In most countries, architecture is a licensed profession. Due to concerns about public safety, these countries typically set strong standards for licensure, which include the completion of architecture courses as part of an academic degree program. In addition, licensed architects may be required to complete approved continuing education courses in order to keep their license in good standing. When selecting architecture courses, your first priority should be to ensure that a particular course will either help qualify you for a license to practice architecture or to renew your current license.
If you have not yet obtained your license in architecture, you should contact the architecture licensing board in your jurisdiction and request information on licensing requirements. Typically this will require you to obtain an academic degree at either the undergraduate or even postgraduate level from a university that is recognized either by the licensing agency or a professional organization that is itself recognized by the licensing agency. Most universities that offer recognized programs in architecture will require you to take specific architecture courses in sequence in order to complete the program. After completing these courses and your degree, you will typically be asked to complete a license application process that includes passing an exam as well as a criminal background check.
Many jurisdictions require practicing architects to complete continuing education course work on a regular basis. These architecture courses are designed to help professionals stay up to date on recent innovations in materials, techniques, and designs. Even more importantly, continuing education for architects frequently includes information on new safety and environmental standards. When selecting architecture courses for continuing education purposes, it is crucial that you determine whether your licensing board or professional membership organization will recognize these courses. Unfortunately, there are some organizations and industry vendors that may claim to provide architecture continuing education but whose offerings may not be recognized, and you will not be able to use these courses to renew a license or organizational membership.
Before enrolling in architecture courses, ask the course provider for information on its accreditation or approvals. If the course provider claims that its offerings are recognized by a licensing agency or professional association, verify this information before enrolling in the course or courses. Once you've determined that the course will actually meet your educational requirements, you can begin considering other course features, such as whether you can take the course online or in person as well as the cost of the course.
