NCARB Announces Reduced Fees, Offers Early View of Industry Growth for Architecture
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has announced planned changes to two programs, streamlining licensure processes and altering fee structures in ways that will benefit architects and licensure candidates, beginning in June.
In addition, NCARB has released early numbers from its 2015 survey of registered architects, revealing that the number of U.S. architects has grown to over 110,000. The results mark the fourth straight year of growth. In addition, the number of working toward licensure reached an all-time high of 41,500.
âWhile there are a variety of factors that contribute to the health of the profession, these two trends point to a bright future,â said NCARB CEO Michael Armstrong.
NCARB made both announcements at the annual convention of the American Institute of Architects, currently under way in Philadelphia, PA.
Updated Programs, Restructured Fees
First, the Intern Development Program will be significantly updated, and renamed the Architectural Experience Program (AXP). The update will align the program with the latest version of the Architect Registration Exam (ARE 5.0), reflecting the new exam’s six practice areas. In addition, application and annual renewal fees for AXP participants will be restructured, reflecting a decrease in average cost over the typical five year period.
Second, the application fee for an NCARB Certificate will be reduced as well, from $1,500 to $1,100. Plus, NCARB certified architects now have access to free continuing education opportunities, offered through the NCARB Monograph Series.
These changes will take effect in June of this year.
âBy streamlining the requirements and fees for our programs, weâre able to provide customers with greater flexibility and, over time, reduce the cost to licensure,â said NCARB President Dennis Ward, FAIA, NCARB. âThe simplified fee structure is the result of improved processes at NCARB and the Board of Directorsâ desire to make the path to licensure more accessible.â
Details on both announcements can be found in the two press releases below:
NCARB to Reduce Fees and Streamline Path to Architectural Licensure
This summer, NCARB will simplify the requirements and fees associated with two key programs.
Philadelphia, PAâStarting this June, architects and licensure candidates will benefit from updates to two key programs: the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and the NCARB Certificate. Developed by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), these programs facilitate initial and reciprocal licensure across the United States.
âBy streamlining the requirements and fees for our programs, weâre able to provide customers with greater flexibility and, over time, reduce the cost to licensure,â said NCARB President Dennis Ward, FAIA, NCARB. âThe simplified fee structure is the result of improved processes at NCARB and the Board of Directorsâ desire to make the path to licensure more accessible.â
Architectural Experience Program (AXP)
On June 29, the Intern Development Program (IDP) will be updated to reflect six broad areas of architectural practiceâand renamed the Architectural Experience Program (AXP). These areas also align with the six new divisions of the Architect Registration ExaminationÂŽ (AREÂŽ 5.0), slated to launch later this year. The AXP, which guides licensure candidates through the early stages of their career, will continue to require 3,740 hours.
The program will also feature a new Portfolio option. Through this alternative, experienced professionals will have the opportunity to satisfy AXP requirements through an online portfolio. To be eligible for this option, applicants must have more than five years of experience working for an architect. The simplified fees associated with the AXP will go into effect June 29. Based on the average time it takes to complete the program, NCARB anticipates the new pricing will save new customers around $60
NCARB Certificate
On June 29, the application fee for the NCARB Certificate will be reduced to $1,100âa $400 saving. Awarded by NCARB, the credential facilitates licensure across the United States. Certified architects also have access to free continuing education opportunities through NCARBâs Monograph Series.
On July 1, NCARB will launch a new alternative to certification for foreign architects. To gain certification, eligible applicants will need to complete the AXP and pass the ARE, the national exam used to test a licensure candidateâs knowledge and skills.
These updates were approved by NCARBâs Board of Directors following feedback from state licensing boards. To learn more about earning a license to practice architecture, visit www.ncarb.org.
NCARB Survey Reveals Continued Growth of U.S. Architects
The number of U.S. architects surpassed 110,000 in 2015, a 2 percent increase from the previous year.
Philadelphia, PAâThere are currently 110,168 architects in the United States, according to the 2015 Survey of Architectural Registration Boards. This marks the fourth consecutive year of growth and a 2 percent increase from 2014. Conducted annually by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the survey, combined with other key indicators, suggests the profession is healthy and growing.
The number of professionals working toward licensure reached an all-time high in 2015, with more than 41,500 candidates either taking the Architect Registration ExaminationÂŽ (AREÂŽ) and/or reporting experience hours. This data, which will be available in Julyâs 2016 edition of NCARB by the Numbers, points to a growing interest among the next generation to become an architect.
âWhile there are a variety of factors that contribute to the health of the profession, these two trends point to a bright future,â said NCARB CEO Michael Armstrong. âAs a record number of candidates work toward licensure, NCARB will continue to ensure our programs remain modern and inclusive, yet rigorous.â
The survey also reveals U.S. architects hold 122,579 (out-of-state) licenses, a 3 percent increase from 2014. âAs the economy improves, architects may be expanding their businesses across state lines,â said Armstrong. âWeâve also seen a growth in the number of architects who hold an NCARB Certificate, which facilitates reciprocal licensure.â
NCARB collects data on resident and reciprocal licenses from its 54 Member Boards, which includes the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The survey reflects registration data from January to December 2015.
To learn more about the Survey of Architectural Registration Boards, visit www.ncarb.org.
About NCARB
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boardsâ membership is made up of the architectural registration boards of all 50 states as well as those of the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCARB assists its member registration boards in carrying out their duties and provides a certification program for individual architects.
NCARB protects the public health, safety, and welfare by leading the regulation of the practice of architecture through the development and application of standards for licensure and credentialing of architects. In order to achieve these goals, the Council develops and recommends standards to be required of an applicant for architectural registration; develops and recommends standards regulating the practice of architecture; provides to Member Boards a process for certifying the qualifications of an architect for registration; and represents the interests of Member Boards before public and private agencies. NCARB has established reciprocal registration for architects in the United States and Canada.
