Why Change the Licensure Process?
In 2023, NCARB launched a years-long effort to evolve the licensure process and enhance multiple pathways to architectural licensure through the Pathways to Practice initiative. With updates based on extensive data, research, and input from our many volunteers, leadership, innovators, and members across the profession, NCARB is examining the architectural licensure process to ensure that competency expectations at the point of initial licensure reflect the realities of current practice and establish an appropriate level of rigor necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
At the same time, NCARB seeks to provide pathways that reduce the social and financial impediments attached to a single path and improving access to the profession for individuals of all education and career backgrounds.
We’re finding that the traditional path—going to school, working, and taking an exam—is no longer a typical path, so we’re trying to be very broad and open to look at the ways we may be able to satisfy any particular competency while providing flexibility to candidates.
—FY22 NCARB President Alfred Vidaurri Jr. NCARB, NOMA, FAIA
Over the past several years, the Licensure Process Research & Development Task Force, one of NCARB’s many volunteer committees, has been exploring potential assessment methods and models that allow candidates to demonstrate their competency, regardless of their educational and experience backgrounds. These assessment methods and models will use the NCARB Competency Standard for Architects as a guide, ensuring that all architects are held to the same level of rigor at the point of initial licensure.
As the task force works with the entire NCARB community to refine a future licensure model, NCARB hopes to expand access to the profession while maintaining essential public protection.
Watch as members of the Licensure Process R&D Task Force explain why NCARB is reimagining the future of architectural licensure, now available on our YouTube channel.