Washington, DC—The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has launched a new framework that establishes competency-based qualification as the foundation of initial licensure as an architect. The NCARB Competency Standard for Architects will be used to update the current experience and examination programs required to become a U.S. architect, as well as guide the evolution of future licensure processes.

Developed with input from thousands of practicing architects, the new NCARB Competency Standard for Architects establishes 16 knowledge areas, skills, abilities, and behaviors—called competencies—that describe the capabilities necessary at the point of initial licensure for an individual to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare as a practicing architect. Over the next two years, NCARB will make updates to its existing programs to align with the new Competency Standard. In addition, the Competency Standard will provide a flexible foundation for the development of future licensure programs, allowing NCARB to create more accessible pathways to licensure without compromising the rigor needed to protect the public.

“As we work to imagine the future of licensure, having a holistic definition of what it is necessary to be a competent architect is essential,” said NCARB President Kenneth R. Van Tine, AIA, NCARB LEED AP. “NCARB’s Competency Standard will shape the architecture profession for years to come and ensure that the path to licensure is accessible to individuals of all backgrounds.”

Updating NCARB Programs

Over the next two years, NCARB will use the NCARB Competency Standard for Architects to develop and implement changes to the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®) and the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®)—the experience and examination programs required to become an architect in the United States. These changes will focus on aligning the descriptions of the AXP’s six experience areas and the objectives tested across ARE 5.0’s six divisions with the competencies defined in the Competency Standard.

“NCARB regularly conducts surveys with practitioners to ensure that our programs reflect the knowledge, skills, and abilities being used in everyday practice,” said NCARB CEO Michael Armstrong. “These changes confirm that licensure is keeping pace with changes in design and technology that are shaping the profession.”

NCARB anticipates that the first phase of program updates will integrate the Competency Standard into the existing AXP and ARE structure, allowing candidates to continue making progress on the current programs without facing potential changes to their AXP or ARE credits. NCARB anticipates launching the updates to the AXP in early 2026, and the changes to the ARE in summer 2026.

Shaping Pathways to Practice

In addition to informing updates to the existing AXP and ARE, the NCARB Competency Standard for Architects will shape the NCARB’s Pathways to Practice effort. Launched in 2023, Pathways to Practice seeks to expand licensure access to individuals of all backgrounds by creating a more flexible licensure model outside of the traditional combination of education, experience, and examination.

NCARB’s Licensure Process Research & Development Task Force will use the competencies defined in the Competency Standard to envision new pathways—and refresh traditional 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).

How the NCARB Competency Standard for Architects Was Developed

The NCARB Competency Standard for Architects is the outcome of the work of NCARB’s Competency Task force. The task force’s goal was to develop a framework that would serve as a shared expectation of competency at the point of initial licensure, laying the groundwork for offering multiple pathways to licensure while maintaining a rigorous level of public protection.

Using findings from NCARB’s 2022 Analysis of Practice—which had nearly 20,000 architect participants—as a foundation, the task force researched which competencies were necessary at the point of initial licensure to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. This research shifts the expected proficiency of newly licensed architects to align with a modern, collaborative approach to practice. The task force also explored the competency level required for licensure in similar professions before releasing a draft list of competencies for public feedback in October 2023.

After receiving feedback from nearly 5,000 architects, the task force further refined the draft Competency Standard throughout 2023 and 2024. The Competency Standard was shared with NCARB’s members for final comments in June 2024, and was finalized by NCARB’s Board of Directors in September.

For more information about Pathways to Practice, including the Competency Standard and the upcoming changes to the AXP and ARE, visit www.ncarb.org/pathways.

About NCARB

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ membership is made up of the architectural licensing boards of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCARB, in collaboration with these boards, facilitates the licensure and credentialing of architects to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. 

To achieve these goals, NCARB works with its Member Boards and volunteers to develop and facilitate standards for licensure, including the national examination and experience program. NCARB also recommends regulatory guidelines for licensing boards and helps architects expand their professional reach through the NCARB Certificate. Connect with NCARB on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.