A major finding in this year’s report is that the number of applications for NCARB Records-the initial step to licensure-continues to increase. Additionally, the number of interns completing the IDP and ARE^® remains strong, and the age at initial licensure continues to decline.

 

“The report’s findings serve as a foundation for our ongoing efforts to lead change in the path to an architectural license,” said CEO Michael Armstrong. “Our indicators document a profession that is thriving.”

 

For additional insight, download your copy of the 2014 NCARB by the Numbers here.

Applications for an NCARB
Record Over Time

 

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Prospective architects must have an NCARB Record to take the ARE. Most states have required an NCARB Record and the completion of IDP for a number of years. While the number of NCARB Records does not capture everyone in the profession, it does allow us to see the general trend in interns entering architecture.

 

A massive spike in applications occurred in 2009 as interns created Records before the reporting requirement came into effect. After this rush, the number of applications dropped, but those numbers have since resumed a very healthy upward growth.

Percentage of Divisions Administered Through Early Eligibility

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To date, 49 jurisdictions offer early eligibility, or the ability to take the exam while completing the IDP. Taking advantage of this opportunity can shorten the time to licensure, and we have seen that candidates who take the exam just before completing the IDP have the highest pass rate.

 

Trends also show a rise in the number of interns who are completing the programs simultaneously. In 2007, the year early eligibility was established, around 25 percent of exams were taken while the candidate was completing IDP. According to our data, that number has grown to nearly 53 percent.

Architect Timeline

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The path to licensure is becoming less fragmented, as more candidates begin internship earlier and take advantage of concurrent testing. Of those who became licensed in 2014, at least half reported IDP experience while in college. For comparison, the average licensee in 2001 did not begin IDP until after graduating. We expect this number will continue to climb, especially now that policy changes-including modifications to the IDP reporting requirement and eligibility date-provide more flexibility to candidates.

 

Similarly, while concurrent testing has been available since 2007, the majority of licensees did not take advantage of the opportunity until this year. According to our data, more than half of all exams were taken while the candidate was completing IDP.

Supervisors by Gender

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The gender parity is roughly the same for NCARB Record applicants, actively testing Record holders, and active interns. Yet there is a significant gender gap among current supervisors-women make up only 13 percent of those with NCARB supervisor accounts. (It should be noted that the data is limited to supervisors who have active NCARB Records.)

Number of Firms Where
Interns Work, by State

 

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On average, interns work for slightly fewer than three firms while completing the IDP. This employment can include internships during school and over summer breaks. Plus, the number of firms in which an intern works depends on where the person lives. For example, interns in California and North Dakota are less likely to change firms compared to the average intern. However, interns from Nevada, Indiana, and Ohio are more likely to move around. As time passes, interns are less likely to change firms. This data, it should be noted, is limited to the information that interns submit to the IDP.