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 | Oct 31, 2016
Nonresidential fixed investment expands again during solid third quarter
The acceleration in real GDP growth was driven by a combination of factors, including an upturn in exports, a smaller decrease in state and local government spending and an upturn in federal government spending, says ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu.
Market Data | Oct 28, 2016
U.S. construction solid and stable in Q3 of 2016; Presidential election seen as influence on industry for 2017
Rider Levett Bucknall’s Third Quarter 2016 USA Construction Cost Report puts the complete spectrum of construction sectors and markets in perspective as it assesses the current state of the industry.
Industry Research | Oct 25, 2016
New HOK/CoreNet Global report explores impact of coworking on corporate real rstate
“Although coworking space makes up less than one percent of the world’s office space, it represents an important workforce trend and highlights the strong desire of today’s employees to have workplace choices, community and flexibility,” says Kay Sargent, Director of WorkPlace at HOK.
Market Data | Oct 24, 2016
New construction starts in 2017 to increase 5% to $713 billion
Dodge Outlook Report predicts moderate growth for most project types – single family housing, commercial and institutional building, and public works, while multifamily housing levels off and electric utilities/gas plants decline.
Industry Research | Oct 20, 2016
New book from HDR explores opportunities for how healthcare organizations can reinvent the patient experience
Delta offers a close look at specific activities and behaviors that can help healthcare providers and caregivers discover revolutionary concepts to help them embrace and thrive in the rapid change that surrounds them.
Designers | Oct 12, 2016
Perkins Eastman and EwingCole co-publish new white paper examining the benefits and challenges of design research
The survey’s findings, combined with input from the EDRA conference, informed the content produced for “Where Are We Now?”
Market Data | Oct 11, 2016
Building design revenue topped $28 billion in 2015
Growing profitability at architecture firms has led to reinvestment and expansion
Market Data | Oct 4, 2016
Nonresidential spending slips in August
Public sector spending is declining faster than the private sector.
Industry Research | Oct 3, 2016
Structure Tone survey shows cost is still a major barrier to building green
Climate change, resilience and wellness are also growing concerns.
Industry Research | Sep 28, 2016
Worldwide hotel construction shows modest year-over-year growth
Overall construction for hotel projects is up, but the current number of hotels currently being built has dipped slightly from one year ago.
