October 2024 Newsletter
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT NCARB’S NEW COMPETENCY STANDARD
Dear Licensing Candidates,
I want to take a moment to address some common concerns regarding the recent release of the “Competency Standard for Architects” by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). There has been a lot of discussion and speculation about what this means for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) and the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), so let’s clarify what you can expect in the coming years.
Wishing you the best,
Lindsy Stewart
About the NCARB Competency Standard for Architects
This standard establishes the level of proficiency needed in each competency to qualify an individual for initial licensure, as assessed by NCARB’s programs. The competencies are organized into three domains:
Design & Documentation
Construction Administration
Practice & Project Management
Over the next two years, NCARB will update its existing programs to align with the new Competency Standard. If you haven’t familiarized yourself with it yet, check out the link below.
Key Updates and Timeline
First, it’s important to note that there will be no immediate impact on the ARE or AXP until 2026. This means that the existing structure of the AXP, including the six areas of experience and the number of hours required, will remain unchanged during this transition period. You can continue to log your hours and gain valuable experience without worrying about sudden changes.
2026 Updates
When the updates do arrive in 2026, you can expect modifications primarily to the AXP experience descriptions. One significant change is the likely elimination of the current 96 tasks. However, rest assured that all hours you’ve already earned under the existing AXP format will carryover, ensuring that your hard work continues to count towards your path to licensure.
As for the ARE, the updates will include revisions to 1-3 objectives per exam division, along with some level setting for the current questions. NCARB has recognized that certain questions may exceed the required competencies for licensure. This means some of the questions you encounter may be testing at a higher level than necessary, and this adjustment aims to align the exam more closely with the competencies expected for initial licensure.
I want to reassure you that there will be no dramatic changes to the six divisional structure or the length of the exams. ARE 5.0 will remain in effect for several more years, providing you with stability as you prepare for your exams.
In summary, while the new Competency Standard for Architects signals a shift in how we view competencies in our profession, the impact on your path to licensure is manageable and gradual.
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© 2024 Lindsy Stewart