Episodes six and seven of the NCARB Podcast about Pathways to Practice are now available. Subscribe to the series to stream new episodes as they become available.
Episode 6: Foundations for a New Era
An architecture license signals to the public that you possess specific knowledge areas, skills, abilities, and behaviors—known as competencies. But how were these competencies identified? Join host Andy McIntyre for a conversation about the extensive research and volunteer work that informed NCARB’s Competency Standard for Architects.
The document outlines 16 competencies that newly licensed architects much demonstrate, regardless of which pathway they pursue. Hear from Andrew Portis and Whitney Martin, members of NCARB’s Competency Task Force, about why the profession is moving to a competency-based model. “Time does not necessarily equal competence, and that's a big distinction and a really positive step,” said Andrew. “[The Competency Standard] also gives the broader market an opportunity to reinvent themselves in a lot of ways, from education to practice.”
Episode 7: Licensure Reimagined
With the Competency Standard in place, what could the future of licensing look like? Andy speaks with Julie Hildebrand, FY25 chair of NCARB’s Licensure Process Research & Development (R&D) Task Force, about the early research behind Pathways to Practice. She shares how the task force explored licensure models from other professions and countries, tested ideas, and balanced innovation with regulatory responsibility.
Next, Greg Wynn, FY26 chair of the R&D Task Force, explains how the group explored potential new methods of assessing competency. “We've always had a charge that we need at least two ways to assess [competencies], because not everybody has the opportunity to go the education route or has the same access to experience mentorship routes,” said Greg. “We need to be cognizant that there needs to be multiple ways to meet the competency other than the very linear, traditional three E's way that we've always had.”
About This Podcast
Season two of the NCARB Podcast focuses on our ongoing Pathways to Practice initiative, which aims to create a more accessible yet equally rigorous licensure process. This podcast series explores the history of architectural licensure and regulation in the United States, as well as the evolution of NCARB’s current education, experience, and examination licensure requirements. It also provides a preview into the future of architectural licensure: a competency-based framework that allows for several different types of assessments to ensure that qualified candidates can enter the profession, regardless of their professional or educational background.
Don’t miss an episode and catch up on season one—which focused on
NCARB by the Numbers—by subscribing to the NCARB Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.
