NBTN 2021

Welcome to the 2021 NCARB by the Numbers

Explore data on earning an architecture license, gender and racial diversity, and COVID-19's impact on the profession.

COVID-19’s Impact on Licensure

COVID-19’s Impact on Licensure

While fewer candidates reported experience or tested in 2020, demand for out-of-state licenses remained strong.
State of Licensure

State of Licensure

There are over 121,000 architects licensed across the 55 U.S. jurisdictions, a 5 percent increase compared to 2019.
Education

Education

New enrollment, total enrollment, and the number of graduates from NAAB-accredited programs all increased in 2020.
Experience

Experience

Limited job opportunities led to a drop in AXP completions, but most candidates still finished the program in 4.5 years.
Examination

Examination

Only 2,700 candidates completed the licensing exam in 2020, although overall success rates rose slightly.
Demographics: Career Stages & Licensure

Demographics: Career Stages & Licensure

Racial and ethnic diversity, as well as gender equity, increased or held steady across all career stages in 2020.
Demographics: AXP & ARE

Demographics: AXP & ARE

Nearly one-third of candidates who completed the ARE in 2020 identified as a person of color, a slight increase.
Navigating the Path

Navigating the Path

Candidates of color—especially Black or African American candidates—are far more likely to stop pursuing licensure.
Inside NCARB

Inside NCARB

The number of new Record holders decreased in 2020, although the number of NCARB Certificate holders remained steady.
Jurisdictions

Jurisdictions

Explore how candidates across the United States progress along the path to licensure.
Live Data

Live Data

New this year, find data updated monthly throughout the 2020 calendar year regarding NCARB's programs and the path to licensure.

Welcome to the 2021 NCARB by the Numbers

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