IE School of Architecture and Design's NAAB International Certification Unlocks New Career Pathways in the U.S.
NAAB International Certification gives IE University’s architecture students globally recognized credentials, expanding access to U.S. licensure and professional opportunities.
Madrid, 13 November 2025 - IE School of Architecture and Design has achieved the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)'s International Certification for its Bachelor in Architectural Studies (BAS) and Master in Architecture (MArch) programs. The certification, granted for a term of six years, reflects the School’s high standards in architectural education and its commitment to continuous improvement. The next visit for Continuing International Certification is scheduled for 2031.
The NAAB International Certification identifies professional architecture programs outside the United States as comparable in educational outcomes to those of U.S.-based NAAB-accredited programs. While ICert is not an accreditation itself, it is the result of a rigorous peer-review process that evaluates curriculum, learning outcomes, institutional resources, and student achievement. It ensures that certified programs meet the Conditions for NAAB International Certification, which are comparable in all significant aspects to NAAB’s Conditions for Accreditation in the U.S.
For graduates, this recognition opens important professional pathways. Those who wish to pursue architectural licensure in the United States are eligible for an expedited review and reduced fee through NAAB’s Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA) - a clear advantage that places IE graduates on a more level footing with their peers from U.S.-based accredited programs.
"This recognition underscores our commitment to excellence in architectural education and our mission to prepare architects who think globally and design responsibly. It is also a reflection of the collective effort of our faculty, staff, students, and partners, whose dedication has made this possible."
David Goodman, Dean of IE School of Architecture and Design
IE University now joins a select group of just sixteen architecture programs worldwide holding NAAB International Certification, spanning nine countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. This distinction places the IE School of Architecture and Design among the world’s leading institutions in architectural education, confirming the quality, global outlook, and innovation that define its programs.
About NAAB and International Certification (ICert)
Founded in 1940 by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) is the U.S. authority responsible for accrediting professional architecture degree programs. Over its history, NAAB has evolved to promote accountability, public service, and continuous improvement in architectural education.
The International Certification (ICert) program, launched in 2003 and restructured in 2019, extends NAAB’s mission globally. It recognizes international programs that demonstrate educational outcomes equivalent to NAAB-accredited degrees in the United States. Although ICert is not a form of accreditation, it serves as a globally respected mark of quality assurance, affirming that a program meets international benchmarks of excellence in architectural education.