Here is a brief and important update on recent developments at NCARB that may directly impact you and your path to license. ️
Source: NCARB Announces Updates to Architectural Licensure Programs (July 17, 2025) – [ncarb.org]
As part of the Pathways to Practice initiative, NCARB is aligning both the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) with its Competency Standard for Architects.
In the AXP, the former five-year reporting limit will be replaced by a more flexible policy:
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Experience less than one year old: 100% credit.
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Experience older than one year: 75% credit, with no maximum age limit for reporting.
The descriptions of the six experience areas will be revised to eliminate the previous 96 tasks, aligning instead with the skillsets outlined in the competency standard. The total minimum hours required (3,740) will remain unchanged.
Impact on Candidates and Previously Reported Hours (according to NCARB’s blog update):
Beginning November 18, 2025, NCARB will automatically update previously approved hours as follows:
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Hours previously awarded 50% credit will be upgraded to 75% credit.
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Hours reported within 8–12 months and originally given 50% credit will be increased to 100%, provided no older experience is mixed in the report.
Candidates who are already marked as AXP complete will not receive automatic adjustments, but may request a manual review if they wish.
About the ARE:
Minor updates to the ARE are scheduled for April 2026, focused on refining certain exam objectives and improving the case study format to better align with the new Competency Standard.
2. Changes to NCARB Fees and Dues
Primary Source: NCARB Fees (Updated August 1, 2025) – [ncarb.org]
