Each year, NCARB by the Numbers highlights data from the previous calendar year—for example, the 2021 edition of this publication features data as of December 2020. However, one of NCARB's goals has been to provide a constant stream of live data on the path to licensure.
The charts in this section reflect live data that updates each month during the 2021 calendar year. This data may shift throughout the year based on ongoing current events and other trends. Numbers from previous years (for instance, 2020's data) may also shift slightly, as candidates backdate experience reports or other program information.
For charts that display the number of candidates or program completions, numbers viewed early in the year are expected to be much smaller than the final, year-end total seen in December. For charts based on averages, it is important to remember that the number of data points from which the average is calculated will be much larger toward the end of the calendar year.
Number of Licensure Candidates
This chart shows the total number of candidates actively working toward licensure during the year by reporting experience toward the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®), taking a division of the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®), or both.
Experience Completions
This chart shows the number of candidates who completed the experience program each year. Note: This data may shift as candidates can report experience up to five years in the past. For example, if someone today submitted a final experience report from 2017, their AXP completion date would be 2017.
Time to Complete Experience Program
This chart shows the median time it takes to complete the experience program, based on the year the candidate completed the AXP. The duration is determined by measuring the time between the date they first submitted experience and the date they submitted their final report. Note: This data may shift as candidates can report experience up to five years in the past. For example, if someone today submitted a final experience report from 2017, their AXP completion date would be 2017.
Exam Completions
This chart shows the number of candidates who completed the ARE each year. In 2020, this number was significantly impacted by the closure of test centers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Time to Complete Exam
This chart shows the median time it takes to complete the exam, based on the year the candidate passed their final ARE division. The duration is determined by measuring the time between the date of their first test and the date they passed their final division.
Pass Rates by Division
This chart shows the pass rate for each division of the ARE in the 2021 calendar year. A pass rate measures the percentage of successfully passed divisions out of the total number of attempts on that division.
Number of Candidates Ready for Licensure
This chart shows the total number of candidates who completed the path to licensure each year, a key measure of NCARB’s mission to facilitate licensure. To earn a license in the United States, applicants typically complete education (a degree from a NAAB-accredited program), experience (the AXP), and examination (the ARE). Some jurisdictions have additional requirements, such as additional experience.
Gender Representation Across Career Stages
This chart shows the proportion of men and women at various stages in their architecture career. Note: Each bar represents a different cohort of individuals, based on their current status in the 2021 calendar year.
Racial and Ethnic Representation Across Career Stages
This chart shows the proportion of individuals who identify as each race or ethnicity at various stages in their architecture career. Note: Each bar represents a different cohort of individuals, based on their current status in the 2021 calendar year.
Number of New Record Holders
This chart shows the total number of individuals who created an NCARB Record each year. Creating an NCARB Record is often the first step toward completing the experience and examination components of the licensure process.