I DID IT!!! I'm a Register Architect
Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 6:45 pm
Finally..... after 8 long years of hard work, I can call myself an Architect.
I started this journey with the 5 year Bachelors in Architecture program (2000-2005)
Then, 3 years of force labor (AKA Internship) (2005-2008)
While I was doing my internship, I got my Masters in Business Administration (2006-2007) As I'm planning to open my own Architectural Office.
The very same day I finish my MBA, I started studying for the 9 Exams from hell.... (AKA Architectural Registration Exams)
Construction Documents
Site Planing
Building Planing
Building Technology
Mechanical & Electrical
General Structures
Lateral Forces
Pre Design
Material & Methods
Usually people get 5 years to take all 9 exams, but right before I started taking them NCARB decided to change the exams to a new version. Anyone who wanted to take the exams had the option to wait another year and take the new version or to take the old version. However, if the candidate chose to take the old version, they would only have 2 years to complete them all.
I took the dare, but little did I know that NCARB would take 6 months processing my application!! Leaving me with just 1 year and a half to take them all. (Did I mention that if you fail an exam, you need to wait 6 months before you can retake it
) I religiously studied every day after work from 5pm to 8-9pm in the office (no exceptions). Then I would go home eat and study until 11pm. During weekends, I would study 8-10 hours per day. I was doing 40-60 of studying per week (plus 40 hours of work).
I did it for a little over a year while take all the exams. But honestly, I haven had a break since the year 2,000 when I started studying
I have punish myself so much studying for these exams, that now when I go home and I have nothing to study for... I feel lost... in fact, I feel a little awkward just sitting down and watching tv.
Regards,
Leonardo
welcome to the club
