To practice architecture in the United States, you must have a license from an architectural board in one of the 55 U.S. jurisdictions. While each jurisdiction’s architectural board regulates practice within its borders, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) exists to develop and administer national standards and programs that establish clear pathways to licensure and enable architects to expand their practice across state lines. As a nonprofit organization, our mission is to facilitate architectural licensure and credentialing in partnership with the jurisdictions to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
Our programs provide structured frameworks that allow licensure candidates to gain essential real-world experience and assess their knowledge and competencies required for safe professional practice. Through collaboration with volunteer practitioners and the licensing boards, we ensure our programs remain aligned with contemporary practice while upholding rigorous standards that safeguard public welfare. Learn more about what we do.
About Working for NCARB
NCARB is an EEO employer committed to recruiting a diverse workforce. We offer a competitive salary and benefit package along with an excellent work environment, great people, and a beautiful office space with plenty of light. NCARB also offers flexible work hours, a liberal remote-work policy, SmartBenefits® program, convenient metro-accessible location (McPherson Square and Metro Center), and opportunity for professional growth and development.
NCARB Staff Structure
NCARB has a staff of over 100 subject matter experts who work to provide the best possible service to our customers, Member Boards, and the public. Our employees, consisting of both architects and non-architects, work across several teams to provide a range of diverse skill sets to the organization.
NCARB’s leaders set the organization’s direction and continue to challenge us to go further. Our senior staff work closely with our Board of Directors to ensure NCARB makes progress on the goals and objectives established in our Strategic Plan, keep our operations running smoothly, and explore areas for new and innovative ideas.
Administration
The Administration team manages NCARB’s finances, human resources, and office facilities. In addition, they provide logistical support for all NCARB meetings and conferences, including those being held virtually.
Continuous Improvement
NCARB’s Continuous Improvement team explores new areas for experimentation, innovation, and exploration for the Council, including efforts related to data and analytics.
Council Relations
The Council Relations team works with NCARB’s members, who are the 55 U.S. architectural licensing boards, to help implement national programs and advocate for reasonable regulation. They also maintain our external partnerships and assist NCARB leadership in appointing and supporting NCARB volunteers. The department is also responsible for NCARB's relationships with our international counterparts, including developing new mutual recognition agreements.
Customer Relations
The Customer Relations team is the first line of contact for questions and concerns, providing service to students, licensure candidates, architects, NCARB Certificate holders, and Member Boards for all services.
Data & Analytics
The Data & Analytics team transforms information into actionable insights that drive strategic decision-making across NCARB's programs and services. They collect, analyze, and interpret data from the AXP, ARE, NCARB Certificate, and other programs to identify trends, measure outcomes, and inform continuous improvement efforts.
Executive Office
NCARB’s Executive Office team is responsible for guiding the organization's strategic direction and maintaining accountability to NCARB's Board of Directors and member licensing boards. The Executive Office coordinates with department heads to implement Council policies, manages organizational priorities, and serves as the primary liaison between NCARB's leadership and external stakeholders.
Information Systems
The Information Systems team leads the development, implementation, and ongoing modernization of our technology, including My NCARB, a line of business applications, the organization’s infrastructure, and the help desk. The department also supports data collection and analytics, which provide insights into NCARB programs and initiatives.
Marketing & Communications
The Marketing & Communications team develops strategies and outputs for communicating NCARB’s initiatives, program updates, and news, and develops marketing materials, videos, website content, and social media campaigns. These efforts include securing media placement and using diverse platforms to facilitate awareness and understanding of NCARB activities.
Organizational Health
NCARB’s Organizational Health team works to improve the collective health of NCARB’s employees and the organization by offering tools and resources, facilitating training, and advocating for healthy workplace habits. Their efforts ensure that NCARB is able to provide better service to its members and customers in support of our essential mission.
Programs
The Programs team focuses on developing, maintaining, and continuously improving NCARB's core programs that guide architects from education through professional practice. Working closely with volunteer committees and subject matter experts, the team manages and advances the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®), the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®), the NCARB Education Standard, the NCARB Certificate and our continuing education offerings, and facilitates the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) initiative. Beyond program development, the department coordinates outreach visits to students and practitioners and manages NCARB’s relationship with licensing advisors and professional practice educators.
