In A Nutshell: Architecture Licensure Exam

Ever wondered why every era comes with a “branded” identity of buildings? That’s because architects all over the world have been pouring their blood, sweat, and tears to make the world more beautiful — one infrastructure at a time.

When you say architecture in the Philippines, a couple of names come to mind. There’s Leandro Locsin, Juan Nakpil, and even Shamcey Supsup-Lee – to name a few.

But where does the road to those #ArchiGoals really begin? The first step is acing your Architecture Licensure Exam!

Registration

1. STEP 1: Prepare your requirements: To take the Architecture Licensure Exam, you have to make sure, you have all necessary documents!

Requirements:

• A diploma in BS Architecture
• Your birth certificate from PSA
• Marriage contract form PSA (for married female applicants)
• Transcript of records with a scanned photo and marked with “For board examination purposes.”
• Valid NBI clearance
• College diploma (first timers)
• PTR, IAPOA number of architect mentor (first timers)
• Post-graduation architecture training/experience for at least 2 years
• Logbook of Diversified experience
• Signed and sealed Affidavit of Experience by a registered Architect (attached with an updated ID)
• If you have a Masters Degree in Architecture, bring that too.
  • Make sure  to show proof of at least 1 year of practical experience and
  • The Signed and sealed Affidavit of Experience by a registered Architect (attached with an updated ID)
• Processing Fee – P900.00

2.  STEP 2: Register Online:

   To apply for an exam date, you have to make sure to complete the online form of PRC (Professional Regulation Commission)

You’ll be asked to fill out your profile with personal information, a required photo, the licensure exam you’re applying for and the schedule you prefer. You’ll also be asked to settle your application fee either over the counter or online.

After you’ve completed the whole online registration process, you’ll have to print out your completed form.

3. STEP 3: Go to PRC:

   The online registration would’ve asked you to select a date and time as to when your appointment at the PRC would be – the next step is to show up.

• Get the necessary documentary stamp/s which costs P21/piece form the PRC Customer Service
• Submit all your requirements at the Processing Counter
• Get your PERRC (Permanent Examination & Registration Record Card) — which should be accomplished immediately, btw.
• Submit the metered mailing envelope. That includes your processed application form and your requirements at the Issuance Counter.
• Claim your NOA (Notice of Admission). Attached to this will be your program of examination and the metered mailing envelope.

4. STEP 4: Take the test!

• 2 to 3 days before your scheduled exam, be sure to check the PRC official website to find your room assignment.
• Show up to your scheduled examination and put your education to the test!

Coverage

The Architecture Licensure Exam typically lasts 2 whole days with the coverage as follows:

A typical 2-day Architecture Licensure Exam schedule is as follows.

Day 1:

• History and theory of architecture, principles of planning and architectural practice (30%)
• Utilities Systems, structural conceptualization, building materials, and construction (30%)

Day 2:

Architectural design and site planning (40%)

For this day, you will need:

• Protractor/s
• Architect scales (English & Metric Scales)
• 30 x 60 and 45-degree triangles
• Calculators that are non-programmable
• Pencils, drawing pens, erasers, graphic paper and other sketching materials
• A copy of Rules VII and VIII of the 2004 Revised IRR of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1096 / 1977 National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP).

You can download a copy for free through the latest publication section of the PRB-ARC website.

PS: All examinees are not allowed to leave the exam room until the exam if fully completed and will be prohibited from borrowing or communicating with and among each other. Examinees are required to bring their own food and snacks for the duration of the whole exam, to be put in a transparent bag.

The results of the Architecture Licensure Exam is usually released after 3 to 7 working days and are posted on the official PRC Website.

The next Architecture Licensure Exam is happening this June. If you’re looking to take that test, we hope you’ve covered all the steps mentioned above. We’re rooting for you, future architects! We know that architecture isn’t the only profession with a board exam prerequisite and we hear you! For more tips and guides on the other licensure exams, check out more of our College Life blogs at Edukasyon.ph!