from program participants. IDP is organized by state coordinators, local coordinators, and educator coordinators.

The state coordinator is appointed by the state AIA component or the state registration board. State coordinators monitor IDP’s progress and assist participants in understanding the program through group presentations and statewide communication efforts.

Local coordinators assist the state coordinator through local AIA components.

Educator coordinators are faculty members appointed by a school of architecture. These individuals provide faculty and students with information about internship opportunities and registration requirements.

Member board liaisons are the state registration boards' IDP representatives. Liaisons meet periodically with students, interns, and program coordinators to explain the IDP training requirement, state registration requirements, and NCARB certification standards.



The IDP Coordinating Committee has developed and identified several resources used to facilitate IDP activities in offices, AIA components, and architectural schools. Please see IDP Resources section.