What is NCARB?
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the licensing and credentialing of architects in the United States of America. NCARB sets and maintains the standards for education, experience, and examination, which helps protect the public's health, safety, and welfare, while also assisting candidates on the path to licensure as architects.
One of NCARB's key projects is the Baseline on Belonging study, developed in collaboration with the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). This ongoing study looks at the factors influencing underrepresented groups in architecture, including educational expenses, workplace cultures, and licensing exam accessibility, providing useful insights and next steps into making the architectural profession more equitable.
Navigating the path to architectural licensure can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) offers a variety of tools, guides, and programs to help you understand the steps toward becoming a licensed architect. Below, we’ve gathered essential NCARB resources to support you on your journey—from starting your NCARB Record to preparing for the ARE® and understanding AXP requirements.
Baseline on Belonging: Insights on Equity in the Licensing of Architects
The Baseline on Belonging study by NCARB with NOMA discusses the systemic deficiencies faced by underrepresented groups throughout the trajectory to architectural licensure. The study was broken into several reports (Education, Experience, Examination, Firm Culture & Career Development, and Action Plan) that examined the effects of attributes such as cost, support and workplace culture faced by licensure candidates – particularly women of color – at every step along their path.
The study illustrates that even minor disparities can add up to create significant barriers to licensure. NCARB is publishing this information in the hopes to begin to create a more equitable profession and catalyze substantive change.