Hello everyone, this is "DIY Renova." In this article, we will explain the subject, with plenty of specific fact-based information in mind, from the perspective of "What kind of course should you choose to qualify for the second-class architect exam through the newsletters in Japan?" Everyone's interest in becoming a second-class architect differs from person to person. For example, "I want to develop DIY in earnest," "I want to be qualified to do my large-scale renovation of my house myself," and "I want to be able to work as a side job as an architect." For those people, here we will take a closer look at the correspondence courses to ensure that you are eligible to take the exam.

Furthermore, rather than the exam system for Level 2 architects or the actual exam preparation itself, I will focus on "methods to obtain the qualifications for taking the exam using communications" and "key points when choosing a correspondence course." We will introduce the curriculum, study period, and estimated costs to ensure that you are eligible to take the exam, along with legal knowledge such as the Architects Act (Act No. 202 of 1950) and the Building Standards Act (Act No. 201 of 1950), and introduce the curriculum, study period, and estimated costs on a fact-based basis, so be sure to read it to the end.

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Qualifications for exams for second-class architects and legal background

First of all, in order to take the exam to become a Class 2 architect, you must meet the requirements set forth in the Architect Act. If you have completed an architecture department at a university or vocational school, depending on your academic background, you may be eligible to take the exam directly. On the other hand, those who have not graduated from an architecture school or have insufficient work experience will be able to obtain the qualification to take the exam by completing a school certified for exam qualification designated by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (including correspondence systems).

Around Article 15 of the Architects Act, the qualifications for taking the exam include "persons who have studied the department of architecture designated by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism" and "persons with ○ years or more practical experience." Therefore, if you have no academic background in the architecture field or want to get the exam qualification even now, it is important to choose a correspondence course designated by the Minister. If you make this point wrong, you will not be eligible for the exam and will take a detour, which is a very important checkpoint.

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Why is it attracting attention to obtaining the exam through newsletter?

The main reason why the "correspondence course" option is that it is easy to learn while working or balancing it with the family. It is a high hurdle for working adults to attend a full-time vocational school or university to qualify for the second-class architect. If you live in a rural area, it may be even more difficult to move to the city and go to school. Therefore, with a correspondence course, you can learn from your home as a base, using textbooks and online lectures, making it easy to match your lifestyle.

However, when it comes to newsletters, it doesn't mean that you can graduate without attending at all, and you often have to do several schooling (interview classes) or practical training. This is also a system that meets the requirements designated by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, so you need to have some time to commute to school. However, the number of sessions is much smaller than the regular school system, and the schedules are more flexible, so even working adults and those raising children can continue.

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Relationship between large-scale wooden renovations and qualifications from 2025 onwards

As DIY enthusiasts may know, it has been said that "From 2025, there is a possibility that the scope of a large-scale renovation of wooden buildings will expand that can only be handled by qualified personnel." In reality, as revisions to the Building Standards Act and related Cabinet Orders and ministerial ordinances are being considered, there is a prospect that more and more cases will result in the possibility that "even wooden houses require a qualification of a Class 2 architect or higher to carry out large-scale renovations that involve structures."

Even if you have thought up until now that you don't need a qualification because it's a home renovation, you will need to be careful depending on the time of enforcement and the contents of the enforcement rules. While vacant houses have been renovating and renovating old houses in recent years, the national and local governments are concerned about the risk of renovations that do not meet safety standards. As the possibility of legal restrictions being strengthened is increasing, becoming a 2nd-class architect qualification is a major advantage for those who want to "really DIY the structure of the house" in the future.

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Things to look at when choosing a correspondence course that will help you obtain the qualification

The key to whether or not you can take the second-class architect exam is whether or not you can take the course designated by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Below we will explain in more detail what perspectives should you choose a correspondence course?

"1) Check the list of schools designated by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism"

First, make sure you have the highest priority to make sure that the school is a "school designated by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism." If the course does not meet this level, no matter how hard you try to complete the course, there is a high chance that you will not be eligible to be qualified as defined by the Architects Act. Most of the major correspondence vocational schools, junior colleges, universities, etc. have an architectural curriculum, but be sure to check the actual status on the official website or request information.

"2) Number of times, schedules and locations for schooling and practical training"

Even if it's a correspondence course, schooling (interview classes) and practical training are required for a certain number of times. Generally, the event is held several times a year, and in most cases, at about once a month. For people living in rural areas or working adults who can only move on holidays, whether the "host" and "day" suit them is a matter of life and death. When considering taking the course, be sure to check the school schedule and location and simulate whether commuting to school is realistically possible.

"3) Learning curriculum and study period"

In order to qualify for the exam even in correspondence, you must prepare the "required units" specified in the Architects Act and related ministerial ordinances and notices. For example, you will be taking a wide range of subjects, including structural mechanics, architectural planning, building regulations, architectural structures, architectural construction, and architectural design and drafting.

To acquire these, some have courses that can be completed in as little as 1-2 years, while others take a thorough and thorough course over three years. Make sure you have a course that suits your lifestyle and learning pace, and how flexible the study period is.

"4) Estimated tuition fees"

The cost of correspondence courses must be considered by considering admission fees, tuition fees, textbook fees, schooling transportation and accommodation costs, etc. One guideline is "around 300,000 to 500,000 yen per year" for the curriculum that will take you up to the qualification to take. For two- or three-year courses, the total may be around 600,000 to 1 million yen. Additionally, schooling travel costs may be expensive, so it's a relief to know the details in advance.

Some schools offer educational loans and installment payment systems, so if you find it difficult to find the cost burden at once, it's a good idea to consider it.

"5) Quality of online support and teaching materials"

When learning mainly about communication, the "lonely" of learning is an inevitable task. Therefore, the key to continuing is how much the school focuses on online support.

For example, if you have a system such as a question form for instructors, a dedicated learning management system, a lecture distribution via video, an online community, and an individual interview, it will be easier to resolve any questions you may have about learning and maintain motivation.

It is also important to "whether you can study the required subjects designated by the Minister, and with easy-to-understand teaching materials." If you would like to order sample materials in advance, please check the level of study and the ease of understanding of the text.

"6) Combination with practical experience"

Those who already work in the architecture field and have some practical experience may be added to their eligibility for exams. On the other hand, if you are completely amateur and have no practical experience, you may not be able to meet all the requirements by learning through correspondence, and you may need to gain practical experience after graduation.

This can be found in official information from the Architects Act Enforcement Regulations and the Architectural Technology Education Promotion Center, a general incorporated foundation. Check the requirements for completing the correspondence course by comparing your background (educational background, practical history) to simulate when you can take the exam as quickly as possible.

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Average correspondence course schedule example

How long does it take to actually qualify for the exam through a correspondence course? The following is an example, but in a typical correspondence vocational school curriculum, the flow is often as follows:

"First Year"

• Learn basic architectural subjects (architecture introductory, architectural planning, architectural history, etc.) through text study and submitting reports
• Taking lectures and exercises by the instructors in charge at two or three schooling sessions a year.
• Complement your knowledge with online lecture videos and webinars

"Second Year"

• Take applied subjects such as structural mechanics, construction, laws and regulations
• Submit design and drafting practical training as a communication assignment and receive corrections from the instructor
• Learn the basics of drafting face to face through schooling and practical lessons

Once you have all the required credits before you complete the course, you will be issued a certificate of enrollment and completion certificate, and you will be able to apply for the qualification to take the second-class architect.

*The actual curriculum and number of credits taken vary from school to school, so be sure to check the official information.

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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (Qualifications for Exams)

"Q1: Can everything be completed completely online?"

→Currently, in many cases, courses that are approved as minister-designated schools, schooling (interview classes) and practical training are required at least several times a year. It's not like you can graduate without attending at all, but compared to school commuting, it's much less frequent, so even busy people will be able to adjust.

"Q2: What are your academic background and age restrictions?"

→There is basically no age limit. However, educational background requirements can be supplemented by "completing a designated school," so if you have an academic background worthy of graduating from high school, there is a possibility that you will be eligible to take the exam. Check the provisions of Article 15 of the Architects Act and find out how much your final academic background and practical experience are required.

"Q3: Can I take the exam immediately after completing the correspondence course?"

→This depends on the individual's background. If the correspondence course itself meets the qualifications for taking the exam, you can apply for the nearest Level 2 Architect exam right after completing the course. If you require separate work experience, you will need to wait until you meet the required years.

"Q4: How much does it cost to tuition?"

→Basically, I get the impression that many schools require tuition fees of 300,000 to 500,000 yen per year. It would be a good idea to expect to reach around 600,000 to 1 million yen over two years. In addition, transportation and accommodation costs for schooling must be considered separately.

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Things to keep in mind when choosing a correspondence course

Even if it is called a "response course," there are actually private courses that are not designated by the Minister. For example, it may be useful for the purpose of "learning the basics of architecture," but if you are taking the course with the purpose of "qualifying for the exam," you will have no choice but to choose a school designated by the Minister. Be sure to check that the official pamphlet or website clearly states that it is designated as "Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism" and that it "ensurely obtains" qualifications for exams.

In addition, some correspondence courses are divided into courses that only provide "exam preparation" and courses that offer "curriculum (special course) necessary to grant qualifications to the exam." Depending on your current situation, organize the following things: "I already have qualification requirements, so Is it okay to prepare for the exam?" and "Is it okay to first obtain the qualifications for taking the exam?"

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Tips for continuing to study and maintain motivation

Correspondence courses to ensure that you are eligible for the exam can sometimes last for a long period of 2-3 years. To continue, the following tips can be useful:

"1) Determine the learning pace"

The drawback is that communication is that it is easy to slacking off because it has a high degree of freedom. Make a study plan by incorporating a set day and time of the week as "study time."

"2) Utilizing the learning community"

Some schools have online forums or social media groups where students can ask questions and exchange information. Having friends reduces loneliness and makes it less likely to give up.

"3) Become a habit of observing familiar architecture."

学んだ知識を実際の建物に当てはめてみると、「なるほど、これがあの法規に関係しているのか！」などと理解が深まります。勉強そのものの楽しさが増すので、外出時などに建築を眺めてみると面白いですよ。

"4) Enhance your schooling"

Because you have a limited number of times you go to school, be sure to actively ask the instructor questions on school days to resolve any questions. You should also learn to exchange information with other students.

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Possibility of expanding after obtaining qualification

Simply obtaining the qualification for taking the exam is of course not that you can become a second-class architect, but you will need to pass the national exam beyond that. However, once you have secured the qualifications, all you have to do is concentrate on preparing for the exam, which can be said to have cleared one major hurdle.

The following scenarios are possible as "potential that will spread after obtaining the qualification."

• As an extension of DIY, you can legally carry out large-scale renovations of homes and relatives' homes without any problems.
• I will be working on remodeling design as a side job
• It's easier to change jobs to real estate companies, construction companies, renovation companies, etc.
• In the future, you can also consider improving your career as a first-class architect or wooden architect.

Looking ahead to legal reforms from 2025 onwards, there is a high possibility that the trend will strengthen that "large-scale renovation of wooden buildings can only be done by qualified personnel." Getting qualified as a second-class architect and preparing for the exam will be a great benefit for DIY enthusiasts and those looking for a second career.

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Summary

So far, we have focused on the points to check when choosing a correspondence course to obtain the qualification for a second-class architect. What are particularly important is whether the school is designated by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, whether the school schedule and location are easy to attend, and whether the curriculum is in place to ensure that the necessary subjects and credits are obtained. The cost is generally around 300,000 to 500,000 yen per year, and it is not uncommon for the students to take 2-3 years to complete, but it is well worth the investment.

As legal reforms progress, the relationship between DIY and architectural qualifications will be attracting more attention in the future. If you want to "qualify for taking the exam early before the renovations you want to do is legally restricted," then please refer to this article to find the best correspondence course.

The law is also described separately below.

Japanese laws and rights you need to be aware of if you are building a house [Self-renovation].

If you're wondering "How much renovation or remodeling can I actually do on my own home?" or "Where should I even start?", please visit this page. If you're looking to learn more about specific renovation processes or construction details, don't miss this page as well!

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reference

Finally, we will introduce the sources we referenced in creating this article, as well as sites and videos that will be useful for those considering obtaining the qualification for exams. If you find yourself reading the article and find out more about it, please check these official information and check the latest status of the system and conditions.

"Architect Law": You can check the original text on the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism website, etc.

"Building Technology Education Promotion Center, General Incorporated Foundation”: Details of the implementation of the Level 2 Architect Examination and qualifications posted at any time

"Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Housing Bureau”: Information on amendments to the Building Standards Act, guidelines for renovating wooden houses, etc. are published

"List of Minister-designated educational institutions (official websites for each school)": Be sure to check the latest list to make sure that the system has been designated

It may be a long-term learning experience, but if you steadily advance your path to obtaining the qualification, the world of DIY will expand even further. It's very appealing to be able to enjoy the fun of messing around with your own home, while also obtaining the skills and qualifications that can be guaranteed legally and safety. Please consider the option of "qualifying for a second-class architect through communications." Your future DIY life will be even more fulfilling.

For articles related to second-class architects,HerePlease check it out!