Note: NCARB staff updated this blog in September 2025.
While you’re working on your degree, your career as an architect can seem a long way away—but it’s closer than you think! NCARB is here to help you move toward your goal of becoming an architect with tools, tips, and resources for emerging professionals. Set yourself up for success and make the most of your summer momentum by following these tips for architecture students.
1. Start Your NCARB Record
Did you know you can start reporting experience hours toward the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®) while you’re earning your degree? All you need to get started is an NCARB Record—a detailed, verified account of your education, experience, and examination history that you’ll use throughout your career. To create a Record, go to my.ncarb.org and click “Establish Record.”
2. Report Your Experience Early and Often
To complete the requirements for the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®), you'll need to document professional experience earned while developing the competency needed for licensure. All AXP experience must be logged and approved by your supervisor through your NCARB Record. Our data shows that candidates who make it a habit to report earned experience as soon as they complete it typically get licensed faster—so report your experience regularly!
Reporting your experience early and often helps you and your supervisor stay aligned with your professional progress and goals, keeping your journey to licensure on track.
3. Find Your Licensing Advisor
Looking for an expert to walk you through the process of becoming a licensed architect? All architecture programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) are required to have an architect licensing advisor who can help explain the ins and outs of your education, experience, and examination requirements, plus most schools have a student who serves as an additional advisor. Find your local licensing advisor or learn more about becoming a licensing advisor!
4. Network and Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to expand your professional network, hear about new opportunities, and find mentors who can help you throughout your career. Be sure to connect with your local American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) chapter, or other architecture-related organizations to learn more about what’s available in your community.
Plus, see if your AIAS chapter has a Freedom by Design™ (FBD) project—through FBD, you can help address issues in your community through accessible design and construction solutions. You’ll also connect with local industry leaders and earn real-world experience that may count toward the AXP!
5. Look for Internships or Other Experience Opportunities
Many architecture programs encourage students to seek out academic internships at local architecture firms. Several years ago, NCARB updated its rules to allow students to count qualifying experience earned at paid academic internships toward the AXP. If you’re participating in an academic internship and you’re being paid, check the AXP Guidelines to see if your work experience also qualifies for AXP credit.
Having a hard time finding or earning experience? Explore other experience opportunities, including design competitions, site visits, qualified continuing education, and some volunteer initiatives, can also count under experience setting O. Learn more about other experience opportunities in the AXP Guidelines.
6. Check for School Support
Some architecture programs support students working toward earning a license, including helping you pay for your NCARB Record. Check with your school or student licensing advisor to see what’s available!
7. Understand Your State's Requirements
Did you know that each U.S. state and territory has its own requirements for becoming an architect? Make sure you know what’s required in your jurisdiction with our recently refreshed Licensing Requirements Tool—and check with your board for tools, resources, and other important information!
8. Take NCARB's Free ARE 5.0 Practice Exams
NCARB developed free, full-length practice exams for each division of Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) 5.0. The practice exams were developed using the same process and guidelines as the real exam and feature the same exam format and tools as an actual ARE division. When you're ready to test your knowledge, navigate to the "Exams" tab of your NCARB Record, and then go to "Additional Resources" to access the free practice exams. Begin building the confidence you need to test successfully!
9. Follow NCARB
Stay in the know by following NCARB on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube, and subscribe to our newsletters! You’ll see the latest updates on our programs and services, and be the first to hear about our regular giveaways!
