The number of licensed architects in the U.S. increased by 3% to 113,554 in 2017. That’s 10% more than a decade ago, according to the latest annual survey by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), which has licensing boards in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
NCARB estimates that there is now one architect for every 2,900 people in the U.S.
The survey reveals that even though the number of reciprocal (i.e., out of state) licenses issued fell by 1% to 125,349, that’s still the second-highest number on record, and exceeded the number of resident licenses.
Last year, more than 5,200 candidates completed the education, experience, and examination requirements for licensure, another record by the Council's reckoning. These registration data “demonstrate that NCARB’s efforts to streamline the path to licensure and remove unnecessary barriers have been effective,” stated Michael J. Armstrong, NCARB’s CEO, in a prepared statement.
Earlier this year, NCARB launched a new Approved Test Prep Provider program, which allows companies to submit for review and approval study materials they've created for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) 5.0.
California has the highest number of licensed architects (16,445), followed by New York (11,104), Texas (8,182), Florida (5,330) and Massachusetts (4,849). New York has the greatest number of reciprocal licenses (7,885), followed by Florida (5,284), Pennsylvania (4,614), New Jersey (4,611), and Virginia (4,413).
Related Stories
| May 10, 2014
How your firm can gain an edge on university projects
Top administrators from five major universities describe how they are optimizing value on capital expenditures, financing, and design trends—and how their AEC partners can better serve them and other academic clients.
| May 9, 2014
It's official: Norman Foster-designed Harmon hotel and casino to be razed due to structural issues
Construction of the Las Vegas tower was halted in 2008 after experts discovered faulty steel beams in the structure. Now its owner, MGM, has received permission to demolish the building.
| May 9, 2014
5 trends transforming higher education
Performance-based funding models and the adoption of advanced technologies like augmented reality for teaching are just a few of the predictions offered by CannonDesign's higher education sector leader, Brad Lukanic.
| May 9, 2014
40 Under 40: Where are they now?
BD+C catches up with two past U40 honorees: Matt Dumich of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture and David Montalba of Montalba Architects
| May 8, 2014
Perfecting prefab: 8 tips for healthcare construction projects
Leading AEC firms offer helpful advice for using BIM to pull off prefab for everything from MEP infrastructure to whole bathrooms.
| May 8, 2014
Don’t bother planning for the future - it doesn’t care about you
Though strategic planning has helped many businesses move forward, its time has passed. So says Economist and Author Bill Conerly. SPONSORED CONTENT
| May 8, 2014
Infographic: 4 most common causes of construction site fatalities
In honor of Safety Week, Skanska put together this nifty infographic on how to prevent deadly harm in construction.
| May 8, 2014
Sporting events in style: Infographic showcases novel stadiums of the world
UK precast concrete maker Banagher, which specializes in precast stadia solutions, has assembled a list of the world's top stadiums in terms of architectural and structural design.
| May 7, 2014
Design competition: $900,000 on the line in Las Vegas revitalization challenge
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman wants your economic development ideas for remaking four areas within the city, including the Cashman Center and the Las Vegas Medical District.