NCARB

So, after waiting approximately 11 weeks for my Authorization to Test, I talked with NCARB today and found out that I am not finished with IDP yet. NCARB did not accept my MARCH degree from the University of Kansas as Supplemental Education worth 117 Credits. Ironically if I had a Master of Arts In Architecture from KU I would qualify. Instead I am presently 25 units shy of my requirements, thus I will have to wait 5 more weeks before I can apply for the Authorization to Test number. NCARB were top notch, very helpful and understanding of my situation. I will update the blog once I receive my Authorization to Test.

no Authorization to Test yet.

I still have heard nothing from NCARB regarding my Authorization to take the Exam. I think the reason it is delayed is a result of the “cheating scandal” regarding the ARE exams. I’ve heard this has slowed downed test results, and the updated Pass Rates have still not been posted. Trust me, it is a lot harder to study for an exam if you haven't been cleared yet. I've read through my material a couple times now, and started going through Kaplan's flash cards, but I don't want to take any practice test until I have a test date set. I have used this as a good time to take care of any pending projects at the house so they arent lingering later.

Old Material might still be good material.

I was talking with my mentor about checking out study guides from AIA. Surprisingly she still had all her notes from her exams back in 1995. The study guide she had was Architectural License Seminars by Marc Shiler. Of course topics like Sustainability were a little outdated, but I don't see any major changes for the traditional building systems. Granted, I will still study from Kaplan and PPI, but now I have extra material. I took the notes home and spent about 5 hours reading through the sections related to Building Systems. As a bonus there is a series of about 70 Questions and Answers for Building Systems. Definitely ask around for various study information...you may be surprised.