Internship
Internship is an integral component of professional education in architecture.  While the formal university education is completed with the conferral of a professional degree, practical experience gained under the direction of a registered architect serves as an extension of the educational requirements for the would-be architect.  A term of three years of internship is generally required prior to qualifying for admission to the Architecture Registration Exam (ARE).  In some cases, an advanced degree or teaching experience may shorten the term of internship by one year.  The Intern Development Program (IDP) is a newly created program that insures a minimal level of professional exposure in a number of areas prior to registration.  Many jurisdictions are requiring candidates for the ARE to participate in the IDP during their term of internship.

INTERN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (IDP)
www.ncarb.org/IDP/index.html