The FY25 Annual Report provides a comprehensive overview of NCARB’s efforts throughout the past year as we work alongside the 55 U.S. licensing boards to facilitate architectural licensure. Read the full report or explore highlights from FY25 below.
Q1: Summer
The first quarter of Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) was marked by a continued commitment to innovation and accessibility in our efforts to support the regulation of architecture. Building on resolutions passed at our June 2024 Annual Business Meeting, NCARB advanced strategic initiatives spanning international agreements, platform enhancements, and research efforts—all aimed at reducing barriers to licensure while upholding standards that protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
Q2: Fall
The second quarter of FY25 brought major advancements in defining the future of architectural licensure. Building on the strategic work of Q1, NCARB released the Competency Standard for Architects, which will guide updates to NCARB’s core programs and provide the foundation for the Pathways to Practice initiative. During this quarter, NCARB also participated in critical conversations with our leaders and volunteers and continued engaging with external stakeholders on emerging issues affecting the profession.
"It’s our responsibility to make sure that the licensure process accurately reflects the competency of those who are going through it—and that it doesn’t weigh candidates down with unnecessary burdens." – FY25 President Kenneth R. Van Tine, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Q3: Winter
The third quarter of FY25 emphasized engagement and collaboration as NCARB deepened its connections with diverse stakeholders across the architecture community. Building on the release of the Competency Standard for Architects in the fall, this quarter focused on meaningful dialogue with students, emerging professionals, and partner organizations to ensure the evolution of NCARB’s programs is accessible to licensure candidates of all career backgrounds.
From a university listening tour with the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) to the annual Licensure Advisory Forum (LAF), NCARB prioritized listening to and learning from the communities we serve while continuing to enhance our digital tools and resources.
Q4: Spring
The final quarter of FY25 was a pivotal period for NCARB as the organization balanced the continuous improvement of existing programs with significant preparation for transformative change through our Pathways to Practice initiative. Key accomplishments included implementing updates to the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®), releasing our annual NCARB by the Numbers data report, and launching NCARB’s first-ever podcast series.
"The work we are doing matters—to aspiring architects, to the profession, and most importantly, to the public we serve." – NCARB CEO Michael J. Armstrong
NCARB wrapped up the fiscal year with our Annual Business Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, which provides an opportunity for licensing board members to hear updates on the past year, vote on important resolutions, and elect leadership for the year ahead. As we closed FY25, our organization demonstrated its commitment to going further—maintaining rigorous standards while creating more accessible pathways to licensure.
In addition to more detailed versions of the insights above, the full FY25 Annual Report includes:
- A timeline of our key efforts from July 2024 to June 2025
- Volunteer reports featuring highlights from our Board of Directors and committees
- An overview of NCARB’s organizational structure, business updates, the current NCARB Bylaws, and financial statements
On behalf of the Council, we are pleased to welcome you to the FY25 NCARB Annual Report.