AXP Changes Have Been Implemented

Effective November 18, 2025, NCARB has made several changes to the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®). These updates are designed to align the programs with the NCARB Competency Standard for Architects and to address common administrative impediments faced by candidates on the path to licensure.

AXP Changes

In addition to minor program updates and clarifications, NCARB made several changes to the AXP. The structure of the AXP remains the same, including the six experience areas and the requirement to gain and document 3,740 hours of experience. All changes are reflected in the AXP Guidelines, which you can download now.

Download AXP Guidelines

The following changes have gone into effect:

1. Refreshed descriptions of each of the program’s six experience areas: The AXP experience areas are no longer described by a list of 96 tasks. Instead, the description of each experience area has been updated to reflect the necessary capabilities for entry into the practice of architecture as described in the Competency Standard for Architects. The minimum required hours per experience area are not impacted. Note: AXP Portfolio applicants still need to associate exhibits with the current AXP’s 96 tasks. Learn more about the updates to experience areas.
2. Replaced the reporting requirement with a new reporting policy: Under the new policy, candidates can earn 100% credit for experience up to a year old. Experience older than one year is worth 75% credit, with no limitation on how old that experience can be.
   
   Under the previous requirement, candidates reported all experience within eight months of earning it for 100% credit, and within five years for 50% credit; any experience older than five years did not receive any credit.
   
   This change applies to previously reported experience as well as new experience reports, and many candidates will receive additional AXP credit. Hours previously submitted or approved for 50% credit will be automatically increased to 75% credit or 100% credit as appropriate for all candidates who are not already AXP complete. Learn more about the updates to the reporting policy.
3. Updated the process through which candidates can gain experience for completing professional development courses: NCARB has expanded the “Setting O: Continuing Education for HSW” opportunity that allows candidates to gain experience for completing continuing education (CE) programs that qualify for HSW.
   
   Under the updated requirements, NCARB accepts both AIA-approved HSW CE courses, as well as professional development courses approved by other organizations (these organizations must be pre-approved by NCARB). NCARB is currently accepting CE transcripts provided by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), NCARB, and the Society of American Registered Architects (SARA).
   
   Under the previous program requirements, NCARB only accepted courses approved by  AIA, which limited access to this experience opportunity to candidates who maintain AIA membership. Learn how to report continuing education for AXP credit.

ARE Changes

In addition, NCARB is expecting to launch minor updates to the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) on April 27, 2026. The changes will focus on minor adjustments to a small subset of the exam objectives outlined in the ARE Guidelines in order to align them with the Competency Standard. NCARB will also make formatting changes to the exam’s case studies to improve the testing experience. Learn more about the changes coming to the ARE.

More About the Competency Standard for Architects

The NCARB Competency Standard for Architects is a document that establishes 16 knowledge areas, skills, abilities, and behaviors—called competencies—necessary for initial licensure as an architect. Rather than being a program on its own, like the AXP or ARE, the Competency Standard creates a shared foundation for NCARB’s programs.

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