Washington, DC—The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and the Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) are expanding partnership efforts in service to the architecture community. The two organizations recently worked together to broaden access to continuing education (CE) that qualifies for Architectural Experience Program® (AXP)® credit; NCARB also provided juror support for SARA’s annual Design Awards, which recognize outstanding work in the architecture industry. 

“NCARB is proud to partner with SARA to expand access to programs and resources that serve individuals from all career phases and backgrounds,” said NCARB CEO Michael Armstrong. “We look forward to additional opportunities to collaborate in the future.”

Expanding CE for AXP Credit

In November 2025, NCARB launched several updates to the national experience program for architects, including a refreshed opportunity to earn AXP credit by completing Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) CE courses. Previously, candidates were limited to reporting CE via an American Institute of Architects (AIA) transcript. Now, candidates are able to report CE for AXP credit via a transcript from an approved provider—including SARA. 

SARA’s CE program ensures its members have access to high quality CE from certified providers that meet rigorous standards. SARA also provides easy CE tracking and reporting for its members. SARA recently launched a new associate membership option designed to support emerging professionals, providing access to their continuing education services and reimbursing NCARB Record fees. 

“SARA is excited to partner with NCARB. Recognizing our CE transcript creates more pathways for those pursuing licensure and reflects our mission of architect helping architect,” said SARA Executive Director Fabiyan Pembelski. 

Recognizing Excellence Through SARA Design Awards

Each year, SARA celebrates excellence in architecture through their Professional and Student Design Awards. Centered around recognizing quality work wherever it is done, SARA’s Design Awards emphasize the organization’s mission of “architect helping architect.” The awards are determined by a jury of peer-recommended architects from across the country. 

The 2025 SARA National Design Awards received over 350 submissions. Winners were announced at the organization’s Awards Gala in November following two rounds of jury review. NCARB was proud to provide juror support for this year’s awards, with NCARB Second Vice President Sylvia Kwan, FAIA, NCARB, NOMA, SARA, LEED AP, serving as a jury member. 

To view SARA National Design Award recipients, visit www.sara-national.org.

To learn more about NCARB’s recent changes to the AXP, visit www.ncarb.org. 

About NCARB

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ membership is made up of the architectural licensing boards of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCARB, in collaboration with these boards, facilitates the licensure and credentialing of architects to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.  

To achieve these goals, NCARB works with its Member Boards and volunteers to develop and facilitate standards for licensure, including the national examination and experience program. NCARB also recommends regulatory guidelines for licensing boards and helps architects expand their professional reach through the NCARB Certificate. Connect with NCARB on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube. 

About SARA

The Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) is a vibrant professional organization of architects and industry related partners guided by the mantra, “Architect Helping Architect.” Founded in 1956, we are a national organization with active councils and chapters throughout the country, as well as international members. SARA focuses on fellowship, friendship and mentorship.