The Intern Development Program (IDP) structures the multiyear transition from architecture student to licensed professional. The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) sets the program’s criteria and monitors it across the country. To learn more about the program see the NCARB IDP Overview. The NCARB is guided by the Intern Development Program Advisory Committee (IDPAC), which includes intern and AIA representatives.

Who Is Involved With the IDP?

Many people contribute to a successful IDP experience, from clients to architects. These people have specific roles in the experience:

• Interns: people who are working toward meeting a registration board’s training requirements, that is, people who have met the academic and professional requirements for starting the IDP program and are now working toward their architecture license.
• Supervisors (and their firms): registered architects with interns working under their direct supervision. View NCARB’s Supervisor Guidelines.
• Mentors: registered architects committed to meeting periodically with interns and reviewing their training progress. Learn how to become a mentor.
• IDP Coordinators: volunteers who help manage communications between the AIA, the NCARB, and their membership, and help educate and support interns. Individuals may be state, educator, or auxiliary coordinators. Find your IDP Coordinator or become an IDP Coordinator one today.

Are You Ready? Let’s Get Started!

The AIA can help make your internship a success by providing resources, information, and supplementary education. We can also provide assistance in finding a mentor and a nationwide network of IDP Coordinators who educate and aid interns at state, regional, and local levels.

Best Practices

Intern Development Program Outstanding Firm Awards Program
Since 1991, the IDPAC has recognized firms from across the country who actively embrace the Intern Development Program and demonstrate their commitment by making the path to licensure an integral part of the firm’s culture through the IDP Outstanding Firm Awards program.