This is a comment by someone who is currently in his 46th year working in and closely associated with the Design Profession.  I believe that the AIA and NCARB are heading in the wrong direction as it looks for ways to improve the lacking credibility with the Design/Construction industry.

The professional knowledge and experience I acquired to reach my goals in this profession originated in the old-fashioned mentoring system.  This accrued at he the beginning and continued during the 35 years I worked in an architect's office.  The apprenticeship enabled me to qualify for registration and happened long before the AIA and NCARB decided my credintials would not be adequate.

Linwood Gardner, RA