Looking for ways to jumpstart your journey to licensure in 2026? Make sure you take advantage of NCARB’s suite of resources—from live webinars to free practice exams—to get one step closer to officially calling yourself an architect. 

1. Review the latest updates to the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®) 

Effective November 18, 2025, NCARB made several updates to the AXP to align the program with the NCARB Competency Standard for Architects and address common administrative impediments faced by candidates on the path to licensure. 

Plus, download the recently updated AXP Guidelines to explore the ins and outs of earning and recording professional experience. In the AXP Guidelines, you’ll find a brief overview of each experience area and setting, as well as an overview of the knowledge and skills you must develop competency in before earning your license. 

For a snapshot of the program, Your Guide to the AXP is a short guide that provides a basic overview of the AXP. 

2. Understand upcoming changes to the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) 

On April 27, 2026, NCARB will implement several improvements to the ARE, including minor adjustments to some exam objectives and formatting adjustments to case studies. The changes will not impact the ARE's overall division structure, number of items per division, or testing time per division. Learn more about the upcoming changes. 

The ARE 5.0 Guidelines provide a comprehensive overview of what you can expect from each exam division and help you create your testing strategy. The ARE Guidelines includes all policies and procedures for taking the ARE, outlines available accommodations, and ensures you know what to expect when taking the exam. 

3. Attend webinars to learn from architecture experts. 

Through our NCARB Live webinar series, we invite expert panelists to explore program updates and trending topics in the profession. Past discussions include artificial intelligence and architecture, tips to shorten your time to licensure, and more! Sign up for the NCARB Live newsletter to ensure you never miss an event. 

4. Take advantage of NCARB’s free exam resources. 

As you probably know, many test prep providers offer resources to help candidates prepare for the ARE, but NCARB’s practice exams have two key differences: 1) they’re free, and 2) they’re created just like the actual ARE. You can take the practice exams in two modes:

  • Test mode mimics the experience you’ll have during a real exam appointment and provides a score report afterward.  
  • Practice mode provides the correct answer and rationale behind each item as you go. You’ll also receive a score report at the end.

NCARB data has shown that candidates who used the full-length, fully scored practice exams saw a 16 percentage point pass rate increase across all six divisions. In addition to the free practice exams, you can find helpful explainer videos on NCARB’s YouTube channel and tips to help you prepare for test day on the NCARB Blog. 

5. Connect with peers and NCARB experts in the ARE 5.0 Community. 

Whether you have a test question, are looking for a study group, or need help from NCARB’s examination experts, the ARE 5.0 Community can help you successfully navigate the examination process. Join the online community and find the support you need to ace the exam. 

6. Explore NCARB’s video-based guide to licensure, Destination Architect. 

The Destination Architect resource clearly breaks down each step on the path to licensure—from gaining experience to passing the national exam—and includes helpful videos to get you one step closer to earning your license. You’ll also find trusted tips to help you make the most out of your experience and shorten your time to licensure.  

7. Find an advisor using the Licensing Advisor Lookup Tool. 

Architect licensing advisors are professionals, educators, and students who volunteer their time to help others pursue licensure. These advisors often provide candidates with their first glimpse into the licensure process and lend help along the way.  

With NCARB’s advisor lookup tool, you can find contact information for licensing advisors near you. Just select your jurisdiction, and the licensing advisor tool will generate results with contact information based on the information you provide.  

8. Set and maintain clear expectations with your supervisor. 

If you’re working to gain experience for the AXP, you’re relying on your supervisor to not only approve your hours but also to assign work that helps you progress on the path to licensure. To help you understand individual and shared responsibilities, review this one-page guide that outlines expectations for both candidates and supervisors. We also have a suite of supervisor resources that you can share with your AXP supervisor. 

9. Get inspiration from recently licensed architects. 

Whether you’re interested in exploring more about the latest trends shaping the profession or tips for juggling your personal life with your career goals, find encouragement from other licensure candidates and architects on the NCARB Blog. 

10. Understand local requirements with NCARB’s Licensing Requirements Tool. 

Though NCARB recommends national licensure standards around three core components—education, experience, and examination—requirements to become an architect vary across the 55 U.S. jurisdictions. For example, did you know that several jurisdictions, including California and New York, don’t require a degree from a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)-accredited program? Use the Licensing Requirements Tool to understand the specific requirements where you live. 

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