In October, NCARB launched a new Competency Standard for Architects, a framework that establishes 16 knowledge areas, skills, abilities, and behaviors necessary for initial licensure as an architect. In a recent webinar, our experts answered your questions about how the Competency Standard was developed and what you can expect over the next several years as NCARB works to align our programs with the new document. Here are some of the top questions:
How will the Competency Standard impact candidates who are midway through their licensure process? Will candidates lose any credit toward Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®) requirements or Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) divisions they’ve already passed?
No, candidates making progress on the path to licensure will not lose any AXP credit hours or passed ARE divisions. Upcoming updates to the AXP are expected to be descriptive changes to ensure candidates can better understand the experience they are earning and how it relates to developing their competency. They won’t include updates to the program’s required hours or experience areas. Similarly, changes to the ARE will include adjustments to a handful of the objectives on several divisions, but won’t change the divisions. These changes are still being finalized and will be shared with candidates in 2025.
Is the Competency Standard just the AXP categories repackaged?
While the competencies defined in the Competency Standard overlap with the experience areas outlined in the AXP, the Competency Standard goes beyond the requirements for the experience program. As NCARB’s Competency Task Force worked to create the Competency Standard, they explored the key areas of architecture practice related to health, safety, and welfare that architects must be competent in at the point of initial licensure—beyond and including what was already defined within NCARB’s existing programs.
How soon can we expect upcoming changes to the ARE and AXP?
NCARB plans to update the AXP in early 2026, and the ARE in mid-2026. These updates will not impact past exam credits or experience hours earned. More detailed communication about the specific updates will begin in the spring of 2025 and continue throughout the update.
Will the Competency Standard impact education requirements?
The Competency Standard won’t immediately impact education requirements. We hope that architecture programs will use the Competency Standard to inform their curriculum, and that the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) will explore how the Competency Standard should align with their conditions and procedures for accreditation.
How does the Competency Standard impact the alternative pathways to licensure or certification?
While the Competency Standard will lead greater program evolution in the future, NCARB is not making any immediate changes to programs like the AXP Portfolio, Education Alternative to Certification, or Foreign Architect Path to Certification.
How will the Competency Standard impact individuals who are already licensed?
The Competency Standard won’t have an immediate impact on licensed individuals. NCARB encourages architects to ensure they are familiar with the new Competency Standard for Architects as they help mentor and supervise the next generation of architects. We also encourage licensed practitioners to use the Competency Standard to self-assess their current skills and knowledge and find opportunities to use continuing education to strengthen the competencies they are not as confident with.
How does the Competency Standard impact the standard of care?
The Competency Standard for Architects does not impact the standard of care or how it’s measured. The Competency Standard is intended to help NCARB and our member licensing boards better assess individuals’ competencies and ability to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
Do we expect the competencies to be updated as practice continues to evolve in the future, or are they set in stone?
NCARB expects to update and evolve the Competency Standard going forward to ensure it remains in alignment with and relevant to practice. Through this new framework, NCARB can be more responsive to the evolution of practice, allowing for incremental updates and changes as necessary.
Explore our recent responses to more top questions about the Competency Standard, and watch our webinar to learn more.
