Columbia – Changes to Section 40-3-20 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, 1976, concerning the training and licensing of architects in the state have been adopted.  Act No. 215 was signed by the Governor and became effective on June 3rd, 2016. References within the statute to the previous “Intern Development Program” are replaced with references to the newly adopted “Architectural Experience Program” (AXP).  Training and licensure requirements are now governed by the “Architectural Experience Program” or certain programs sanctioned by the National Council on Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

Specifically, in order to be approved by the board to take the Architectural Registration Examination, an applicant must now fulfill the requirements of Section 40‑3‑230(C)(1) and must be either (1) currently enrolled in and participating in the Architectural Experience Program or (2) be a student actively participating in an NCARB‑accepted Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) option within an NAAB‑accredited professional degree program in architecture . Once an applicant has been approved to take the Architectural Registration Examination, any subsequent changes in the education or experience requirements do not affect the applicant’s eligibility.

STATUS INFORMATION

General Bill
Sponsors: Senator Alexander
Document Path: l:\council\bills\nbd\11212ab16.docx
Introduced in the Senate on March 17, 2016
Introduced in the House on April 28, 2016
Passed by the General Assembly on May 25, 2016
Governor’s Action: June 3, 2016, Signed