The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) recently launched its annual data report, NCARB by the Numbers. The 2017 edition provides exclusive insight into the number of U.S. architects, the value of graduating from an accredited program, the time it takes to earn a license, and diversity in the profession.
Key findings from the latest edition, which is based on data from the 2016 calendar year, include:
- Over 8,100 licensure candidates completed the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) in 2016—an all-time high.
- On average, candidates take 4.2 years to complete the AXP.
- Around 4,300 candidates completed the Architect Registration Examination® (AR®) in 2016.
- Graduates from accredited architecture programs finish the ARE about five months sooner than their peers from non-accredited programs.
- Sixty-seven percent of candidates overlap their experience and exams—the largest percentage to date.
- On average, becoming an architect takes 12.5 years—from the time a student enrolls in school to the moment they receive a license. This marks the eighth year in a row the timeline to licensure has decreased.
- The pool of candidates working toward licensure is more diverse than ever before, and 36 percent of newly licensed architects are women.
- In 2016, there were 109,748 architects in the United States—a minimal drop from the previous year.
“Every year, the profession turns to NCARB by the Numbers for comprehensive and insightful data on the path to licensure,” said NCARB President Gregory L. Erny, FAIA, NCARB. “As our data analytic capabilities expand, we are now able to shine a light on intriguing, and sometimes controversial, topics—including improving diversity among practitioners and shortening the timeline to licensure.”
The findings are pulled from the nonprofit’s database of over 111,000 NCARB-certified architects and licensure candidates, making NCARB by the Numbers the most comprehensive source for licensure statistics.
To read the full report, explore interactive data charts, and download infographics, visit www.ncarb.org/NBTN2017.
Related Stories
Market Data | Aug 4, 2017
U.S. grand total construction starts growth projection revised slightly downward
ConstructConnect’s quarterly report shows courthouses and sports stadiums to end 2017 with a flourish.
Market Data | Aug 2, 2017
Nonresidential Construction Spending falls in June, driven by public sector
June’s weak construction spending report can be largely attributed to the public sector.
Market Data | Jul 31, 2017
U.S. economic growth accelerates in second quarter; Nonresidential fixed investment maintains momentum
Nonresidential fixed investment, a category of GDP embodying nonresidential construction activity, expanded at a 5.2% seasonally adjusted annual rate.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 27, 2017
Game rooms and game simulators popular amenities in multifamily developments
The number of developments providing space for physical therapy was somewhat surprising, according to a new survey.
Architects | Jul 25, 2017
AIA 2030 Commitment expands beyond 400 architecture firms
The 2016 Progress Report is now available.
Market Data | Jul 25, 2017
Moderating economic growth triggers construction forecast downgrade for 2017 and 2018
Prospects for the construction industry have weakened with developments over the first half of the year.
Industry Research | Jul 6, 2017
The four types of strategic real estate amenities
From swimming pools to pirate ships, amenities (even crazy ones) aren’t just perks, but assets to enhance performance.
Market Data | Jun 29, 2017
Silicon Valley, Long Island among the priciest places for office fitouts
Coming out on top as the most expensive market to build out an office is Silicon Valley, Calif., with an out-of-pocket cost of $199.22.
Industry Research | Jun 27, 2017
What does the client really want?
In order to deliver superior outcomes to our healthcare clients, we have to know what our clients want.
Industry Research | Jun 26, 2017
Time to earn an architecture license continues to drop
This trend is driven by candidates completing the experience and examination programs concurrently and more quickly.
