Earning professional experience is a key step on the path to becoming an architect. The Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®) provides a framework for gaining and reporting that experience.

Understanding the program’s requirements can seem complicated at first, but NCARB’s free tools and resources can help you navigate your next steps and ultimately earn your license.

AXP Guidelines

Reading the AXP Guidelines is critical to understanding how to complete the AXP. This document provides in-depth explanations of the AXP’s requirements, including:

  • An overview of each experience area as well as the tasks you must be able to complete under that experience area
  • An explanation of the types of work experience that qualify for AXP credit, including opportunities available under experience setting O
  • Instructions for completing the AXP via the hourly reporting method (most common) or the portfolio method (available for experienced designers only)

Review this document with your supervisor to ensure you both understand the ins and outs of the AXP!

Candidate and Supervisor Expectations

Having a shared set of expectations around work opportunities, experience reports, and feedback is essential to building a good relationship with your supervisor. Use our Candidate and Supervisor Expectations Guide to make sure that you and your supervisor are on the same page.

Licensure Progress Worksheet

We highly recommend having regular check-ins with your AXP supervisor to discuss your recent work experience, review experience reports, and determine next steps toward completing the AXP. NCARB’s Licensure Progress Worksheet can help document what you’ve already accomplished and how your firm can provide additional support along the path to licensure.

How to Report Experience

Submitting experience reports within the time limits set by the reporting requirement is essential to completing the AXP. Read our step-by-step guide to submitting hourly experience reports.

My AXP App

To easily report experience on the go, download NCARB’s My AXP app. Available for free for Apple and Android devices, you can submit experience reports, review them with your supervisor, and check in on your AXP progress all from your phone.

Your Guide to the AXP

If you’re looking for a quick overview of the AXP, this brochure provides an easy-to-read explanation of the key points. Be sure to reference the AXP Guidelines for program rules and requirements.

Your Guide to the AXP Portfolio

NCARB’s AXP Portfolio provides an option for experienced designers to complete the AXP using work that’s beyond the limit of the reporting requirement. Learn more about this opportunity with our short guide! Be sure to reference the AXP Guidelines for program rules and requirements.

Supervisor Resources

We have developed a suite of resources to ensure that your supervisor understands the requirements of the current experience program, is aware of common impediments for licensure candidates, and can navigate their supervisor account—share our resources with your supervisor!