For a limited time, NCARB is waiving reactivation fees for anyone who has let their NCARB Record and/or Certificate lapse, as well as the application fee for the NCARB Certificate. Inactive Certificate or Record holders will only need to pay the renewal fee to reestablish their account, saving up to $1,235 in reactivation fees.

From May 1 – June 30, 2023, architects can reactivate their NCARB Record/Certificate for just $250, and licensure candidates can reactivate their NCARB Record for just $85.

Renew My Record

Who Saves on Reactivation Fees

The following groups are able to take advantage of the Welcome Back opportunity:

  • Architects who have let their NCARB Certificate lapse
  • Architects with an inactive NCARB Record who have never held an NCARB Certificate
  • Licensure candidates with an inactive NCARB Record

This offer does not extend to current NCARB Certificate holders or licensure candidates with an active NCARB Record—however, licensure candidates who keep their NCARB Record active while pursuing a license always get their first year of NCARB certification free.

NCARB has recently made several updates that benefit active Record holders. To ensure that these benefits are accessible to the entire architecture community, we are temporarily waiving reactivation fees for inactive customers. Inactive customers will pay the same renewal fees as current active customers.

Inactive Certificate holders and non-certified architects can save up to $1,235 in reactivation fees. Additionally, architects who have never been NCARB certified can save $1,210 in Certificate application fees.

Inactive licensure candidates can save up to $100 in reactivation fees.

Learn more about NCARB’s fees.

How to Renew Your Record

To take advantage of the discount, simply log in to my.ncarb.org and select the “Renew” option.

If you are unable to remember your My NCARB password, use the password reset button to reset your password and access your account.

If you are unable to remember your My NCARB username, or you never set up an online My NCARB account, contact us.

NCARB Certificate Benefits

The NCARB Certificate offers several exclusive benefits that can take your architecture career to the next level:

  1. Mobility: Whether you’re interested in taking a job offer in a new state, pursuing new clients, or expanding your firm, being able to quickly get licensed in a new state is essential. As an NCARB Certificate holder, you’ll have exclusive access to simplified out-of-state licensure across the United States and in several international locations.
  2. Credibility: Research shows that architecture clients value the credibility that comes with meeting national standards for licensure. With the Certificate, you can add “NCARB” after your name and show your firm, peers, and clients that you’ve met the highest standards for practice.
  3. Professional Development: As an architect, you’ll want to stay on the cutting edge of new trends in practice. With free access to a constant supply of new continuing education courses, you’ll be able to keep your knowledge and skills growing long after you earn your license.

NCARB Certificate Eligibility

To be eligible for NCARB certification, you must have completed the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®), passed the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®), hold a license in a U.S. jurisdiction, and met the education requirement. There are multiple options to satisfy the education requirement, so this credential is accessible to architects of all backgrounds.

If you meet these requirements, you can apply for the Certificate by renewing your Record and ensuring that your registration/licensure information is up to date. Learn more about getting certified.

If you do not meet these requirements, NCARB recently refreshed pathways to certification for individuals without a degree from a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited program, as well as for foreign architects. Learn more about our pathways to certification.

If you’d like to begin pursuing certification through our Education Alternative, please contact educationalternative@ncarb.org. If you’d like to begin pursuing certification through the Foreign Architect Path, please contact foreignarchitect@ncarb.org.