What Is a Student Architect Licensing Advisor?

Between earning an architecture degree and starting to gain professional experience, it can be difficult to navigate the path to licensure while you’re a student. Student licensing advisors are a great resource for getting your licensure questions answered and making early progress on your licensure journey.   

What is a student licensing advisor? 

Student licensing advisors are typically architecture students in their third year or later. They volunteer their time to help students through the first steps of the licensure process. You can look to a student licensing advisor for insight into starting the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®), meeting licensure requirements, and more. 

How can I find a student licensing advisor at my school? 

To get connected with a student licensing advisor, reach out to one of your school’s architecture organization chapters, like the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS), or Alpha Rho Chi (APX). 

You can also search for student licensing advisors near you using our Licensing Advisor Lookup Tool. 

How can I become a student licensing advisor? 

To become a student licensing advisor, you must be a student currently enrolled in an architecture program and appointed by a student organization. Student licensing advisors serve a one-year term that may be renewed by the chapter’s president or leader.  

As a student licensing advisor, you’d receive exclusive training and resources from NCARB designed to help you guide your fellow students on the path to licensure—including attendance at our Licensing Advisors Summit! A three-day training and networking event, the Licensing Advisors Summit is designed to build up your knowledge and skills and provide you with new ideas for engaging with your local community. This year's summit will be held June 24-26, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and NCARB will fund attendance for up to 30 student licensing advisors.  

Interested in learning more? Please contact us at advisors@ncarb.org.