CAB wants to hear from Architecture-in-Training Candidates
After years of advocacy and collaboration with legislative partners and California Architects Board (CAB), the AIA California-sponsored bill establishing a formal, recognized title for individuals actively on the path to licensure, became law last year. 

Beginning January 1, 2027, the CAB will authorize qualified candidates to use the title Architect-in-Training (AIT). 

CAB is currently gathering information to estimate how many individuals may apply to use the AIT title. If you are interested in using the Architect-in-Training designation, please take a moment to complete CAB’s brief survey.

Candidates interested in use of the AIT title must meet the following eligibility requirements pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 5500.2.:

1. Maintain an active record with the CAB. An active candidate is one who has taken an examination within the preceding five years.
2. Possess valid examination credit for at least one division of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ (NCARB) Architect Registration Examination (ARE) in accordance with the NCARB Score Validity Policy.
3. Submit to CAB the name and license number of the California-licensed architect who will be responsible for supervision of candidate’s work.

This milestone follows the passage of AB 759, a bill proudly sponsored and led by AIA California. Through years of advocacy, coalition-building, and collaboration with legislative partners and CAB, AIA CA worked to establish a formal, recognized title for individuals actively on the path to licensure.

The AIT designation brings architecture in line with other licensed professions that recognize candidates during the licensure process (such as EIT and LSIT), strengthens the professional pipeline, and provides meaningful recognition to emerging professionals. It also improves clarity for employers, clients, and the public about where individuals are in their professional journey.

We are proud to see this long-standing priority become law — and now move toward implementation.

Learn more about the legislation and its impact here. A major win for the profession — and for the future of architecture in California.