The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has launched the second phase of its revised certification path for architects without a degree from an accredited program. This newest path comes as part of a multi-year effort to streamline NCARB programs and initiatives to be more inclusive of individuals outside of the traditional path to licensure, while maintaining the rigor necessary to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
Through the new NCARB Certificate Portfolio, architects licensed in a U.S. jurisdiction who hold any education other than an architecture-related degree—including those who do not have a college degree—can satisfy the Certificate’s education requirement by completing an online portfolio documenting learning through experience. The first phase, which launched in February 2017, enables architects with a four-year, architecture-related degree to satisfy the same requirement by documenting two times the Architectural Experience Program’s™ (AXP™) hours.
“Professional mobility is a goal of many practicing architects,” said NCARB President Kristine A. Harding, NCARB, AIA. “This revised path makes that goal achievable for a broader range of licensed individuals, while maintaining the quality standards expected by our boards and the public.” Together, these alternative paths form the successor to the Broadly Experienced Architect (BEA) Program, which was retired in 2016.
The NCARB Certificate is a valuable credential for architects that facilitates reciprocal licensure across the 54 U.S. jurisdictions and several countries, among other benefits. To qualify for certification, applicants must meet the NCARB Education Standard, traditionally done by earning a professional degree in architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
Both the NCARB Certificate Portfolio and two times AXP option are offered at no additional charge to active NCARB Record holders and eliminates the BEA’s $5,000 review fee. It also facilitates a shorter, more objective review process than the previous program, allowing applicants to link exhibits in the portfolio to specific areas outlined in the NCARB Education Standard. Applicants will also need to meet NCARB’s experience and examination requirements to earn an NCARB Certificate.
U.S. architects interested in pursuing certification through the portfolio must have at least three years of continuous licensure in any U.S. jurisdiction without disciplinary action, and fall into one of two categories:
-
Architects with post-secondary education who have obtained 64 or more semester credit hours. These applicants are required to obtain an EESA evaluation and submit a portfolio to address any deficiencies.
-
Architects with less than 64 semester credit hours of post-secondary education. These applicants are not required to obtain an EESA and must address all education requirements through a portfolio.
Related Stories
MFPRO+ News | Jun 3, 2024
Seattle mayor wants to scale back energy code to spur more housing construction
Seattle’s mayor recently proposed that the city scale back a scheduled revamping of its building energy code to help boost housing production. The proposal would halt an update to the city’s multifamily and commercial building energy code that is scheduled to take effect later this year.
Mass Timber | May 31, 2024
Mass timber a big part of Western Washington University’s net-zero ambitions
Western Washington University, in Bellingham, Wash., 90 miles from Seattle, is in the process of expanding its ABET-accredited programs for electrical engineering, computer engineering and science, and energy science. As part of that process, the university is building Kaiser Borsari Hall, the 54,000-sf new home for those academic disciplines that will include teaching labs, research labs, classrooms, collaborative spaces, and administrative offices.
Construction Costs | May 31, 2024
Despite challenges, 2024 construction material prices continue to stabilize
Gordian’s Q2 2024 Quarterly Construction Cost Insights Report indicates that supply chain issues notwithstanding, many commodities are exhibiting price normalization.
University Buildings | May 30, 2024
Washington University School of Medicine opens one of the world’s largest neuroscience research buildings
In St. Louis’ Cortex Innovation District, Washington University School of Medicine recently opened its new Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building. Designed by CannonDesign and Perkins&Will, the 11-story, 609,000-sf facility is one of the largest neuroscience buildings in the world.
Architects | May 30, 2024
AE firm Goodwyn Mills Cawood merges with Southland Engineering
Architecture and engineering firm Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) is further expanding its services through a strategic merger with engineering firm Southland Engineering in Cartersville, Ga.
K-12 Schools | May 30, 2024
Inclusive design strategies to transform learning spaces
Students with disabilities and those experiencing mental health and behavioral conditions represent a group of the most vulnerable students at risk for failing to connect educationally and socially. Educators and school districts are struggling to accommodate all of these nuanced and, at times, overlapping conditions.
MFPRO+ New Projects | May 29, 2024
Two San Francisco multifamily high rises install onsite water recycling systems
Two high-rise apartment buildings in San Francisco have installed onsite water recycling systems that will reuse a total of 3.9 million gallons of wastewater annually. The recycled water will be used for toilet flushing, cooling towers, and landscape irrigation to significantly reduce water usage in both buildings.
Healthcare Facilities | May 28, 2024
Healthcare design: How to improve the parking experience for patients and families
Parking is likely a patient’s—and their families—first and last touch with a healthcare facility. As such, the arrival and departure parking experience can have a profound impact on their experience with the healthcare facility, writes Beth Bryan, PE, PTOE, PTP, STP2, Principal, Project Manager, Walter P Moore.
Urban Planning | May 28, 2024
‘Flowing’ design emphasizes interaction at Bellevue, Wash., development
The three-tower 1,030,000-sf office and retail development designed by Graphite Design Group in collaboration with Compton Design Office for Vulcan Real Estate is attracting some of the world’s largest names in tech and hospitality.
MFPRO+ News | May 28, 2024
ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification for New Homes and Apartments launched
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently launched ENERGY STAR NextGen Certified Homes and Apartments, a voluntary certification program for new residential buildings. The program will increase national energy and emissions savings by accelerating the building industry’s adoption of advanced, energy-efficient technologies, according to an EPA news release.
