Effective November 18, 2025, NCARB is making 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 is making several changes to the AXP. The structure of the AXP will remain the same, including the six experience areas and the requirement to gain and document 3,740 hours of experience. All changes will be reflected in a new version of the AXP Guidelines, which you can download now.
The following changes will go into effect November 18, 2025:
- Refreshed descriptions of each of the program’s six experience areas: The AXP experience areas will no longer be described by a list of 96 tasks. Instead, the description of each experience area will be updated to reflect appropriate capabilities described in the Competency Standard for Architects. The minimum required hours per experience area will not be impacted. Note: AXP Portfolio applicants will still need to associate exhibits with the current AXP’s 96 tasks.
- Replacing the five-year reporting requirement with a new reporting policy: Under the current requirement, candidates must report all experience within eight months of earning it for 100% credit, and within five years for 50% credit; any experience older than five years does not receive any credit. Under the new policy, candidates will be able to earn 100% credit for experience up to a year old. Experience older than one year will be worth 75% credit, with no limitation on how old that experience can be.
This change will apply to previously reported experience as well as new experience reports, and many candidates will receive additional AXP credit. Hours previously reported and approved for 50% credit will be automatically increased to 75% credit for all candidates who are not already AXP complete. Note: Hours will not be automatically updated for AXP complete candidates—individuals who are AXP complete may contact NCARB if they would like their hours to be adjusted based on the new reporting policy.
- Updating the process through which candidates can gain experience for completing professional development courses: NCARB will expand the “Setting O: Continuing Education for HSW” opportunity that allows you to gain experience for completing continuing education (CE) programs that qualify for HSW. Under the current program requirements, NCARB only accepts courses accredited by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), which limits access to this experience opportunity to candidates who maintain AIA membership.
Under the updated requirements, NCARB will accept both AIA-accredited HSW CE courses, as well as professional development courses accredited by other organizations (these organizations must be pre-approved by NCARB). This will expand access to non-AIA members who complete courses through these approved organizations. More information about approved organizations and required documentation will be provided this fall.
ARE Changes
In addition, NCARB is expecting to launch minor updates to the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) in April 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. More information about these changes will be available in fall 2025.
Upcoming NCARB Live Webinar—July 31
Questions about how these updates will impact you? Join NCARB experts for a live webinar about the upcoming AXP changes on Thursday, July 31, at 3 p.m. (ET). We’ll explain what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and answer any questions you may have in a live Q&A session. Register to join us.
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.
NCARB expects to update and evolve the Competency Standard over time to ensure it remains in alignment with and relevant to practice. Through this new framework, NCARB can be more responsive to the evolution of practice, allowing for incremental updates and changes as necessary. Learn more about the Competency Standard.
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