NCARB Standardizes the ARE - But Licensing Is Ultimately a State-by-State Decision
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) administers the ARE and maintains the NCARB Record, but architecture is licensed at the state level - each of the 55 U.S. licensing jurisdictions (50 states + DC + 4 U.S. territories) has its own architectural licensing board with its own requirements. While most states have adopted NCARB's model requirements (making the path to licensure relatively consistent for most candidates), some states have specific additional requirements, different education equivalencies, or unique supplemental examinations that candidates in those states must complete. Understanding the baseline NCARB requirements and knowing where state-specific requirements can vary is important for planning a licensing path - especially for candidates who trained in one state, live in another, and intend to practice in a third.
Education Requirements
NCARB's model education requirement: a professional degree in architecture from a NAAB-accredited (or CACB-accredited in Canada) program. Most states follow this requirement. Some states accept non-NAAB education with additional experience or testing. California has historically maintained alternative paths to licensure that allow candidates with non-accredited degrees and sufficient experience to qualify for the ARE through the California Supplemental Examination (CSE). The specific requirements vary and candidates should verify directly with the applicable state board.
AXP Flexibility
Most states have adopted the NCARB AXP system with its 3,740-hour requirement across six experience areas. Some states allow AXP hours to be earned in non-traditional settings (government agencies, construction firms with licensed architect supervision) or allow alternative experience documentation for specific circumstances (military service, allied professional experience). Candidates should verify AXP eligibility determinations with their state board - NCARB's determination that hours qualify for the NCARB Record does not guarantee the state board will accept them for licensure.
State-Specific Supplemental Exams
Some states require candidates to pass a state law exam (an examination on the state's architectural practice act, licensing laws, and state-specific code requirements) in addition to the NCARB ARE. California requires the California Supplemental Examination (CSE) covering California-specific code, environmental design, and practice act. Candidates intending to be licensed in these states must factor the supplemental exam into their testing schedule.
Continuing Education Requirements
Most states require licensed architects to complete continuing education (CE) credits to maintain their license. Typical requirement: 12-24 hours per year (or 24-36 hours per license renewal period, typically 2 years). A portion may be required in specific content areas (ADA, life safety, or state-mandated topics). AIA membership provides access to CE programs; NCARB's continuing education tracking system allows centralized record-keeping for architects licensed in multiple states.
Key Points
- Architecture is licensed at state level - 55 U.S. jurisdictions with individual requirements.
- Most states follow NCARB model (accredited degree + AXP + ARE); some have additional requirements.
- California CSE: supplemental exam required in addition to NCARB ARE for California licensure.
- Continuing education: typically 12-24 hours/year; required for license renewal in most states.
- Always verify current requirements with the specific state board - requirements change.
AREprep's ARE Overview content covers the NCARB licensing path in full, the state-by-state variation in requirements, and how candidates with non-traditional backgrounds or multi-state practice plans should approach the licensing process - giving ARE candidates the licensing policy knowledge they need to plan an effective path from eligibility to licensure in their target jurisdictions.
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AREprep covers all six ARE 5.0 divisions with flashcards and practice exams aligned to the NCARB exam guides.