FAQs

Yes—NCARB is hoping to reimagine the path to licensure to ensure greater flexibility and accessibility. NCARB’s volunteers will use the competencies defined in the Competency Standard to envision new pathways to become an architect, including expanded options for individuals who don’t hold a degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). These changes would not be announced until 2027 at the earliest.

Yes. Your online-proctored exam is secured in several ways to protect the integrity of the exam and the safety of your personal data.

PSI uses virtual lock-down browser technology with enhanced communication security and encryption. The lock-down browser restricts your ability to open and use additional windows or programs during the exam session. Your personally identifiable information is always protected. PSI only has access to the webcam and audio on your computer until you close the online proctoring software application.

As part of the check-in process, you will be required to take a real-time video of your testing environment to ensure compliance and secure your workspace. PSI proctors are trained to detect violations of test-taker policies, and any breach of protocol will result in the termination of your exam.

Yes. The entire exam session is recorded, from when you check in to when you complete the exam and close out of the online proctoring application. After completing the exam and receiving your results, you must fully close the online proctoring application before leaving the view of the webcam. Leaving the view of your primary or secondary camera for any reason or duration during the exam may result in your exam session being terminated, and your exam results invalidated, even if you have already completed the exam.

First, have your supervisor check their junk or spam filter. Check to see if you used the same email address as your supervisor’s My NCARB Account. If yes, your supervisor can access your reports through their AXP Supervisor and Mentor portal. If no, you can update the report to their preferred email. If your supervisor still can’t access the report, please contact our Customer Relations team.

In most cases, if you have met the requirements for education, experience, and examination for initial licensure, we will evaluate and transmit your Record in approximately 15 business days. We will notify you via email before transmitting your Record to your requested jurisdiction. If your jurisdiction has additional requirements, you may have to complete those requirements before becoming licensed. Learn more about the final steps to licensure.

Please contact our Customer Relations team online or at 202-879-0520 for help. For questions about the exam, you can also reach out to our experts on the ARE 5.0 Community.

You can retake a failed division as soon as 60 days after the previous attempt and up to three times within a 12-month period.

NCARB conducts an analysis of practice every seven to ten years. The most recent survey was distributed in 2022.

NCARB Certificate application and renewal fees are available on our fees page. Licensure candidates who maintain an active NCARB Record will not have to pay the Certificate application fee and will receive their first year of certification at no additional cost.

The international architect path has a maximum fee of $1,381, depending on the cost of your initial NCARB Record application—this is the same as the cost of a standard Certificate application. Note: This does not include the cost of completing the exam. Learn more about the fees associated with establishing and maintaining an NCARB Certificate.