NCARB study: Architects getting licensed at younger age

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has announced the publication of its statistical report on architectural licensing, NCARB By the Numbers.

In its third year of publication, this year’s NCARB by the Numbers offers a compelling perspective on individuals who are on the path to becoming licensed.

In addition to page-by-page graphics and descriptions of key findings, NCARB offers a deep dive that examines the demographics of those entering the profession, providing insight about the length of time it takes to get licensed, and highlights details related to the process.

A major finding in this year’s report is that the median age of people at initial licensure is at a 10 year low. This means architects are getting licensed at a younger age.

The report also indicates an increase since 2011 in the number of women applying for NCARB Records. The percentage of women applying for NCARB Records continues to hold around 40 percent—a marked increase from 10 percent in the early 1990s.

NCARB’s CEO Mike Armstrong states, “The report’s findings serve as a foundation for our ongoing efforts to lead change in the path to an architectural license. The entry point into the profession is changing, and NCARB is adapting to meet shifting demands. Our indicators document a profession that is thriving.”

We submit our eighth White Paper on Sustainability in the hope that it will inspire architects, engineers, contractors, building owners, developers, building product manufacturers, environmentalists, policymakers, government officials, corporate executives, officeholders, and the public to foster the development of net-zero energy buildings and homes.