NCARB has dozens of volunteer groups that meet throughout the year to review topics related to the AXP, ARE, NCARB certification, and more. Made up of practicing architects, public members, executives from U.S. licensing boards, external partners, and licensure candidates, these groups examine our policies, steer our initiatives, and make recommendations for improvement. Their work helps shape the regulation of the architecture profession and protect the public.

Recognizing that your time away from work and family is valuable, several committees meet only virtually, while others meet in person several times throughout the year. NCARB will cover travel costs, hotel accommodations, and meals to help make attending in-person meetings easier. 

Interested in volunteering for an NCARB committee? Please contact our Council Relations team at council-relations@ncarb.org.

Education-Related Committees

Education Committee

The Portfolio Assessment Team meets at NCARB's office.

The Education Committee oversees the development, delivery, and assessment of NCARB’s education policies and maintains NCARB’s relationship with the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). This committee also includes the following subcommittees:

  • Continuing Education Subcommittee—develops and evaluates options for NCARB’s continuing education initiatives.
  • Portfolio Assessment Team—reviews applications and portfolios for architects seeking to earn an NCARB Certificate through the Education Alternative to Certification program.

Experience-Related Committees

Experience Committee

The Experience Committee oversees the development, delivery, and assessment of the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®).

Examination-Related Committees

Examination Committee

The ARE 5.0 Item Development Subcommittee participates in an item writing workshop.

The Examination Committee oversees the development, delivery, and assessment of the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®). This committee also includes the following subcommittees:

  • ARE 5.0 Case Study Subcommittee—writes and edits new case study scenarios for ARE 5.0.
  • ARE 5.0 Forms Assembly Subcommittee—performs quality control for assembled exam forms and reviews new items.
  • ARE 5.0 Item Development Subcommittee—writes and edits new items for ARE 5.0.
  • ARE 5.0 Item Maintenance Subcommittee—reviews and updates items as needed based on industry best practices and performance analytics.

Other Committees

In addition to the committees above, a variety of NCARB committees focus on areas beyond our programs and services, while contributing to the development of policies that impact the licensure process and the continued protection of the public.

Credentials Committee

The Credentials Committee oversees the nomination and election process for positions on NCARB’s Board of Directors, verifies candidate qualifications for office, examines and verifies voting delegate credentials, and reports out on election results.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee collaborates with the other committees to provide perspectives regarding equity and accessibility of the proposed licensure process. The DEI Committee also proposes updates to programs or policies to remove unnecessary impediments.

The Futures Collaborative participates in the 2025 Futures Symposium.

Futures Collaborative

The Futures Collaborative monitors and researches changes in the regulatory environment and the practice of architecture. The collaborative informs strategic conversations across the Council and leads the development of NCARB’s Futures Symposium, an event that brings together industry experts, volunteers, and key partners to discuss the future of architecture.

International Qualifications Evaluation Work Group

The International Qualifications Evaluation Work Group provides critical analysis of the relationship between competency and assessment requirements for licensure in the U.S. and in other countries. Work group members contribute to the consideration of mutual recognition agreements and offer guidance on specific requirements.

Member Board Executives Committee

The Member Board Executives Committee provides suggestions to NCARB regarding how we can better serve state licensing boards and support member board executives.

Policy Advisory Committee

The Policy Advisory Committee reviews proposed resolutions, procedures, and documents for their impact on and consistency with NCARB’s policies and programs.

The Professional Conduct Committee meets at NCARB's office.

Professional Conduct Committee

The Professional Conduct Committee oversees NCARB’s policies and practices regarding standards of professional conduct for our Record holders and customers, and reviews cases that violate those policies.

Regional Leadership Committee

The Regional Leadership Committee is made up of delegates from each of NCARB’s six regions. Together, the committee focuses on issues specific to these regions.