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All individuals who wish to practice architecture in Alabama must hold a NAAB accredited degree, complete the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Intern Development Program (IDP), and pass the NCARB Architectural Registration Examination (ARE).

Alabama has a well developed IDP organizaion. In addition to ties to national officials, state officials have been appointed jointly by the Alabama State Council of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Alabama Board For Registration Of Architects.

The current IDP system of training is a major improvement over the previous internship system, where an Intern would simply work for a licensed architect for a period of three years. What the Intern actually did during that period was never questioned. It was generally a hit-or-miss approach to practical training in the field. Some firms were better than others in giving their Interns a broad range of responsibilities. Others asked for nothing more than those infamous drawings of toilet partitions. Either way, the Intern was then allowed to enter the profession as a licensed architect to presumably do more than that after passing the exam. The great advantage of this IDP process is that it will assure that you will gain comprehensive experience in all aspects of architectural practice.

Today's Intern Development Program is simple to participate in and provides practical, valuable experience to future architects. IDP Mentors, participating employers, and the structured IDP Program provide the facilities to help young architects reach their full potential.

For more information about the Alabama Intern Development Program, contact Jim H. Seay, Jr, Alabama IDP Coordinator.

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Special thanks to Professor Frank E. Heitzman, Illinois AIA, IDP Coordinator