NBTN 2022 | NCARB - National Council of Architectural Registration Boards

COVID-19's Impact

COVID-19's Impact

NCARB’s data suggests that while the licensure pipeline is beginning to recover from the initial impact of the pandemic, some effects may continue to be felt for several years.
State of Licensure

State of Licensure

The number of candidates working toward completing the path to licensure rose by 7% in 2021, with over 32,000 reporting experience, taking the exam, or both.
Education

Education

Licensure candidates with a degree from a NAAB-accredited program have greater success when taking the national licensing exam.
Experience

Experience

The number of candidates starting the program increased compared to 2020’s dip, but the number of candidates completing the program saw a further decline.
Examination

Examination

With 16,185 candidates taking nearly 41,000 exam divisions throughout the year, the ARE saw a return to near-normal levels of exam completions.
Demographics

Demographics

Racial and ethnic diversity continues to increase in early career stages, especially for Asian and Hispanic or Latino candidates.
Navigating the Path

Navigating the Path

By 2021, 36% of candidates who started the licensure path a decade ago had stopped pursuing a license.
Inside NCARB

Inside NCARB

With nearly 115,000 Record holders, more than 400 licensing board members, and over 350 volunteers, NCARB’s community continues to grow.
Jurisdictions

Jurisdictions

Explore how candidates across the United States have progressed along the path to licensure.