The AXP Is Not Just a Time Card - It Documents Your Range of Experience Across the Full Scope of Architectural Practice
The Architectural Experience Program (AXP), formerly the Intern Development Program (IDP), is the structured experience documentation requirement administered by NCARB as a prerequisite for ARE eligibility in most jurisdictions. The AXP requires candidates to document 3,740 hours of qualified experience across six experience areas, with a minimum number of hours in each area. The goal is not simply to accumulate hours - it is to ensure that emerging architects have had meaningful exposure to all aspects of architectural practice, from business management to project delivery to construction observation. Many states allow candidates to begin taking ARE divisions before completing all AXP hours, but all 3,740 hours (and all state-specific education requirements) must be completed before a license can be issued. Understanding the six AXP experience areas and their requirements is essential for planning your path from graduation to licensure.
The Six AXP Experience Areas and Minimum Hours
| Experience Area | Minimum Hours |
|---|---|
| Practice Management (PM) | 160 hours |
| Project Management (PrM) | 360 hours |
| Programming and Analysis (PA) | 260 hours |
| Project Planning and Design (PPD) | 1,080 hours |
| Project Development and Documentation (PDD) | 1,480 hours |
| Construction and Evaluation (CE) | 400 hours |
| Total | 3,740 hours |
What Each Experience Area Covers
Practice Management (PM): Business development, proposal writing, contract preparation, financial management, firm operations. Project Management (PrM): Managing project teams, scheduling, budgeting, client communication, coordination of consultants. Programming and Analysis (PA): Client interviews, space programming, site analysis, zoning analysis, feasibility studies. Project Planning and Design (PPD): Schematic design, design development, design concept development, design presentations to clients. Project Development and Documentation (PDD): Construction document production, specifications writing, code compliance, engineering coordination. Construction and Evaluation (CE): Bidding assistance, construction observation, RFI responses, submittal review, punch list.
How to Log Hours
AXP hours are logged through the NCARB Record. Eligible supervisors (licensed architects or, in some cases, other licensed professionals) must sign off on logged hours. Hours must reflect actual work performed - not simply time spent at the office. NCARB periodically audits AXP hour logs; falsifying experience hours is grounds for denial or revocation of licensure. Hours can be earned in employment with a licensed architect, in an allied field (with some restrictions), or in certain educational contexts. The NCARB AXP Guidelines provide detailed information on eligible work activities for each experience area.
Key Points
- Total AXP hours: 3,740 across six experience areas; minimum hours required in each area.
- Largest areas: PDD (1,480 hours) and PPD (1,080 hours) reflect that most time is spent in design and documentation.
- Hours logged through NCARB Record; must be verified by eligible supervisor.
- Most states: can begin ARE before AXP is complete; AXP must be complete before license is issued.
- Verify current NCARB AXP requirements at ncarb.org - minimum hours have changed over time.
AREprep's ARE Overview content covers the full path from graduation through AXP completion, ARE testing, and licensure - including the AXP experience area requirements, how to log hours effectively, and how the AXP aligns with the six ARE divisions it mirrors in structure - giving ARE candidates a comprehensive understanding of the licensing requirements they need to meet before and alongside their ARE testing journey.
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