With recent changes to the IDP and ARE, you may be wondering how new rules are passed. All proposed changes are thoroughly vetted through a seven-step process that involves input from subject-matter experts, state boards, collateral organizations, and architects at various stages of their careers.
Step 1: NCARB president sets agenda for the year.
Every year, NCARB’s incoming president determines a list of charges for our committees and task forces. The charges come from a number of sources including past committees, NCARB staff, and even suggestions from you!
Step 2: Committees and NCARB staff conduct research, recommend changes.
NCARB has more than 20 committees that review policies on everything from the development of the ARE to the IDP reporting requirement. Our committees are made up of practicing architects, board executives, and more recently, interns. Over the course of a year, sometimes longer, committee members will gather data, conduct research, and debate each charge. When they come to a consensus, the committee sends a recommendation to the NCARB Board of Directors.
Step 3: Recommendations sent to the NCARB BOD.
The NCARB BOD explores the pros and cons of each recommendation and then determines a course of action. If needed, the BOD can request further research.
Step 4: Recommendations sent to state boards.
BOD can forward committee recommendations to our state boards.
Step 5: Depending on the rule, committee recommendations will be sent to the state boards for comment or voted on at our Annual Meeting.
a) If the rule change is related to an NCARB program (including the IDP or Education Standard), state boards have 90 days to review the recommendations and submit comments. Taking these comments into account, the BOD will then vote on the proposed recommendations.
b) If the rule change is related to NCARB Certification requirements (including the BEA or BEFA), the BOD must move forward committee recommendations for a vote at our Annual Meeting in June.
Step 6: NCARB BOD and state boards vote.
After reviewing all comments from the state boards, the Board of Directors either modifies the rule, sends it back to committee, or moves the rule forward for implementation.
Step 7: Implementation of new rule.
Through multiple platforms—including e-mail, our website, and social media—we inform customers and state boards of upcoming changes. While some rules go into effect immediately, many are phased in over time.
