Seattle, WA—Licensed architects without a degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) will soon find their path to NCARB certification streamlined and with reduced fees. Developed by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the NCARB Certificate facilitates reciprocal licensure among U.S. jurisdictions and Canadian provinces.

Currently, these architects seeking certification must hold a license and complete the Broadly Experienced Architect (BEA) Program to satisfy education requirements. Through this revised path, these architects can satisfy the education requirement for certification by either documenting experience beyond the Architectural Experience Program’s (AXP) requirements or by submitting an education portfolio for review.

“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,” said NCARB CEO Michael Armstrong at the organization’s Annual Business Meeting.

Architects interested in earning an NCARB Certificate through this path must meet the following requirements:

  • Have at least three years of continuous licensure in any U.S. jurisdiction without disciplinary action.
  • Architects with a bachelor’s degree in an architecture-related program must document two times the AXP’s requirements (7,480 hours).
  • Architects with other post-secondary education, who have obtained more than 64 semester credit hours, are required to obtain an EESA evaluation and then submit an education portfolio to address deficiencies.
  • Architects with less than 64 semester credit hours of post-secondary education are not required to obtain an EESA and must address all education requirements through an education portfolio.

The program will go into effect in 2017 and will replace the BEA Program, which currently costs $5,000. Additionally, this revised path will be offered at no additional charge to active Record holders and incorporate the reduced Certificate application fee of $1,100.

To learn more about the benefits of NCARB certification, visit www.ncarb.org/certification.

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About NCARB

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ 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.

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