IPAL - Overview & Resources

Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) at UMass Architecture

The Department of Architecture at UMass Amherst is a participant in NCARB's Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) program. Students who choose to enroll in the IPAL program have the unique opportunity to begin taking the Architectural Registration Examinations while completing their Master of Architecture (M.Arch) degree. Through IPAL, students have the opportunity to complete both the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and the Architectural Registration Examinations (ARE) and thereby complete all core requirements for architectural licensure by graduation. 

The IPAL program is available to all M.Arch. students enrolled in the Department of Architecture at UMass. The department offers multiple ways to participate in IPAL and a number of resources to support students as they prepare for the ARE. The IPAL program is coordinated by Assistant Professor Rob Williams (@email).

Please see the following links for comprehensive information about NCARB, AXP, and ARE. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can participate in IPAL? Any student enrolled in the M.Arch. program is eligible to participate in IPAL. We generally recommend that students enrolling in IPAL have completed a significant portion (at least 50%) of their AXP hours, but this is not strictly required. 

Are there any prerequisites or requirements for IPAL. No. See above.

I'm a new M.Arch student, is IPAL required? No. IPAL is an optional program for M.Arch. students. 

I don't want to complete all the exams, can I still participate in IPAL? Yes. Many students want to get started on the AREs and complete only a couple exams before graduating. This is fine.

How do I sign-up for IPAL? Professor Williams holds IPAL information sessions at the beginning of each semester. Students interested in IPAL should attend these sessions. Professor Williams will manually enroll these students into IPAL following the information sessions. 

Is IPAL integrated into the curriculum? IPAL at UMass is a flexible program that runs alongside the core M.Arch. curriculum. Students can elect to enroll in IPAL Independent Studies to receive credit for their test preparation (see below) or prepare for the exams on their own time during the semester or during the winter and/or summer break. A suggested schedule for 2-year M.Arch students is located below. 

AVAILABLE RESOURCES

  • Access to Black Spectacles test preparation. 
  • Asynchronous Canvas Courses for each exam.
  • All NCARB recommended study books.
  • IPAL independent studies for credit, using the Canvas courses. 
  • Individual advising with faculty coordinator.
  • The Department will reimburse students for 1/2 the cost of their first attempt on each exam.

IPAL INDEPENDENT STUDY

Many students elect to enroll in independent studies to receive credits for their ARE preparation. IPAL independent studies are limited to 2-credits and students are expected to prepare for one exam during their independent study. IPAL independent studies rely on the asynchronous Canvas courses that have been developed for each exam. Students are expected to work independently and stay on schedule with the Canvas course. 

All IPAL independent studies are graded pass/fail (satisfactory/unsatisfactory). To receive a passing grade, students must either (a) pass the chosen ARE or (b) complete all required activities on Canvas (including submitting quiz and practice exam results). 

Students who are interested in enrolling in IPAL Independent Studies should contact Professor Williams. Once you have been approved, you will be manually enrolled in the IS course. Please be sure to attend the IPAL information session at the beginning of the semester. 

SUGGESTED TEST SEQUENCE AND SCHEDULE

The AREs include six individual exams. 

  • Practice Management (PcM)
  • Project Management (PjM)
  • Programming & Analysis (PA)
  • Project Planning & Design (PPD)
  • Project Development & Documentation (PDD)
  • Construction & Evaluation (CE)

For students who want to complete all ARE exams before graduation, here is a suggested schedule based on the typical 2-year M.Arch curriculum.

YEAR 01 - FALL

  • Arch 600: Grad Studio III

  • Arch 630: Philosophy of Architecture

  • Arch 650: Tectonics II

  • Arch 520: Building Physics I

WINTER BREAK (self-study)

  • Programming & Analysis (PA)

YEAR 01 - SPRING

  • Arch 601: Grad Studio IV

  • Arch 670: Research Forum

  • Arch 521: Environmental Control Systems

  • Arch 796: Independent Study (2 credits) - IPAL - Practice Management (PcM)

SUMMER BREAK (self-study)

  • Project Management (PjM)

  • Construction & Evaluation (CE)

YEAR 02 - FALL

  • Arch 602: Grad Studio V

  • Arch 653: Tectonics III

  • Arch 700: Integration Studio

  • Arch 799: Thesis Prep (thesis track) OR elective (non-thesis track)

WINTER BREAK (self-study)

  • Project Planning & Design (PPD)

YEAR 02 - SPRING

  • Arch 799: Thesis (thesis track) OR

  • Arch 603: Grad Studio VI

  • Arch 796: Independent Study (2 credits) - IPAL - Project Development & Documentation (PDD)

ARE Study Materials @ UMass Library