The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has launched the second phase of its revised certification path for architects without a degree from an accredited program. This newest path comes as part of a multi-year effort to streamline NCARB programs and initiatives to be more inclusive of individuals outside of the traditional path to licensure, while maintaining the rigor necessary to protect the publicās health, safety, and welfare.
Through the newĀ NCARB Certificate Portfolio, architects licensed in a U.S. jurisdiction who hold any education other than an architecture-related degreeāincluding those who do not have a college degreeācan satisfy the Certificateās education requirement by completing an online portfolio documenting learning through experience. The first phase, which launched in February 2017, enables architects with a four-year, architecture-related degree to satisfy the same requirement byĀ documenting two timesĀ the Architectural Experience Programāsā¢Ā (AXPā¢) hours.
āProfessional mobility is a goal of many practicing architects,ā said NCARB President Kristine A. Harding, NCARB, AIA. āThis revised path makes that goal achievable for a broader range of licensed individuals, while maintaining the quality standards expected by our boards and the public.ā Together, these alternative paths form the successor to the Broadly Experienced Architect (BEA) Program, which was retired in 2016.
TheĀ NCARB CertificateĀ is a valuable credential for architects that facilitates reciprocal licensure across the 54 U.S. jurisdictions and several countries, among other benefits. To qualify for certification, applicants must meet theĀ NCARB Education Standard, traditionally done by earning a professional degree in architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
Both the NCARB Certificate Portfolio and two times AXP option are offered at no additional charge to active NCARB Record holders and eliminates the BEAās $5,000 review fee. It also facilitates a shorter, more objective review process than the previous program, allowing applicants to link exhibits in the portfolio to specific areas outlined in theĀ NCARB Education Standard. Applicants will also need to meet NCARBās experience and examination requirements to earn an NCARB Certificate.
U.S. architects interested in pursuing certification through the portfolio must have at least three years of continuous licensure in any U.S. jurisdiction without disciplinary action, and fall into one of two categories:
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Architects with post-secondary education who have obtained 64 or more semester credit hours.Ā These applicants are required to obtain anĀ EESA evaluationĀ and submit a portfolio to address any deficiencies.
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Architects with less than 64 semester credit hours of post-secondary education.Ā These applicants are not required to obtain an EESA and must address all education requirements through a portfolio.
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