First Time Users

The Emerging Professional’s Companion is a online resource developed by the AIA and NCARB primarily for use by interns in gaining IDP credit. The Companion can also be used by educators, young architects, AIA components, and firms in a variety of ways to enhance or create new learning opportunities.

How to Get Started

At the top of each page, you will find four pull-down menus, one for each NCARB IDP training category: Design and Construction Documents, Construction Administration, Management, and Professional and Community Service (Figure 01). When you place your mouse over the topic heading, both the silhouetted image and the menu of chapters will appear (Figure 02). There are 16 chapters in the Companion, aligned with NCARB’s 16 IDP training areas. To begin, choose the chapter in which you would like to get started.

When you click on the chapter topic, you will be taken to the introduction for that chapter (Figure 03). This will include a brief overview of the topic as well as the current IDP requirements from NCARB. On the left side of every page, you will find a list of sections from which to choose (Figure 04). Each section contains downloadable PDFs, which you can either store on your computer or print for use.

It is usually best to begin with the narrative, which will give you an overview of the chapter topic. Next, you can select from beginner-, intermediate-, and advanced-level exercises and scenarios in sections 2-6 and complete them for credit (click here for more information on how to submit for credit). Sections 7-10 provide reference information if you are looking for more information or additional opportunities.

Note: Chapter 16 of the Emerging Professional’s Companion is a comprehensive resource for emerging professionals looking for opportunities in professional and community service. It is not structured in the 10-section format of the other chapters and does not provide ways to earn IDP credit.

For more information: About the EPC to learn about the EPC learning environment, how to submit for credit, and how to share your work with others.