Note: This blog was updated in 2026 to align with updates to the experience program launched in November 2025.
Earning experience in all areas of the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®) can be challenging—especially if your employer doesn’t take on work across all project areas. NCARB offers a variety of experience opportunities that qualify for AXP credit outside of typical architecture work—including the opportunity to earn experience by completing certain certification programs and continuing education (CE) courses.
Under the AXP Guidelines, your work must fit into one of two experience settings to be eligible for AXP credit. These settings provide details about the type of organization you work for, the work you perform, and who verifies your experience. Earning experience by completing certification programs or CE courses falls under experience setting O.
Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) Certifications
If you are not currently working for an architect or architecture firm, this category allows you to earn experience by completing one or both of the following Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) certifications:
- Certified Construction Specifier (CCS): 40 hours in Project Planning & Design
- Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA): 40 hours in Construction & Evaluation
You may earn hours for completing these CSI certifications whether employed or not.
You must upload the CSI certificate documenting the completion of the program. Once submitted, the CSI certification is reviewed and approved by NCARB. Information regarding the Construction Specifications Institute is available at csinet.org.
CE Courses
There are two opportunities that allow you to gain AXP experience by completing continuing education courses.
First, you can earn up to 10 hours in Practice Management by completing NCARB’s Professional Conduct CE Series. Each course in the series is worth between 1-3 continuing education hours in Health, Safety, and Welfare.
In addition, you may earn up to 20 hours per experience area by completing validated continuing education resources or programs that qualify for HSW under setting O's Continuing Education for HSW opportunity. Accrediting or reporting organizations must be pre-approved by NCARB. One HSW learning unit earns one AXP hour.
NCARB’s HSW Continuum Education courses are a great option under this category, since they’re available at no additional charge for licensure candidates as long as you have an active NCARB Record. Keep in mind, if you complete an NCARB CE course for AXP hours, you will not be eligible to repeat the same CE course for continuing education credit for license renewal.
Learn more about how to document your completed CE courses.
Interested in learning more about setting O? Follow along with our setting O series on the NCARB Blog.