Washington, DC—During the 2025 Annual Business Meeting, NCARB’s membership approved changes to the NCARB Certification Guidelines, updating the organization’s terminology related to international practice (effective July 1, 2025) and removing an impediment to eligibility for NCARB’s Education Alternative pathway (effective January 15, 2026). Together, these updates align with NCARB’s ongoing efforts to expand pathways to practice for individuals of all backgrounds.
International Terminology
Effective July 1, 2025, NCARB is replacing all instances of the word “foreign” in the NCARB Certification Guidelines with the word “international.” As part of this update, NCARB will change the name of the Foreign Architect Path to Certification to the International Architect Path to Certification. This terminology update is a housekeeping change designed to align with current language best practices. None of the program requirements or eligibility requirements are impacted by this change
Education Alternative Eligibility
In addition, NCARB is addressing a common barrier to eligibility within the Education Alternative to NCARB Certification, which provides a pathway to NCARB certification for architects without a degree from a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited program.
Effective January 15, 2026, NCARB will remove the current three-year waiting period between initial licensure and eligibility to apply for certification through the Education Alternative. All other program requirements—including completion of either the Two Times AXP or Certificate Portfolio pathways, depending on educational background—will remain unchanged.
International Reciprocity Agreements
NCARB’s members also ratified two mutual recognition agreements (MRAs), which provide pathways to international reciprocity:
- An updated MRA with our counterparts in Canada will remove common impediments for qualified architects, including residency and post-licensure experience requirements
- A new MRA with our counterparts in South Africa will establish reciprocal licensure for NCARB-certified architects of all backgrounds
Both agreements will go into effect later this fiscal year. Learn more about the agreements.
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 Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.
