GUIDELINES
Certification
INTRODUCTION 3
About NCARB ...........................................................................................................3
NCARB’s Role .............................................................................................................3
Licensure (Registration) ........................................................................................ 4
NCARB Certification ............................................................................................. 5
Benefits of the Certificate ................................................................................. 5
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION 6
1. Establish Your NCARB Record ...................................................................... 6
2. Documentation .................................................................................................. 7
3. Evaluation .............................................................................................................. 8
4. Certification ......................................................................................................... 8
5. Transmittal of Your NCARB Certificate................................................... 9
REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION 10
SECTION 1: Requirements for Certification of an Architect
Licensed in a U.S. Jurisdiction ........................................................................... 11
SECTION 2: Alternative Requirements for Certification of an
Architect Licensed in a U.S. Jurisdiction ..................................................... 12
SECTION 3: Requirements for Certification of an Architect
Licensed in a Foreign Jurisdiction Through Established Mutual
Recognition Arrangement/Agreement With NCARB ..........................14
SECTION 4: Requirements for Certification of an Architect
Credentialed by a Foreign Registration Authority .................................15
SECTION 5: Revocation and Reinstatement of an
NCARB Certificate ................................................................................................16
© 2022 National Council of Architectural
Registration Boards (NCARB)
This document, eective July 2022, defines the
requirements for NCARB certification for architects
registered in a U.S. jurisdiction, architects registered in a
Canadian jurisdiction, and architects credentialed by a
foreign authority.
This document supersedes all previous editions of the
Certification Guidelines and Handbook for Interns
and Architects.
TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS
3CERTIFICATION GUIDELINES | JULY 2022
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
About NCARB
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ membership is made up of the architectural licensing
boards of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S.
Virgin Islands. NCARB, in collaboration with these boards, facilitates the licensure and credentialing of architects to
protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
While each jurisdiction is responsible for regulating the
practice of architecture within its borders, NCARB works
with its Member Boards and volunteers to develop and
facilitate national standards for licensure, including the
national examination and experience program. NCARB
also recommends regulatory guidelines for licensing
boards and helps architects expand their professional
reach through the NCARB Certificate.
NCARB’s Role
NCARB’s services span the many phases of your career, from student to practicing architect. Whether you’re
studying architecture, navigating the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®), completing the Architect
Registration Examination® (ARE®), or earning your NCARB Certificate, NCARB is here to help.
Through your NCARB Record, NCARB will securely store all the documentation of your professional history needed
to earn a license, so that it is ready to be sent to the jurisdiction of your choice.
In addition to our national programs, NCARB also assists its members and customers with initiatives related to:
• Future-focused research
• Data sharing
• Promoting awareness of the path to licensure
• Advocating for reasonable regulation of the architecture profession
• Developing tools and resources to aid the work of licensing boards
You can learn more about NCARB’s goals and objectives by reading our
Strategic Plan.
NCARB Record
Customer Relations
Experience
AXP
Education
University
Examination
ARE 5.0
NCARB, in collaboration with
licensing boards, facilitates the
licensure and credentialing of
architects to protect the health,
safety, and welfare of the public.
NCARB MISSION
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Licensure (Registration)
To practice architecture in the United States, you must earn a license
from U.S. state or territory (called a “jurisdiction”) where you intend to
practice. Earning a license signals to your firm, clients, and the public
that you’ve developed the essential knowledge and skills to practice
architecture safely and competently. And once you’re licensed, you can
call yourself an architect.
Each of the 55 U.S. jurisdictions has its own set of requirements for licensure—you can find them at ncarb.org/
requirements. While understanding the specific requirements in your jurisdiction is essential, most jurisdictions
require three key components:
NCARB uses the words “licensure”
and “registration” interchangeably
when talking about the process of
becoming an architect.
LICENSURE/REGISTRATION
EDUCATION
For most candidates, the first step toward getting licensed is earning a degree. Most
jurisdictions require that applicants for licensure graduate from an architecture program
accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or its Canadian
equivalent. Some jurisdictions oer alternative ways to satisfy the education requirement,
which you can explore on NCARB’s Licensing Requirements Tool.
More information about starting your education in architecture can be found in NCARB’s
Education Guidelines.
EXPERIENCE
To earn a license in most jurisdictions, you’ll also need to complete the AXP by earning and
reporting a variety of real-world experience. The AXP outlines six key areas of architectural
practice, as well as specific tasks you need to be able to competently perform before you
earn a license.
More information about earning experience can be found in the AXP Guidelines.
EXAMINATION
Each of the 55 U.S jurisdictions requires that applicants for an architecture license complete
the ARE (or a previous version of the exam). The ARE is a multi-part, national exam that
focuses on aspects of practice related to health, safety, and welfare.
Learn more about exam requirements in the ARE 5.0 Guidelines.
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NCARB Certification
Once you’ve earned your initial license, you can apply for an NCARB
Certificate! Being NCARB certified helps you get the most out of your
career in architecture by providing the mobility to go wherever your
work takes you. With an NCARB Certificate in hand, it’s simpler to get
licensed across jurisdictions—allowing you the freedom and flexibility to
pursue your career and connect with clients regardless of location. Plus,
being certified signifies that you have met the national standards
for licensure.
Benefits of the Certificate
Once you’ve earned your NCARB Certificate, you can take advantage of all the following benefits:
PROFESSIONAL MOBILITY
Having an NCARB Certificate gives you the
flexibility to apply for reciprocal licensure in all 55
U.S. jurisdictions, in addition to some international
locations.
FREE CONTINUING EDUCATION
Certificate holders have access to NCARB’s free
continuing education courses as part of our
Continuum Education Program, a collection of
in-depth, online self-study materials that help
professionals maintain and expand their competence.
COMPETITIVE EDGE
You can use the “NCARB” credential in your title,
which demonstrates you’ve met national standards
for licensure. This qualification, and the flexibility it
provides, can be an important factor for firms when
hiring and promoting.
SECURE RECORDS
As a Certificate holder, you don’t have to worry about
record keeping. All of your professional information
is stored on our secure servers—ready whenever you
need it.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Certificate holders are often the first to hear about
volunteer opportunities on licensing boards and
NCARB committees, which shape the future of our
programs and services.
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STEPS TO CERTIFICATIONSTEPS TO CERTIFICATION
1. Establish Your NCARB Record
To create your NCARB Record, go www.ncarb.org, select “Login,” and click on “Create New Account.” Once you
have established your account, add the NCARB Record service. If you need to step away before you complete
your Record application, you can save it and return later. Once you submit your application and Record fee, you
will receive two emails. The first will confirm receipt of your payment. The second will assign your NCARB Record
number and provide further instructions.
ALREADY HAVE A RECORD?
If you already have an NCARB Record, you can apply for the NCARB Certificate by clicking the “Certify Me” button
in your Record, adding your license to the “Registration” tab, or by contacting NCARB Customer Service.
YOUR NCARB RECORD
Your NCARB Record is a detailed, verified account of your professional history that you’ll update throughout your
career to establish your qualifications for licensure and certification—including completion of the education,
experience, and examination requirements. Your NCARB Record is confidential and maintained on a secure server,
and will only be shared with licensing boards at your request.
Establishing a Record is essential for documenting the AXP and taking the ARE. It is also the first step for foreign-
educated applicants who are having their education evaluated through the Education Evaluation Services for
Architects (EESA).
If you have applied for an NCARB Record in the past, please do not reapply. Instead, reactivate your existing Record
through your My NCARB account, or contact NCARB.
MAINTAINING YOUR NCARB RECORD
You must maintain your NCARB Record to hold an active NCARB Certificate. To maintain your Record, you must
submit an annual renewal form and pay the required annual fee. NCARB recommends that you renew (or reactivate)
your NCARB Record online, although paper forms are also available. To receive notifications in a timely manner,
make sure that the contact information in your Record is up to date.
When you renew, you’ll have the chance to update your licensure and employment information, as well as
document any necessary professional conduct updates. Keeping this information current and accurate helps NCARB
streamline the process of applying for initial or reciprocal licensure whenever you’re ready.
NCARB FEES
Please refer to ncarb.org/fees for the current cost of establishing and maintaining your NCARB Record. All fees are
subject to change and are non-refundable unless otherwise noted.
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2. Documentation
To apply for an NCARB Certificate, your NCARB Record must document the following information:
EDUCATION
You must document completion of a degree in architecture from a NAAB-accredited degree program by having
an ocial copy of your final transcript(s) delivered directly from your school(s) to NCARB, preferably electronically.
NCARB will only accept ocial transcripts submitted by the school.
If you do not hold a degree from a NAAB-accredited program, refer to the Alternative to the Education
Requirement in Section 2.3 of this document. If you are a foreign architect, refer to the Foreign Architect Path in
Section 4 of this document.
EXPERIENCE
You must document completion of AXP. The AXP Guidelines describe the specific experience requirements
including experience settings, areas, and experience hour minimums and maximums. You can document your
experience in your NCARB Record through My NCARB.
If you are unable to complete the AXP, you may refer to the Alternative to the Experience Requirement in
Section 2.4 of this document.
EXAMINATION
You must have completed the ARE, or its then-current predecessor (see ARE 5.0 Equivalents). If necessary, NCARB
will request an ocial examination history report from the licensing board where you were initially licensed. If the
board charges a fee for the exam history report, NCARB will send the request form to the Record holder to submit
the form to the board with their fee directly.
LICENSURE
You must hold at least one active architecture license in good standing in a U.S. jurisdiction. NCARB will need
an ocial registration verification from the licensing board where you are licensed. Some boards charge a fee
to process an examination history report and ocial licensure. If this fee is required, you are responsible for any
external fees required to retrieve the supporting documents needed for the certification process.
If you established your NCARB Record as a licensure candidate, please notify NCARB when you receive your
initial licensure to proceed with certification. You can do this though My NCARB clicking the “Certify Me” button,
renewing your Record, or by contacting customer service.
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3. Evaluation
Once NCARB has received the required documentation, your Record will be evaluated.
• If you are an architect and meet the requirements for the Certificate, you will be approved and notified of
your Certificate number. You will be required to update your professional activity since the date of your
application and pay any remaining fee(s) prior to certification.
• If you are an architect and do not meet the requirements for the Certificate, NCARB will notify you of any
deficiencies and will advise you on.
Please note: NCARB can provide you with a summary of your NCARB Record, but cannot make the individual
documents that comprise your Record available to you due to our authentication process.
4. Certification
By becoming NCARB certified, NCARB recommends to all U.S. and Canadian licensing authorities that you be
granted licensure without further qualification. You must be licensed in a jurisdiction before you are qualified to
practice there.
The NCARB Certificate is an individual credential and does not apply to firms. By obtaining and maintaining the
NCARB Certificate, you have demonstrated that you have met the established standards for certification. Once you
have obtained an NCARB Certificate, you may use the letters “NCARB” after your name.
Please note: the NCARB logo is reserved solely for use by NCARB, and cannot be used by you or your firm.
NCARB CERTIFICATE MAINTENANCE AND RENEWAL
To keep your Certificate active, you must submit an annual report of professional experience during the preceding
year and renew your NCARB Record by paying the annual renewal fee. You must also maintain an active license with
a U.S. or Canadian jurisdiction.
Prior to your renewal date each year, NCARB will notify you through the contact information listed in your Record
of your Record expiration date and the annual fee. The fee and your renewal report are due on or before the
indicated Record expiration date, and can be submitted online (preferred) or by mail.
LAPSE OF NCARB CERTIFICATE
Your Certificate will lapse if you:
• Fail to file the Annual Renewal Report;
• Fail to pay the renewal fee or NCARB service fees; or
• Fail to maintain at least one current and valid license with a U.S. jurisdiction.
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NCARB CERTIFICATE REACTIVATION
If your NCARB Record or Certificate has lapsed, you will be required to pay a reactivation fee and the current
renewal fee for each year the Record or Certificate lapsed, up to $1,100. If you are reactivating a lapsed Certificate,
you must also submit proof that you hold an active license with a U.S. jurisdiction prior to reactivation.
To reactivate your NCARB Record or Certificate, log in to My NCARB and select “Annual Renewals” through your
NCARB Record.
5. Transmittal of Your NCARB Certificate
Licensing boards are required to examine the qualifications of each applicant for licensure. To satisfy this
requirement, a complete copy of your active NCARB Record will be transmitted as requested to a jurisdiction to
support your application for initial or reciprocal licensure. All U.S. licensing boards accept the NCARB Record for
initial licensure, and many require the NCARB Certificate for reciprocal licensure. Some boards may accept a non-
certified Record transmitted by NCARB in support of an application for reciprocal licensure.
NCARB will transmit current and valid NCARB Records to any U.S. licensing board, or to any foreign registration
authority with whom NCARB has an agreement for mutual reciprocity, upon your request and payment of the
transmittal fee.
JURISDICTIONAL REQUIREMENTS
When you request transmittal of your NCARB Record to a U.S. jurisdiction, NCARB will try to inform you of any
additional requirements that exist for that jurisdiction. However, you should confirm specific requirements directly
with the jurisdiction prior to seeking licensure. Please review the Licensing Requirements Tool at ncarb.org/
requirements to determine the specific requirements for reciprocal licensure in any jurisdiction.
TRANSMITTAL REQUESTS
To authorize NCARB to transmit your Record, go to My NCARB and select “Request a Transmittal” to access
instructions on transmitting your Record to the U.S. jurisdiction of your choice. If you cannot access this online
service or need assistance with your request, please contact us.
Please note:
• Transmittal of your Record in support of licensure is only available for active Record holders.
• The initial licensure transmittal fee is included in your NCARB Record fees as a licensure candidate—this applies
to one transmittal only.
• NCARB will transmit your Record to additional jurisdictions in support of reciprocal licensure through the
NCARB Certificate program.
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REQUIREMENTS FOR REQUIREMENTS FOR
CERTIFICATIONCERTIFICATION
The following requirements for NCARB
certification may only be changed by an
absolute majority vote of the NCARB
Member Boards. Changes are put forth for a
membership vote via a written resolution and
become eective on the date identified in
the resolution.
Changes to the NCARB certification
requirements apply both to applications for
certification in process and new applications.
Individuals whose applications are in process
at the time of a change will be subject to
new requirements for certification unless
otherwise stated in the resolution.
Note: In addition to the requirements
outlined in this section, NCARB makes
changes to its key licensure programs—the
NCARB Education Standard, the Architectural
Experience Program (AXP), and the Architect
Registration Examination (ARE)—through
other processes. NCARB will provide notice
to Member Boards, licensure candidates,
and architects at least 60 days prior to the
implementation date.
SECTION 1: 11
Requirements for Certification of an Architect Licensed in a
U.S. Jurisdiction
SECTION 2 12
Alternative Requirements for Certification of an Architect
Licensed in a U.S. Jurisdiction
SECTION 3 14
Requirements for Certification of an Architect Licensed in a
Foreign Jurisdiction Through Established Mutual Recognition
Arrangement/Agreement With NCARB
SECTION 4 15
Requirements for Certification of an Architect Credentialed by a
Foreign Registration Authority
SECTION 5 16
Revocation and Reinstatement of an NCARB Certificate
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SECTION 1:
Requirements for Certification of an Architect Licensed in a U.S.
Jurisdiction
1.1 GOOD CHARACTER
You must be of good character as verified by employers and an NCARB Member Board where you are licensed.
1.2 LICENSURE STATUS REQUIREMENT
You must hold and maintain a current, active license to practice architecture issued by a U.S. jurisdictional licensing
board. Your license must be in good standing at the time of application for certification and remain in good standing
while you hold the NCARB Certificate.
1.3 EDUCATION REQUIREMENT
You must hold a degree in architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board
(NAAB) or the Canadian equivalent.
NCARB will consider your program accredited if one of the following conditions is met:
• The program held NAAB accreditation during the entire course of your studies.
• If the program lost NAAB accreditation during your studies, it must have lost accredited status no less than 24
months before your graduation date.
• If the program obtained NAAB accreditation after your studies, it must have become accredited no more than
24 months after your graduation date.
• You hold a degree in architecture from a Canadian university certified by the Canadian Architectural
Certification Board (CACB).
1.4 EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
You must have completed the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®) or its equivalent at the time of initial
licensure by meeting the requirements outlined in the AXP Guidelines and documenting that experience in your
NCARB Record. This includes the completion of the AXP for initial licensure through either the hourly reporting
method or the AXP Portfolio method. If you are documenting your experience retroactively to complete the AXP,
be aware that the reporting requirement identified in the AXP Guidelines does not apply to architects already
licensed in the United States or Canada.
• Verification of experience: If, at the time of the activity, you were already a licensed architect and not under
the direct supervision of another licensed architect, the verification must be by an architect who observed
the activity and who was your professional partner, a person employed by the same employer, or familiar with
your experience who is not your employee. You cannot verify your own experience under any circumstances.
For additional information, please refer to the AXP Guidelines.
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1.5 EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT
You must have passed the NCARB Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) or its equivalent at the time of initial
licensure, provided all examinations and the pass/fail standards applied were in accordance with NCARB standards
current at the time you took the examination.
For additional information, please refer to the ARE Guidelines.
SECTION 2:
Alternative Requirements for Certification of an Architect Licensed in a
U.S. Jurisdiction
Note: You can not do both the Two Times AXP path of the education alternative and the experience alternative
outlined in this section. You may only do one or the other when seeking NCARB certification.
2.1 GOOD CHARACTER
You must be of good character as verified by employers and the U.S. jurisdiction where you are licensed.
2.2 LICENSURE STATUS REQUIREMENT
You must hold and maintain a current, active license to practice architecture issued by a U.S. jurisdictional licensing
board. Your license must be in good standing at the time of application for certification and remain in good standing
while you hold the NCARB Certificate.
2.3 ALTERNATIVES TO THE EDUCATION REQUIREMENT
If you do not hold a degree in architecture as defined in Section 1.3, NCARB will accept either of the following to
satisfy the education requirement for certification:
2.3A Education Alternative to NCARB Certification
• You must have held continuous licensure as an architect for the last three (3) consecutive years in any U.S.
jurisdiction with no disciplinary action from any jurisdiction.
• You must document additional experience via the Two Times AXP or submit a Certificate Portfolio,
depending on your education background as determined by NCARB.
Two Times AXP
If you hold a four-year bachelor’s degree that includes significant coursework in architecture (as
determined by NCARB) awarded by a regionally accredited U.S. or equivalent Canadian institution, you
must document two times (2x) the experience requirement of NCARB’s AXP.
• Experience earned as part of your experience requirement for initial licensure may count toward
the two times AXP requirement.
• You must document twice the required hours in each of the AXP’s six experience areas, for a total
of 7,480 hours.
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• The experience must be verified either by a supervisor who meets the supervisory requirements of
NCARB’s AXP or by an architect familiar with your work. The architect must have been licensed at
the time your work was completed.
• A bachelor’s degree that includes significant coursework in architecture refers to any baccalaureate
degree from an institution with U.S. regional accreditation that is awarded after earning less than 150
semester credits or the quarter-hour equivalent resulting from significant architecture coursework,
in an amount determined to be acceptable by NCARB. The amount of architecture coursework that
is required to complete a degree program may vary from institution to institution.
NCARB Certificate Portfolio
If your highest level of education is a high school diploma (or its equivalent), associate’s degree, bachelor’s
or master’s degree unrelated to architecture, or a degree earned outside the United States or Canada,
you must submit a Certificate Portfolio.
• You must document work experience performed as a licensed architect by building an online
portfolio with examples of your work.
• Portfolios must be reviewed and evaluated by a body of peers as established by NCARB.
• Your portfolio must satisfy all subject areas of the NCARB Education Standard unless you meet
one of the following conditions:
○ If you have 64 or more semester credit hours of postsecondary education, you have the
option to obtain an Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA) evaluation report to
identify specific subject-area deficiencies. Your Certificate Portfolio needs to address only
the subject-area deficiencies identified by the EESA.
○ If you hold a U.S. or Canadian bachelor’s degree or higher, you do not need to address the
Education Standard’s Liberal Arts subject area in your Certificate Portfolio.
2.3B Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA)-NCARB Evaluation Report
• You may obtain an EESA evaluation report stating that you have met the requirements of the NCARB
Education Standard, which approximates the requirements of a NAAB-accredited degree program. The
EESA evaluation compares your existing postsecondary education to the NCARB Education Standard and
identifies any deficiencies in your education. You must then complete additional coursework to satisfy
those deficiencies and receive a report indicating you have met the Standard’s requirements.
• The NCARB Education Standard is defined in the Education Guidelines.
2.4 ALTERNATIVES TO THE EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
If you received your initial license from a U.S. jurisdictional licensing board prior to January 1, 2011, you may provide
documentation demonstrating that you have been licensed in a U.S. jurisdiction for at least five consecutive years in
lieu of completing the standard experience requirement outlined in Section 1.4.
To pursue this alternative, you must:
• Certify that your experience as a licensed architect met the intent of the AXP in each of the experience areas.
• Provide verification from at least one additional architect that you obtained such experience.
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2.5 ALTERNATIVES TO THE EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT
If you fail to meet the examination requirement for certification identified in Section 1.5, you may still be certified in
the following circumstances:
A. If your license was based in whole or in part on having passed previous examination equivalents, you are
deemed to have passed the corresponding divisions of the ARE. See the ARE Exam Equivalency Guide for a
table of these qualifying equivalents.
B. If your examination deficiency arose from causes other than having failed a division of an examination under
applicable NCARB pass/fail standards, and the deficiency is, in NCARB’s judgment, compensated for by your
demonstration of competency in the deficient area.
SECTION 3:
Requirements for Certification of an Architect Licensed in a Foreign
Jurisdiction Through Established Mutual Recognition Arrangement/
Agreement With NCARB
NCARB enters into mutual recognition arrangements/agreements (MRAs) with countries based on a thorough review
of their regulatory standards including the education, experience, and examination requirements for licensure. If you
are licensed in a foreign jurisdiction that participates in an NCARB MRA, you may apply for NCARB certification in
accordance with the terms and conditions of the MRA. A list of the countries NCARB currently has MRAs with is
available on ncarb.org.
Eligibility requirements and conditions for certification are established by each arrangement/agreement and may
vary from MRA to MRA. The basic provision include:
• Architecture licensure (or its equivalent) in good standing in a signatory jurisdiction in the home country that
was not obtained through any other foreign reciprocal arrangements/agreements;
Nothing in this section of the Certification Guidelines or the individual MRAs precludes you from independently
satisfying the education, experience, and examination requirements for licensure in any U.S. or foreign jurisdiction.
After receiving an NCARB Certificate through an MRA, you can apply for licensure in a U.S. jurisdiction that
participates in the MRA. The United States does not oer a national license to practice architecture; each U.S. state
and territory is responsible for regulating the practice of architecture within its borders and may choose whether
or not to recognize NCARB Certificates granted through an MRA. Please check directly with the U.S. or foreign
jurisdiction for specific licensure requirements as each jurisdiction is responsible for regulating the practice of
architecture within its borders, and the licensure process will dier depending on your chosen jurisdiction.
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SECTION 4:
Requirements for Certification of an Architect Credentialed by a Foreign
Registration Authority
A “Foreign Architect” is an individual who holds a current license or registration in good standing in a country other
than the United States or Canada at the point of application, which allows the individual to use the title “architect”
and to engage in the unlimited practice of architecture (defined as the ability to provide any architectural services
on any type of building in any state, province, territory, or other political subdivision of their national jurisdiction) in
that country. A “current registration” may include a license that is eligible for reinstatement upon re-establishment
of residency and/or payment of fees.
Detailed instructions for earning an NCARB Certificate through the Foreign Architect Path can be found on the
NCARB website.
4.1 GENERAL
You may be granted an NCARB Certificate by meeting the requirements set forth in Section 1, under a mutual
recognition arrangement/agreement ratified by NCARB’s Member Boards (Section 3), or under the procedures set
forth in this section. NCARB recommends registration be granted to the NCARB Certificate holder by any U.S.
jurisdictional licensing board without further examination of your credentials.
All documents submitted as part of the procedures set forth in this Section must be provided in English. If a
document is not in English, you must arrange to have an ocial translation submitted on letterhead directly from
the issuing authority, a lawyer, translation service, notary, or embassy. You may not provide the translation on
their behalf.
4.2 CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENT
You must be credentialed in a foreign country in which the credentialing authority has a formal record-keeping
mechanism for disciplinary actions in the practice of architecture. You may be required to describe the process by
which you were credentialed or submit information describing the credentialing process from the credentialing
authority that granted the credential. You are required to arrange for independent verification by the credentialing
authority to be sent directly to NCARB showing that your credential has been granted and is currently in good
standing.
You may also be required to describe the process by which and the reasons for which disciplinary actions may be
taken against architects and the system in which these actions are recorded, or to submit information provided
by the disciplinary authority in this regard. You must secure a written statement from your credentialing authority
stating that you either have no record of a disciplinary action or if such record exists, describing such action and
its current status. This statement must be sent directly to NCARB from the credentialing authority or certified
translator, if applicable.
4.3 EDUCATION REQUIREMENT
You must hold a recognized education credential in an architecture program that leads to a license/credential for
the unlimited practice of architecture in the foreign country. An ocial transcript of your educational record must
be sent directly to NCARB from the school.
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4.4 EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
You must complete the NCARB AXP by documenting your experience through hours.
The reporting requirement identified in the AXP Guidelines does not apply to foreign architects seeking NCARB
certification through this option once their application has been reviewed and approved for this option.
4.5 EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT
You must pass the ARE.
SECTION 5:
Revocation and Reinstatement of an NCARB Certificate
REVOKING A CERTIFICATE
NCARB will revoke your Certificate if:
• A Member Board has revoked (without limitation as to time) your registration for a cause other than non-
payment of renewal fees or failure to file information with the Member Board; or
• Facts are subsequently revealed that show you were actually ineligible for the Certificate at the time
of certification.
NCARB may revoke your Certificate or impose a disciplinary sanction if:
• A Member Board or a court makes a finding, not reversed on appeal, that you have, in the conduct of your
architectural practice, violated the law, or have engaged in conduct involving wanton disregard for the rights of
others; or
• You are convicted of a felony or crime involving fraud or wanton disregard for the rights of others; or
• You have surrendered or allowed your registration to lapse in connection with pending or threatened
disciplinary action; or
• A Member Board has denied you registration for a cause other than the failure to comply with the education,
experience, age, residency, or other technical qualifications for registration in that jurisdiction; or
• NCARB receives evidence of incompetence, dishonesty, or unlawful conduct that is not adequately refuted
related to the practice of architecture or involving fraud or wanton disregard of the rights of others; or
• NCARB finds that you have engaged in any behavior—including written, verbal, or physical—that may be
considered inappropriate, abusive, disruptive, threatening, discriminatory, prejudicial, or harassing in nature
while engaging with NCARB, any Member Board, and/or any vendor working on behalf of NCARB; or
• You have willfully misstated a material fact in a formal submission to NCARB; or
• NCARB’s Professional Conduct Committee otherwise finds that you violated the NCARB Professional Conduct
Committee’s Rules of Procedure.
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REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION
CERTIFICATION GUIDELINES | JULY 2022
Other actions may include:
• Suspending your NCARB Certificate
• Issuing a public reprimand
• Requiring the completion of ethics education courses
• Issuing a warning letter
REINSTATING A CERTIFICATE
NCARB may reinstate a previously revoked Certificate if the cause of the revocation has been removed, corrected,
or otherwise remedied. A Certificate that has been suspended will be automatically reinstated after the period of
suspension is over, unless otherwise stated at the time of suspension.
