Washington, DC— During the 2026 Annual Business Meeting, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ (NCARB) members approved changes to the NCARB Certification Guidelines.
Updated Examination Requirement
Effective September 1, 2026, NCARB is updating the examination requirements outlined in the Certification Guidelines to include an alternative for architects licensed through jurisdictional variations in exam passing scores that predate computer-based testing.
This change to the Certification Guidelines aligns with NCARB’s ongoing efforts to expand Pathways to Practice and addresses the longstanding inequalities resulting from historical examination variances, scoring practices, and jurisdictional licensing practices. This change ensures that architects who have been licensed and practicing responsibly for decades are not unduly burdened by outdated or inconsistent examination and scoring structures, while preserving the integrity and rigorous standards required for NCARB certification.
Background
Over the course of NCARB’s history, jurisdictions have utilized a variety of examination formats and processes to determine a passing score on a division of the registration exam. Prior to computer-based testing of the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®), jurisdictional boards independently administered the exam and occasionally set the passing threshold for candidates within their jurisdictions.
If you have questions about this update to the Certification Guidelines, contact us.
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 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.
