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
Contractors | Sep 19, 2017
Commercial Construction Index finds high optimism in U.S. commercial construction industry
Hurricane recovery efforts expected to heighten concerns about labor scarcities in the south, where two-thirds of contractors already face worker shortages.
Multifamily Housing | Sep 15, 2017
Hurricane Harvey damaged fewer apartments in greater Houston than estimated
As of Sept. 14, 166 properties reported damage to 8,956 units, about 1.4% of the total supply of apartments, according to ApartmentData.com.
High-rise Construction | Sep 8, 2017
CTBUH determines fastest elevators and longest runs in the world in new TBIN Study
When it comes to the tallest skyscrapers in the world, the vertical commute in the building becomes just as important as the horizontal commute through the city.
Multifamily Housing | Sep 5, 2017
Free WiFi, meeting rooms most popular business services amenities in multifamily developments
Complimentary, building-wide WiFi is more or less a given for marketing purposes in the multifamily arena.
Market Data | Sep 5, 2017
Nonresidential construction declines again, public and private sector down in July
Weakness in spending was widespread.
Market Data | Aug 29, 2017
Hidden opportunities emerge from construction industry challenges
JLL’s latest construction report shows stability ahead with tech and innovation leading the way.
Architects | Aug 21, 2017
AIA: Architectural salaries exceed gains in the broader economy
AIA’s latest compensation report finds average compensation for staff positions up 2.8% from early 2015.
Market Data | Aug 17, 2017
Marcum Commercial Construction Index reports second quarter spending increase in commercial and office construction
Spending in all 12 of the remaining nonresidential construction subsectors retreated on both an annualized and monthly basis.
Market Data | Aug 4, 2017
U.S. grand total construction starts growth projection revised slightly downward
ConstructConnect’s quarterly report shows courthouses and sports stadiums to end 2017 with a flourish.
Market Data | Aug 2, 2017
Nonresidential Construction Spending falls in June, driven by public sector
June’s weak construction spending report can be largely attributed to the public sector.
