<p>I am going to follow the 4+2 track to becoming an architect, and I am a bit confused about what is the next step after I get an M.Arch degree. Can someone answer these questions for me, please?</p>
<ol>
<li>What is difference (job-wise) between the architect that gets a lincense and the one that doesn't. </li>
<li>What tests (is there only 1 or many?) does one need to take to get an architecture license?</li>
<li>I am an international student, I am planning on coming back home after the MArch, is the licensing process the same everywhere? </li>
<li><p>So, just to get this right, I would have to do 6 years in college plus 3 years of internship, then do a special test and then hopefully pass it to get my license, but as I will be coming back home after the 6 years and I do internships here, does that mean I have to go back tot he US to get a license? I'm confused about this whole license thing... </p></li>
<li><p>If you have any details related to my questions please add them in or comments, ect. Even advice if you have any!</p></li>
</ol>
<p>You need to go to [NCARB</a> - NCARB Homepage](<a href=“http://www.NCARB.org%5DNCARB”>http://www.NCARB.org), the agency that set national registration standards to get detailed information on the exams as well as reciprocity for the countries where you plan to work. However at a basic level; when you graduate with your professional degree you need to register in the Intern Development Program where they help you track the number of hours you have worked in a series of different practice areas. Optimally you could get all your hours in three years, but it takes most people a little longer. Now you can take the exams (though some states will allow you to take the exams before you are finished with your experience.)</p>
<p>The exams are 9 to 11 (I forget) computer graded exams you take at your own pace. When you pass them all and have the required hours you get your registration. Most people will get the license for their home state as well as the national NCARB registration which will give you reciprocity with most other states. Now you enter the world of continuing education ;-)</p>
<p>When you start work in an office, registration will not really matter, but after a few years you will begin to hit a glass ceiling without it. Many firms limit the promotions you may receive without registration (associates, etc.). It is something you are expected to do, but in most places you don’t even get a raise. My advice would be to start working on this as soon as you graduate and get it out of the way quickly; studying for an exam does not become easier as you get older.</p>