Note: NCARB staff updated this blog in January 2026. 

To earn a license and become an architect, you’ll need to document real-world experience through the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®). Developed by NCARB and required by most U.S. licensing boards, the AXP provides a framework to guide you through earning and reporting your professional experience. 

Here are seven tips and free resources from NCARB to help you successfully navigate the AXP and earn your license.  

1. Read the AXP Guidelines

The AXP Guidelines is our comprehensive guide to navigating the AXP. This document provides in-depth explanations of the program's requirements, including: 

  • An overview of each experience area, as well as the competencies you should develop under that experience area
  • An explanation of the types of work experience that qualify for AXP credit, including opportunities available under the experience setting O
  • Instructions for completing the AXP via the hourly reporting method (most common) or the portfolio method (available for experienced designers only) 

If you've read the AXP Guidelines previously, make sure you're referencing the latest edition—NCARB implemented several changes to the program in November 2025. 

Blog Image

Find Your Local Advisor With Our Lookup Tool

Our Licensing Advisor Lookup Tool can help you find someone near you who can walk you through the path to licensure.

Find Your Advisor

2. Review Candidate and Supervisor Expectations

Having a shared set of expectations around work opportunities, experience reports, and feedback is essential to building a good relationship with your AXP supervisor. Use our Candidate and Supervisor Expectations Guide to make sure that you and your supervisor are on the same page. 

3. Complete the Licensure Progress Worksheet

We highly recommend having regular check-ins with your AXP supervisor to discuss your recent work experience, review experience reports, and determine next steps toward completing the AXP. NCARB’s Licensure Progress Worksheet can help document what you’ve already accomplished and how your firm can provide additional support along the path to licensure. 

4. Learn How to Report Experience

Under NCARB's reporting policy, you must report experience within a year of earning it in order to earn full credit toward the AXP's required hours—so report your experience early and often! Read our step-by-step guide to submitting hourly experience reports. 

5. Check Out a Short Guide to the AXP 

If you’re looking for a quick overview of the AXP, this brochure provides an easy-to-read explanation of the key points. Be sure to reference the AXP Guidelines for program rules and requirements.  

6. Find Out if You Qualify for the AXP Portfolio

NCARB’s AXP Portfolio provides an option for experienced designers (those who have earned at least two years of AXP experience from over five years ago) to complete the AXP. Learn more about this opportunity with our short guide!  

7. Send Relevant Resources to Your AXP Supervisor

We have developed a suite of resources to ensure that your AXP supervisor understands the requirements of the current experience program, is aware of common impediments for licensure candidates, and can navigate their supervisor account—share our resources with your supervisor! Additionally, visit our YouTube channel to watch recent how-to videos that guide you and your supervisor through critical processes required to meet AXP requirements, including how to find, review, and approve experience reports. 

For more tips and inspiration on the path to licensure, check out NCARB’s Architect Spotlight series.