Deep Dive on AXP Experience Area Updates

On November 18, 2025, NCARB will implement several changes to the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®), including refreshing each of the six experience area descriptions. As part of these updates, the current 96 tasks* will be replaced with descriptions that reflect the 16 competencies outlined in the NCARB Competency Standard for Architects.

The six experience areas and the requirement to gain and document 3,740 hours of experience will remain the same, but some

specific changes were made to align the AXP with the Competency Standard and better reflect the capabilities necessary at the point of initial licensure as an architect. Aspects of some competencies will be split among the experience areas, while other competencies will be fully captured within one experience area. Throughout all experience areas, the current tasks are incorporated into the broader competencies, which are less prescriptive and offer more flexibility as you gain experience in each area. Learn more about the new experience area descriptions below.

To view all the AXP changes that will be implemented on November 18, including more detailed descriptions under each experience area, download the latest version of the AXP Guidelines.

Download AXP Guidelines

*Note: Candidates completing the AXP Portfolio will still associate examples of their work with the AXP’s current 96 tasks.

Practice Management

Practice Management is where you’ll gain experience running an architecture firm—including the ins and outs of managing a business, marketing your firm, securing projects, working with clients, and sustaining a positive and professional work environment.

The tasks under Practice Management will be replaced with aspects of the following competencies:

• Competency 5: Integrate socio-demographic considerations and universal design principles.
• Competency 11: Execute contracts for professional services.
• Competency 14: Understand statutes and regulations that govern architectural practice within U.S. jurisdictions to provide services legally.
• Competency 15: Understand ethical and professional standards that govern architectural practice.
• Competency 16: Understand foundational business principles to operate a practice.

The competencies listed here reflect a slight narrowing of competency expectations compared to the previously listed tasks while continuing to focus on professional ethics and legal obligations for practicing architecture.

Project Management

In Project Management, you’ll learn how to deliver projects that meet your contractual requirements, so you’ll be prepared to budget, coordinate, oversee, and execute a project.

The tasks under Project Management will be replaced with the following competencies:

• Competency 12: Implement a work plan according to a project’s scope, schedule, and budget.
• Competency 13: Organize and coordinate an interdisciplinary project team.

Programming & Analysis

Programming & Analysis is the first phase of a project, often referred to as pre-design. You’ll gain experience related to researching and evaluating client requirements, building code and zoning regulations, and site data to develop recommendations on the feasibility of a project.

The tasks under Programming & Analysis will be replaced with aspects of the following competencies:

• Competency 1: Assess regulatory design requirements.
• Competency 2: Evaluate existing project conditions.
• Competency 3: Develop a program that establishes project criteria.
• Competency 4: Create design solutions that support public and environmental well-being.
• Competency 5: Integrate socio-demographic considerations and universal design principles.

Project Planning & Design

Project Planning & Design covers the schematic design phase of a project. You’ll learn to lay out the building design, review building codes and regulations, coordinate schematics with consultants, and communicate design concepts with your client.

The tasks under Project Planning & Design will be replaced with aspects of the following competencies:

• Competency 4: Create design solutions that support public and environmental well-being.
• Competency 5: Integrate socio-demographic considerations and universal design principles.
• Competency 6: Create design solutions that address project requirements.

Project Development & Documentation

In Project Development & Documentation, you’ll gain experience with projects after the schematic design has been approved—focusing on construction documents and coordinating with regulatory authorities to gain the necessary approvals for construction.

The tasks under Project Development & Documentation will be replaced with the following competencies:

• Competency 7: Create deliverables that convey a design solution.
• Competency 8: Coordinate the integration of building systems into a project design.

Construction & Evaluation

In Construction & Evaluation, you’ll get involved with the construction administration and post-construction phases of a project—this includes being out on the job site; meeting with contractors, clients, and building officials; and punch lists, leading to the completion of your project.

The tasks under Construction & Evaluation will be replaced with the following competencies:

• Competency 9: Prepare and administer documentation of the construction phase.
• Competency 10: Evaluate the progress of construction for conformance with contract documents and design intent.

In the latest version of the AXP Guidelines, each experience area includes a more detailed description of its related competencies to help you understand what’s required to complete the AXP. These flexible, open-ended descriptions should serve as a guideline for what you should be learning as you earn experience hours, without restricting your ability to gain experience in all areas.