Introducing IDP 2.0

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is updating the Intern Development Program (IDP) requirements to more closely align with the current practice of architecture. The new program requirements, which will be rolled out as "IDP 2.0," will help ensure that interns acquire the comprehensive training that is essential for competent practice and will make reporting experience easier.

IDP 2.0, the most significant update to the IDP since its inception over 30 years ago, was developed in response to the 2007 Practice Analysis of Architecture. In this study, almost 10,000 practicing architects completed an extensive electronic survey to identify the tasks, knowledge, and skills that recently licensed architects, practicing independently, need to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

The proposed changes to the IDP have many benefits to interns and will be rolled out in three phases over the next two years.

IDP 2.0 Phase One: 1 July 2009
The first phase of IDP 2.0, which will be implemented on 1 July 2009, will allow interns—whether employed or not—to earn training units by completing LEED accreditation and by completing specified architecture-related certificate programs offered by the Construction Specifications Institute. They will also be able earn training units by reading the NCARB Professional Conduct monograph and passing the related quiz.

Also on 1 July 2009, interns can complete activities in the Emerging Professional Companion (EPC 2009), review them with their IDP supervisor, and submit for TUs to satisfy minimum training unit requirements for the IDP. Five training units toward the minimum requirements in each training area will be allowed for successfully completed EPC 2009 activities. Details about EPC 2009, scheduled for release on 1 July 2009, will be coming soon.

IDP 2.0 Phase Two: Scheduled for 2010*
Phase two of IDP 2.0, scheduled for implementation on 1 January 2010, is contingent on the passage of Resolution 2009-04 at the Annual Meeting in June 2009. If a majority of NCARB's Member Boards does not pass the resolution, the implementation of phase two will be delayed.

In the second phase of IDP 2.0, the definitions of "direct supervision" and "registered architect" will be updated to reflect current architectural practice. The new definition of "direct supervision" will allow IDP supervisors to supervise their interns through a mix of personal contact and remote communication (e.g. e-mail, online markups, webinars, and internet). The new definition of a "registered architect" will allow a person registered to practice architecture in a U.S. or Canadian jurisdiction to serve as an IDP supervisor. That means that a registered architect will be able to supervise interns within their office even if they are not registered in the jurisdiction where the office is located. In addition, both interns and supervisors who are "independent contractors" will be able to participate in the IDP in accordance with the revised definition of direct supervision.

Phase two will also change the IDP Training Requirement from "700 Training Units" to "5,600 Training Hours." The actual number of hours required to satisfy the IDP Training Requirement remains the same, however, interns will no longer have to convert the hours they spend in each training area into training units. This should make reporting work experience easier and more accurate.

IDP 2.0 Phase Three: Scheduled for 2011
The third phase of IDP 2.0, scheduled for implementation on 1 January 2011, will align the current IDP training areas with the new experience areas required for the competent practice of architecture as identified in the 2007 Practice Analysis of Architecture.

Click here to read Factually Answered Questions about IDP 2.0.

*Implementation date of phase two is dependent on the passage of Resolution 2009-04 at the 2009 Annual Meeting and Conference in June. If Resolution 2009-04 does not pass, implementation will be delayed.

Six-Month Rule Starts 1 July 2009
The first phase of the Six-Month Rule goes into affect on 1 July 2009. If you establish an NCARB Record on or after 1 July 2009, you will need to submit your training units in reporting periods of no longer than six months and within two months of completion of each reporting period. If you already have an NCARB Record or establish one on or before 30 June 2009, this rule will affect you 1 July 2010. This rule will not affect licensed architects documenting IDP experience for NCARB certification.

Also effective 1 July 2009, the electronic Experience Verification Reporting system (e-EVR) will be the only accepted means of submitting experience reports for the IDP. Any paper Form 123: Experience Verification Reports received after 1 July 2009 will be sent back with instructions on how to submit the report though e-EVR. Supplementary education training units can be submitted through e-EVR beginning 1 July 2009. Additional documentation requirements may apply.

We strongly encourage supervisors to approve reports electronically as it is the most efficient way to submit information to NCARB; however, there is a paper submission option within the e-EVR should a supervisor not have access to e-mail or a computer. To submit a paper form through e-EVR, an intern should select "This experience report will be printed for review, approval, and submission on paper" on the first web page of creating a new report.

Currently Unemployed?
You can earn IDP training units if you are currently unemployed.

Community Service
Work Setting FF (Performing professional or community service when it isn't applicable to any other work setting)
Training Category D – Professional and Community Service
Maximum Training Units Allowed: 10
The program director of the activity can sign off on your training units.

Post-Professional Degree (Master or Doctorate of Architecture)
Training Category D – Related Activities
Maximum Training Units Allowed: 117
Click here for list of approved programs.

As of 1 July 2009, interns will be able to earn training units while unemployed for:

AIA Continuing Education
Training Categories A-D
Maximum Training Units Allowed: 235 (.25 training units equal one learning unit.)
A copy of the AIA transcript must be submitted to NCARB to receive credit.

CSI Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) Certification
Maximum Training Units Allowed: 5
A copy of your certificate must be submitted to NCARB to receive credit.

CSI Construction Specifier (CCS) Certification
Training Category A - Specifications and Materials Research
Maximum Training Units Allowed: 5
A copy of your certificate must be submitted to NCARB to receive credit.
(Note: this cannot be combined with EPC activities for satisfaction of minimum training units in this area.)

CSI Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA) Certification
Training Category B - Construction Phase—Office
Maximum Training Units Allowed: 5
A copy of your certificate must be submitted to NCARB to receive credit.
(Note: this cannot be combined with EPC activities for satisfaction of minimum training units in this area.)

LEED Accreditation
Training Category D - Related Activities
Maximum Training Units Allowed: 5
A copy of your certificate must be submitted to NCARB to receive credit.
(Note: to earn supplementary education training units for LEED Accreditation between 1 July 2008 and 1 July 2009, interns must have been employed in an IDP work setting.)

NCARB Professional Conduct Monograph and Quiz
Training Category C - Office Management
Maximum Training Units Allowed: 2
NCARB will enter your passing score into your Record.
(Note: this can be combined with three EPC activities for satisfaction of minimum training units in this area.)

Contents
Introducing IDP 2.0

Currently Unemployed?

IDP Outstanding Firm and IDP Firm Awards
The Intern Development Program Advisory Committee (IDPAC), made up of representatives from NCARB, AIA, AIAS, ACSA, and NAAB, have announced the recipients of the 2008-2009 IDP Outstanding Firm and IDP Firm Awards.

The 2008-2009 IDP Outstanding Firm Award recipients are:
Pickard Chilton,
New Haven, CT
The Wilcox Group-Architects, Little Rock, AR

The 2008-2009 IDP Firm Award recipients are:
Tate Snyder Kimsey Architects; Mancini Duffy Architecture & Design; BLDD Architects, Inc.; WBRC Architects and Engineers, ka, inc; Giattina Aycock Architecture Studio (GA Studio); Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects LLP; Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP; Einhorn Yaffee Prescott; and Darden Architects, Inc.

Submissions for the awards program are accepted on a rolling basis, with jury cutoff dates occurring twice a year on January 15 and July 15. Recipients maintain their award for three years. They are presented with virtual medallions for placement on their web sites and are recognized at the annual AIA National Convention. For more information on the awards program, please visit IDPOFA web site.

NCARB Web Site
This summer NCARB will launch a new web site! We are organizing the information to make it more intuitive for all of our users, and giving it a fresh and sophisticated look. Stay tuned for more information.

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