FAQs — Architect Licensing Advisors Community

Question: Why is NCARB updating the licensing advisors program? 
Answer: These updates were developed in response to feedback and discussions shared by advisors over the years, including requests for defined role expectations, more training opportunities, and additional tools and resources to support you in your role. Through a 2024 survey of licensure candidates, NCARB found that while about half of respondents had a mentor, only one in five connected with a licensing advisor—and most mentors did not provide guidance regarding the path to licensure. To ensure that candidates have the information and guidance they need to become licensed, we are broadening the definition of a licensing advisor beyond an individual firm, institution, or organization. 

Question: Can there be multiple advisors within an organization or chapter? 
Answer: Yes. Multiple advisors may serve within the same organization or chapter, but each advisor’s outreach activities must be completed separately to count toward their individual participation requirements. 

Question: How can I sign up to be a licensing advisor?   
Answer: You can indicate your interest in being an architect licensing advisor or senior architect licensing advisor by filling out and submitting this online form by August 14, 2026. 

Question: I am not sure which level I would like to be. What should I do? 
Answer: Email advisors@ncarb.org with any questions, or attend Licensing Advisors Community Office Hours in June or August to learn more about each role. 

Question: What if I don’t respond to your emails? 
Answer: If you do not respond and select an advisor level, your term will automatically end on September 1, 2026. 

Question: Can I be a senior licensing advisor if I have not completed the training and requirements for the role? 
Answer: If you were an advisor before May 27, 2026, you are grandfathered in and may choose either advisor level. Training will be provided in the fall. If you become an advisor after May 27, 2026, you will begin as an architect licensing advisor and may become a senior architect licensing advisor after completing the requirements. 

Question: What organizations can I represent? 
Answer: Advisors and senior advisors may represent a student organization, professional organization, licensing board, firm, school, institution, or chapter. However, representing a specific organization is not a requirement—both levels of advisors may choose to serve independently.  

Question: Do I still need leadership confirmation from my organization? 
Answer: If you are representing a specific organization, institution, or firm, leadership confirmation is required to renew and start new terms. Confirmation can be sent to advisors@ncarb.org. You do not need new leadership confirmation to continue your current term.

Question: How can I fulfill the outreach requirement as an independent advisor? 
Answer: Licensing advisors and senior advisors who do not represent a specific organization may fulfill the outreach requirements for their role through outreach activities supporting any organization or community. 

Question: With this new change, how long is my term? 
Answer: Senior and architect licensing advisor terms are renewed every two years from the start date of the architect licensing advisor role. If you would like to renew your term or end your term early, please contact NCARB at advisors@ncarb.org. 
 
Question: When does this new role begin? 
Answer: The new advisor roles begin September 1, 2026. If you request to continue as a licensing advisor or senior advisor, NCARB will transition you into the new role on that date. Your new role will keep the same term end date as your current advisor term. 

Question: Will training be provided? 
Answer: Yes! Training will be available through the licensing advisors Learning Management System (LMS), which is expected to launch in the fall. NCARB will also offer additional learning opportunities for all advisors, both online and in person, including regional trainings, webinars, office hours, and advisor-specific resources—more information to come. 

Question: Do I get reimbursed for travel expenses? 
Answer: Architect licensing advisors will not receive funding for in-person trainings or events. Senior architect licensing advisors may receive mileage reimbursement for approved outreach activities that require travel beyond 60 miles from their primary location, as well as support for approved in-person trainings, including the Licensing Advisors Summit.

Question: Will I receive funding to attend the Licensing Advisors Summit? 
Answer: Only senior architect licensing advisors will receive financial support to attend the Licensing Advisors Summit. Though architect licensing advisors are welcome to attend the summit, they will not receive funding.  

Question: Is the 12-month timeline rolling or based on the calendar year? 
Answer: Rolling. Training and outreach requirements are based on the 12 months following the start date of your advisor role and receipt of leadership confirmation.  

Question: How are we tracking outreach/training participation? How will I let NCARB know when I have done a presentation or have one coming up? 
Answer: Training and outreach participation will be tracked through the licensing advisors LMS.  

Question: How is NCARB helping advisors go to outreach events? 
Answer: NCARB will support advisors through training, resources, and the licensing advisors LMS. Senior advisors may also receive funding support for approved outreach activities, regional licensing advisor events hosted by NCARB, and the Licensing Advisors Summit. 

Question: How will this impact NAAB’s requirements? 
Answer: NAAB’s requirements related to licensing advisors still apply. Either an architect licensing advisor or a senior architect licensing advisor may fulfill this requirement. NCARB and NAAB will continue to share information about advisor engagement based on the newly defined role responsibilities to support the accreditation of programs. 

Question: Are we getting rid of advisor types (students, AIA chapters, schools, firms)? 
Answer: NCARB is shifting the program to two participation levels: architect licensing advisor and senior architect licensing advisor. Advisors may still represent schools, firms, chapters, professional organizations, student organizations, or other communities, but the formal role structure will be based on advisor level rather than organization type. 

Question: Will there be opportunities for advisors and senior advisors to collaborate?  
Answer: Yes—the redesigned program structure is also intended to strengthen advisor-to-advisor collaboration, create additional layers of support within the community, and expand our collective ability to reach licensure candidates and architects across a broader range of professional and educational environments.