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
Market Data | Oct 4, 2016
Nonresidential spending slips in August
Public sector spending is declining faster than the private sector.
Industry Research | Oct 3, 2016
Structure Tone survey shows cost is still a major barrier to building green
Climate change, resilience and wellness are also growing concerns.
Industry Research | Sep 28, 2016
Worldwide hotel construction shows modest year-over-year growth
Overall construction for hotel projects is up, but the current number of hotels currently being built has dipped slightly from one year ago.
Industry Research | Sep 27, 2016
Sterling Risk Sentiment Index indicates risk exposure perception remains stable in construction industry
Nearly half (45%) of those polled say election year uncertainty has a negative effect on risk perception in the construction market.
Industry Research | Sep 21, 2016
The global penetration of smart meters is expected to reach approximately 53% by the end of 2025
Large-scale smart meter deployments are underway across Western Europe, while new deployments continue among later adopters in the United States.
Industry Research | Sep 12, 2016
Evidence linking classroom design to improved learning mounts
A study finds the impact can be as much as 25% per year.
Healthcare Facilities | Sep 6, 2016
Chicago Faucets releases white paper: Reducing the risk of HAIs in healthcare facilities
The white paper discusses in detail four options used to mitigate transmission of waterborne bacteria
Market Data | Sep 2, 2016
Nonresidential spending inches lower in July while June data is upwardly revised to eight-year record
Nonresidential construction spending has been suppressed over the last year or so with the primary factor being the lack of momentum in public spending.
Industry Research | Sep 1, 2016
CannonDesign releases infographic to better help universities obtain more R&D funding
CannonDesign releases infographic to better help universities obtain more R&D funding.
Industry Research | Aug 25, 2016
Building bonds: The role of 'trusted advisor' is earned not acquired
A trusted advisor acts as a guiding partner over the full course of a professional relationship.
