Setting O includes other experience opportunities that can be performed outside an architecture firm or while working for an architect licensed in a country other than the U.S. or Canada. Some of these opportunities allow you to gain AXP experience while unemployed or working in a related field.
There is no minimum number of hours required for this experience setting (you can choose to complete the AXP entirely in setting A if you wish), although each opportunity has a maximum limit.
| Opportunity | Type | Who Approves | Where the Hours Go | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other Work Experience Under Licensed Professionals | Employment | AXP Supervisor | Any AXP experience area | Up to 1,860 hours |
| Design or Construction Related Employment | Employment | AXP Supervisor | Any AXP experience area | Up to 320 hours |
| Community-Based Design Center/ Collaborative | Volunteer | “Designated" AXP Supervisor | Any AXP experience area | Up to 320 hours |
| CSI Certification: CCCA | Certification | NCARB | Construction & Evaluation | 40 hours |
| CSI Certification: CCS | Certification | NCARB | Project Planning & Design | 40 hours |
| Design Competitions | See Opportunity Details | Mentor | Any AXP experience area | Up to 320 hours |
| NCARB’s Professional Conduct CE Course | Self-Directed | NCARB | Practice Management | Up to 10 hours |
| Site Visit With Mentor | See Opportunity Details | Mentor | Construction & Evaluation | Up to 40 hours |
| Construction Work | Employment or Volunteer | AXP Supervisor | Construction & Evaluation | Up to 320 hours |
| AIA Continuing Education for HSW | See Opportunity Details | NCARB | Any AXP experience area | Up to 20 hours per area |
For all opportunities that require employment, you must be paid for your work. To explore the details of each opportunity in setting O, read our AXP Guidelines.
Note: A new version of the AXP Guidelines will go into effect on November 18, 2025, featuring updated requirements for the Continuing Education for HSW Setting O opportunity. Learn more.
Academic Internships
If you have a paid academic internship that meets all the requirements for a specific setting O work opportunity, you can report relevant experience for AXP credit in the same way as any other setting O experience. You do not need to identify academic internships or have them pre-approved by NCARB.