FY24 NCARB Annual Report

Program Service & Excellence

Throughout the past several years, NCARB has made various improvements to the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®). In FY24, we measured the impact of those changes as we marked the one-year anniversary of NCARB’s retirement of the rolling clock policy.

NCARB reinstated previously expired ARE 4.0 divisions, bringing more than 3,000 candidates closer to licensure.

NCARB also continued to expand international opportunities, promoting the newly ratified mutual recognition agreement (MRA) with our United Kingdom counterpart, the Architects Registration Board (ARB). We also refreshed an existing agreement with our partners in Australia and New Zealand—aligning with our efforts to ensure international reciprocity is accessible for all individuals.

Data Analysis & Thought Leadership

NCARB released its 12^th edition of NCARB by the Numbers, building on the expanded examination section that allows readers to explore the impact of our recently launched practice exams on pass rates for various demographic groups.

NCARB and NOMA followed up on findings from the joint Baseline on Belonging study, releasing a compiled report on the initial survey and an action plan to address identified licensure impediments. NCARB also released two follow-up reports and developed new resources addressing equitable workplaces and AXP firm support.

Opportunity & Inclusion

At the FY24 Annual Business Meeting, NCARB’s members voted on several resolutions—passing changes to existing mutual recognition agreements, expanding examination eligibility in NCARB’s Model Law and Regulations, and changing the Certificate requirement for architects serving on the NCARB Board of Directors.

This year’s initiatives hold particular importance in our collective long-term efforts to improve opportunities, remove barriers, and support a more inclusive process for licensure. 

                                                   – FY24 NCARB President Jon Alan Baker, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP

During the Annual Business Meeting, FY24 President Jon Alan Baker, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, shared updates on NCARB’s efforts to create additional pathways to practice and celebrated the work of the Competency and Licensure Process Research & Development task forces. FY25 President Kenneth R. Van Tine, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, shared his vision for the year ahead—continuing existing efforts to explore potential pathways for community college students and other efforts to expand pathways to practice.

Advocacy Support & Coalition Building

Throughout the year, NCARB tracked hundreds of bills and regulations and engaged in legislative and political challenges nationwide that could impact the regulation of architecture or an architect licensing board’s ability to carry out its mission.

Cultivating partnerships has remained another fundamental pillar of NCARB’s advocacy success.