I found out last week that I passed another one of my exams, Building Technology. So at this point I have passed 3 of the 9 exams that are currently required to obtain my architectural license. However I am still awaiting the results of two other tests that I have already taken. I have set for myself what is by today’s standards, a pretty ambitious schedule of taking one exam every 3 weeks to complete the exams by May 2009 which will allow me to stay with the current version of the exam.
For those of you who may be reading this and do not know what is involved within the architectural profession I hope this can help explain the process of what we must go through. To practice architecture in the United States, one must first graduate with a degree in architecture that is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). This at a minimum is a 4 year pre-professional degree, plus a 1 year Bachelor of Architecture degree.
Once the graduate is within the work force, they must then enroll into the Intern Development Program (IDP) that is overseen by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). This process typically takes 3 or more years to complete all the requirements. Until recently most states required the graduate to complete the IDP process to even sit for the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE). On the other hand the majority of the states will now allow you to sit for the exam while earning your IDP credits. However you cannot become a licensed architect until you have completed all of the IDP requirements.
But the exam process is a grueling series of exams that test you on design, as well as general practice requirements from contractual obligations to site, mechanical and structural design of the building. The exams are to reflect the practice of architecture as an integrated whole.
Once you have completed the exam, you are then allowed to practice architecture within your home state. Though with today’s technology you can work on a project anywhere within the country and a license from other states can easily be obtained through NCARB by reciprocity.
I look forward to taking my next exam in a few weeks because it gets me one step closer to the end of this long process and will then allow me to practice architecture on my own if I choose to someday. 
-Josh