The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) announced last week that it has launched the initial phase of an updated certification path for architects without a degree from a National Architectural Accrediting Board–accredited (NAAB-accredited) program. According to NCARB’s Feb. 9 press release, architects licensed in a U.S. jurisdiction with an architecture-related degree can now “satisfy the [NCARB] Certificate’s education requirement by documenting” 7,480 hours of qualifying experience—or two times the number of hours required by the Architectural Experience Program, or AXP. Another certificate option for architects without an architecture-related degree will be launched this spring.
“This revised path recognizes the value of the initial license and practical experience while maintaining a rigorous, yet inclusive, option for architects seeking NCARB certification,” NCARB president Kristine Harding, AIA, said in the release.
An NCARB certificate helps architects receive reciprocal licensing between states.
This new path will require a shorter evaluation process and will be available for free for active NCARB Record holders. Previously, architects with degrees from non-NAAB-accredited schools could enroll in the $5,000 Broadly Experienced Architect Program to fulfill education requirements for NCARB certification.
