NCARB recently released the Competency Standard for Architects, which was developed with input from thousands of practicing architects. The Competency Standard establishes 16 knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors—called competencies—that define the capabilities necessary at the point of architectural licensure.
NCARB is using the Competency Standard to develop and implement updates to its programs and services, including the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) and Architectural Experience Program (AXP®). The changes will focus on aligning our programs with the competencies defined in the Competency Standard. Changes to the AXP are expected in late 2025-early 2026, while updates to the ARE are expected in mid-2026.
In this series, we’re exploring each of the three competency domains, providing all the information you need to get a head start on understanding the Competency Standard. We recently explored the first two domains, Design & Documentation, which focuses on the creative skills involved in the design process, and Construction Administration, which focuses on the skills needed to support the process of project procurement, design delivery, and construction. Now, we’ll explore the third domain, Practice and Project Management.
Practice and Project Management
The Practice and Project Management domain involves understanding the profession and business of architecture. Each of the six competencies addresses the core skills and knowledge related to legally and ethically providing value to the public, clients, consultants, and employees.
Competencies required at the point of initial licensure include:
11. Execute contracts for professional services. This competency includes developing the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate about basic contracts, identify appropriate agreement types for a project based on its scale and type, and understand the responsibilities once entered into an agreement.
12. Implement a work plan according to a project’s scope, schedule, and budget. As part of this competency, you’ll develop the ability to organize a project’s tasks and resources and communicate with stakeholders to ensure alignment as the project progresses.
13. Organize and coordinate an interdisciplinary project team. This competency focuses on developing the skills needed to identify qualified consultants and team members for a project team, assess work quality, and keep relevant stakeholders informed throughout the project.
14. Understand statutes and regulations that govern architectural practice within U.S. jurisdictions to provide services legally. This competency includes developing the relevant knowledge and skills to comply with jurisdictional laws and rules related to establishing an architectural practice, soliciting and providing services, and maintaining licensure, including continuing professional development.
15. Understand ethical and professional standards that govern architectural practice. This competency focuses on understanding an architect’s ethical and professional responsibilities and managing risks to provide services safely.
16. Understand foundational business principles to operate a practice. As part of this competency, you’ll develop the skills needed to monitor and assess finances, staffing needs, and other resources that are essential to providing services to clients.
Download the Competency Standard for Architects to learn more about Practice and Project Management and the other competency domains.
