17 hours of construction observation seemed to drag on forever!] "Upon the completion of internship, states require an exam the A.R.E. or Architectural Registration Exam. In my day, this was a 4-day procedure, offered once a year, culminating in a 12-hour design exam to produce plans, elevations and sections for a building type announced at the test day's beginning. Currently, the exam is offered on computer and its 9 sections, including written (such as structural/lateral forces) and graphic (site and building design) may be taken over a 5-year period. The exam fee is currently running somewhere around $1000. "Once a candidate completes all three steps, he or she pays a licensing fee and is subsequently required by the state to pledge to guard the health, safety and welfare of the public and is professionally liable for such. Every two years (Florida) I may renew my license, provided I have met the state's continuing education requirements." * * * Really -- that takes less time than it takes for someone's eyes to glaze over. It's not even 2 dozen sentences. It's basic, and it's true. Edit at your leisure. For me, the trick is to explain it in a matter-of-fact manner. When I was an intern, I finished by mentioning that I was in the midst of completing my internship. I was damned proud of being an intern architect. *I* knew what it meant. And I sure didn't have any problem explaining it to anyone. As for the physician's assistant, well,