Washington, DC—To help architecture programs strengthen their capacity to support students in developing the competencies identified in the NCARB Competency Standard for Architects, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) funded four scholarships to attend CBExchange 2026 in October. Hosted by the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN), this multi-day conference focused on designing, implementing, and scaling Competency-Based Education.
Four schools were selected to receive scholarships, which covered the expenses for teams of three faculty from each school to attend. The schools selected were Texas A&M University, Arizona State University, Anne Arundel Community College, and New York Institute of Technology. Scholarship recipients were selected by a committee composed of representatives from NCARB, the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), and the Coalition of Community College Architecture Programs (CCCAP).
The conference provides a valuable opportunity to learn from institutions that develop and assess student competencies across a range of trades, professions, structures, and delivery models. The scholarship recipients met with NCARB staff on-site and participated in follow-up discussions about their experience. NCARB and C-BEN will provide additional capacity-building training opportunities planned for later in the year.
NCARB received applications from 22 schools, including 18 NAAB-accredited programs. A common theme among applicants was a shared conviction that competency-based education creates transparent learning opportunities, strengthens the bridge to licensure, and better serves a diverse and evolving profession.
About NCARB
The National Council of Architecture Registration Boards membership is made up of the architectural licensing boards of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCARB, in collaboration with these boards, facilitates the licensure and credentialing of architects to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
To achieve these goals, NCARB works with its Member Boards and volunteers to develop and facilitate licensure standards, including the national examination and experience program. NCARB also recommends regulatory guidelines for licensing boards and helps architects expand their professional reach through the NCARB Certificate. Connect with NCARB on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.
