FAQs

What are the requirements for submitting a translated transcript?

If your university is unable to provide your transcript in English, ask the university to forward the official transcript to a translation service, and have the translation service send the original transcript, the English translation, and a completed Translator Statement of Confirmation Form directly to NCARB. Read more. 

What are the requirements for NCARB certification?

Architects interested in earning a Certificate will need to meet NCARB’s education, experience, examination, and registration requirements. Details about these requirements can be found in the Certification Guidelines.

What are the eligibility requirements for the mutual recognition agreement (MRA) with the United Kingdom?

To be eligible for licensure through the MRA with the United Kingdom as a U.S. architect, you must be licensed in good standing in a participating U.S. jurisdiction and have an active NCARB Certificate granted through the standard path to certification. You must also have the right to work in the locality where you are seeking registration.

What are NCARB’s operating hours?

NCARB’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET, except federal holidays.

I’m a licensed architect from a country outside the U.S. How can I pursue licensure in a U.S. jurisdiction?

If you are actively registered to practice architecture in a country outside of the United States, you can pursue licensure through our Foreign Architect Path to certification. Once you hold an NCARB Certificate, you can use that credential to establish your license in a specific U.S. jurisdiction. Note: not all U.S. jurisdictions accept the Certificate for initial licensure.

Is provisional feedback available for both online and in-person exams?

Yes, the option to view provisional feedback is available for online and in-person exams.

Is NCARB pursuing reciprocal licensure with any other countries?

We are always seeking new opportunities for our Certificate holders by facilitating arrangements between international licensing authorities with a similar path to becoming an architect.

Is NCARB planning to change programs beyond the upcoming AXP and ARE updates based on the Competency Standard?

Yes—NCARB is hoping to reimagine the path to licensure to ensure greater flexibility and accessibility. NCARB’s volunteers will use the competencies defined in the Competency Standard to envision new pathways to become an architect, including expanded options for individuals who don’t hold a degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). These changes would not be announced until 2027 at the earliest.

I submitted an experience report, but my supervisor didn’t receive an email notification. What should I do?

First, have your supervisor check their junk or spam filter. Check to see if you used the same email address as your supervisor’s My NCARB Account. If yes, your supervisor can access your reports through their AXP Supervisor and Mentor portal. If no, you can update the report to their preferred email. If your supervisor still can’t access the report, please contact our Customer Relations team.

I passed the ARE. What are my next steps to becoming licensed?

In most cases, if you have met the requirements for education, experience, and examination for initial licensure, we will evaluate and transmit your Record in approximately 15 business days. We will notify you via email before transmitting your Record to your requested jurisdiction. If your jurisdiction has additional requirements, you may have to complete those requirements before becoming licensed. Learn more about the final steps to licensure.