About This Report
NCARB is a global leader in architectural regulation; our members are the architectural licensing boards of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
We are dedicated to helping our Member Boards protect the public health, safety, and welfare by recommending and encouraging national requirements for architectural licensure and mobility—including the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®), Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®), and NCARB Certificate. The Certificate facilitates reciprocal licensure across the United States and in several international locations.
How to Read This Report
Here are some tips for understanding the data presented in NCARB by the Numbers.
Reading Charts
Most NCARB by the Numbers charts show a year-over-year comparison of data from NCARB’s Record holders. For example, each bar in the chart below shows the average time it took for candidates to complete the experience program in a given year.
The x (or horizontal) axis of this chart measures time in years, while the y (or vertical) axis measures the average time to complete the program in each individual year. Reading this chart, you can see the average licensure candidate who completed the AXP in 2023 took 4.8 years, a slight increase compared to 2023.
A note about averages: There are several ways to measure averages. NCARB typically uses the median, rather than mean. The median provides a more accurate measure for the types of data shown in NCARB by the Numbers, because it better accounts for outliers that skew the overall dataset (like a candidate who takes decades to complete a program).
Demographics
Throughout this year’s report, we segment NCARB Record holder data by a variety of demographic factors, such as race, ethnicity, and gender. Please keep in mind that individuals can identify as more than one race or ethnicity. For this reason, some demographic percentages may add to over 100%. In addition, NCARB launched updated demographics selections for Record holders in 2023, some of which are reflected in this year’s report.
Individuals who identify their race as either American Indian/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, or Middle Eastern or North African make up a fraction of all NCARB customers. For this reason, they—along with individuals who self-describe their race or ethnicity—are grouped in the individuals of “another group” category. Additionally, NCARB recognizes that our community’s gender identity is more diverse than the “male” and “female” categories represented in NCARB by the Numbers. However, due to an insufficient sample size of nonbinary and gender non-conforming individuals, NCARB primarily shares data for men and women in this report.
Some new demographic fields—including those related to disability status, sexual orientation, and transgender status—have not been utilized by enough Record holders to include in detail in this year’s edition of NCARB by the Numbers. We hope to report on these areas in future years.
Percentage Changes vs. Percentage Point Changes
Throughout the 2025 NCARB by the Numbers, we refer to changes in the data as either “percentage point changes” or “percent changes.” Percent change measures the rate of change from one number to another (i.e., going from 40,000 to 50,000 is a 25% increase). Percentage point changes, on the other hand, measures the numerical difference in percentages (i.e., going from 40 percent to 50 percent is an increase of 10 percentage points).
NCARB typically uses percentage point changes when comparing proportions of different cohorts or groups—for example, when comparing the racial and ethnic makeup of candidates who completed the AXP in 2024 to 2023. Because the number of candidates completing the AXP each year is different, referring to the change in percentage points rather than percent change allows for a more accurate comparison of the proportion of candidates who identify as people of color each year.
NCARB is constantly updating how we filter and present data in NCARB by the Numbers to provide the most accurate information. If you have questions or comments about this year’s NCARB by the Numbers, please reach out to us at communications@ncarb.org.
Glossary
Age: Median age based on self-reported dates of birth.
Architect: An individual who is licensed to practice architecture by one of the 55 U.S. jurisdictions. NCARB does not have demographic data on all U.S. architects; however, the NCARB Certificate holder population (see below) provides a close approximation.
ARE: The Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) is a multi-division exam used to assess a candidate’s knowledge and skills and is required for initial licensure in all U.S. jurisdictions.
ARE Completion: This data point is triggered when a candidate passes their final ARE division.
AXP: The Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®) provides a framework to guide licensure candidates through earning and recording professional experience.
AXP Completion: This data point is triggered when a licensure candidate fulfills the AXP’s requirements and their Record has been evaluated by NCARB.
Candidate: Shorthand for licensure candidate—see below.
Licensure Candidate: An NCARB Record holder who is actively documenting experience and/or taking the ARE.
NAAB: The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredits U.S. professional programs in architecture. All U.S. jurisdictions accept degrees from NAAB-accredited programs for initial licensure.
New Record: A candidate’s successful application for an NCARB Record, which is often the first step on the path to licensure.
NCARB Certificate: A credential available to architects that facilitates reciprocal licensure across U.S. jurisdictions, as well as several international locations.
New Architect: NCARB does not receive reliable data regarding when a candidate first receives their license but estimates that a candidate becomes a new architect after becoming ready for licensure. “New Architects” includes candidates who became ready for licensure in 2024.
Non-Certified Architect: An architect who does not hold an NCARB Certificate.
Pass Rate: Percentage of exam attempts that received a passing score out of the total number of exam attempts.
People of Color: Individuals who identified as American Indian or Alaskan Native; Asian; Black or African American; Hispanic or Latino; Middle Eastern or North African; or Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.
Ready for Licensure: The core requirements for licensure in the United States include gaining an education (typically a degree from a NAAB-accredited program), completing the AXP, and passing the ARE. Some jurisdictions have additional requirements that fall outside this “core,” such as a supplemental exam. NCARB considers a candidate ready for licensure when they have completed the core licensure requirements.
Reciprocal License: An architecture license issued by a jurisdiction as a result of the applicant holding an initial license in a separate jurisdiction.