Washington, DC—The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has adopted updates to the NCARB Competency Standard for Architects. The updated document includes detailed criteria to provide greater clarity around the expected level of competency necessary for initially licensed architects. Learn more and download the updated document below.
Download New Competency Standard
Initially released in 2024, the NCARB Competency Standard for Architects establishes 16 knowledge areas, skills, abilities, and behaviors—called competencies—that describe the capabilities necessary at the point of initial licensure for an individual to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. Over the past fiscal year, NCARB volunteers have developed and refined measurement criteria for each competency listed in the Competency Standard, providing specific context for the capabilities expected of candidates at the time of initial licensure.
“The updated standard with more descriptive criteria establishes a consistent framework from which future licensure assessments can be built,” said FY26 President Edward T. Marley FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP.
As NCARB volunteers explore potential new methods of assessing competency through the Pathways to Practice initiative, this level of detail will ensure that candidates’ competency is evaluated consistently across all pathways to initial licensure.
“Based on our competency framework, future pathways will be structured to ensure that each pathway is valid, and that candidates have achieved the competencies required to protect the public health, safety, and welfare,” said NCARB CEO Michael Armstrong.
In addition to new criteria, the latest version of the Competency Standard includes commentary, indicated by footnotes, to illustrate how the terminology used throughout the document is applied in practice. Review the updated Competency Standard.
More About Pathways to Practice
Under the current licensure process, candidates typically complete some combination of the same three components: earning a degree in architecture, documenting related experience, and passing a national licensing exam. Through Pathways to Practice, NCARB is reimagining the licensure process—exploring new methods of assessing competency that have evolved thanks to advancements in technology and practice. During the 2026 Annual Business Meeting, NCARB’s members received their first look at several potential assessment methods being considered so they can provide their feedback over the next several months. More information will be shared in the coming months.
About NCARB
The National Council of Architectural 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 standards for licensure, 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.
