Col. architect getting registered in the U.S.?

bobbyb says on Jan 23, 2006, 15:10:

It's been a long time but my ex-wife is an architect too. She needed to take a test which you need to qualify for. The easiest state to take the test is Wisconsin. Check out the states' requirements. Maybe the AIA (American Institute Of Architects) website can help you.

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Bengaltiger says on Jan 24, 2006, 08:28:

It's been a long time Bobbyb,

Thanks for the info. Do you remember if your ex-wife had thru an organiztion called NCARB (and pay a big chunk of money)so they may qualify her to take the test? In your ex-wife case, how did she qualify to take the test? Please let us know.

Thanks

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carldecolorado says on Jan 24, 2006, 08:42:

Architecture Stamp in USA It is a very complicated process to become registered in the US, first she will need to supply her diploma along with courses discriptions translated into english. Then there is a fee that needs to be paid for the acredidation board to examine the documents. Fianlly after all that is done the exam for that state needs to be taken. I know it is a long and very costly process. My good friend is an architect from Colombia and investigated the whole process and then decided the cost was not worth all the effort. I would suggest you first visit the local AIA office in your city and ask them for the steps to take. Secondly each state will also have a web page that explains what is needed as well as contact information. Finally if you would like more info or help, feel free to PM me and we can discuss this further offline or through emails.

Good luck
Carl

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miamimike says on Jan 24, 2006, 08:49:

Try these Websites http://www.ncarb.org/overseas/requirements.asp?country=United%20States

In all probability she will have to have her course descriptions translated officially from Spanish to English and next, all courses revalidated to see if Col's course contect approximates that found in the same comparable course in the USA. In Miami, Florida, for example, Its the Joseph Smiley Corporation who handles these translations(this firm has been designated by the state as a Official translator/evaluator) and matches Col course content to US content. The Cost is around $300-$500. Then it(translation&Revalidation) would be sent the Florida Board of Architect Examiners. I Below I cited a link from Ohio's Board as the process(for an example) approximates the same steps follwed in other states. Hope this helps.(ps-as in many many cases when a foreign applicant applies,be it from Col or another south american country,the applicants courses are found to be deficient and then , these courses must be repeated here. As the poster above wrote, it can be a lengthy process but not impossible by any means. BTW, these National Licensing tests are given in English at the "Technical Level"(not the conversational level) so if your wife's English isn't up to this level, her first logical step in the whole process would be to study english to bring her up to speed to even think about the Licensing process)

http://www.arc.ohio.gov/regreq.htm

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

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bobbyb says on Jan 25, 2006, 15:20:

about 20 years ago Each state has different requirements to obtain the license. The testing is done by the State and not the AIA. And there's a special government department that handles the testing, maybe the Secertary of State Department. Some states will forego the diplomias and degrees and allow you to substitute that with work history, if you have so much experiance they give you credit for it. In that way Wisconsin was the most liberal, with, I think, Vermont or New Hampshire being next.
My ex used her work history for most of the requirements and passed the test first time around. If I remember correctly the design phase of the test required a lot of writing and communication. Suerte

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bobbyb says on Jan 25, 2006, 15:29:

oh yeah I did a lot of the research myself to help her out. I didn't use any organization and this was before the internet. I contacted each state and had them send me their requirements. If you pass the test in that state then you get licensed in that state. What I do KNOW is that you must apply to the State they regulate it all and administer the test. They have the information you need. You can do this yourself.

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miamimike says on Jan 25, 2006, 22:10:

Some Ground work may be able to be done by Yourself But in the End, Now, in 2006, speaking for Florida, you have to go through this state approved Re-evalidation Agency. They are approved Certified (state of Florida)Translators and nothing less will be accepted.Same for revaluating your college credits from opther countries. AND,this Agency here in Miami have all the Course content and descriptions already at their office. For an individual to do this today, it would take a Lot of Time and effort-worth much more then the $300-$500 it cost. And in the End,its really a Moot Point because you will go there anyhow as they are Official State Certified Translators and Course Validators and the State(in the case of Florida) will accept nothing less. Save your time! And Frustation! The laws changed several years back here in Florida as TOO many Immigrants were attempting to game the system so the state tightened up the Regs for everybody!

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

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