The latest architect licensing data indicates that the time to become an architect has decreased to an average of 12.5 years—from the time a student enrolls in school to the moment they receive a license. This is the eighth year in a row that the timeline to licensure has shortened, according to data from the 2017 edition of NCARB by the Numbers. This trend is driven by candidates completing the experience and examination programs concurrently and more quickly.
Released annually by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), NCARB by the Numbers provides exclusive insight into the number of U.S. architects, the pool of candidates working toward licensure, and diversity in the profession.
Over the past decade, NCARB has worked with licensing boards to streamline, update, and align two key pillars on the path to licensure: the Architectural Experience Program™ (AXP™) and Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®). These efficiencies have led to a reduction in completion times. Plus, newly licensed architects are increasingly overlapping these two programs. As a result, the time it takes to earn a license has gradually improved, with architects earning a license 9.6 months sooner than in 2015.
A closer look reveals that architects who earned an initial license in 2016 completed the AXP and ARE in just under six years. For comparison, architects licensed in 2015 took just under seven years to complete the two programs.
“By updating our programs to reflect the realities of modern practice, candidates can now pursue licensure in a way that ts their lifestyle,” said NCARB President Kristine Harding, NCARB, AIA. “With guidance from our licensing boards, NCARB has been able to open doors to a new pool of candidates while maintaining the rigor needed to protect the public’s safety.”
NCARB’s data also reveals that new architects are slightly younger. In 2016, the average age of a newly licensed architect was 32, an eight-month drop from the previous year. This marks the eighth year in a row that this benchmark has decreased, with architects earning a license 2.8 years sooner than a decade ago.
The full 2017 edition of NCARB by the Numbers will be available in July. To learn more about NCARB’s data, visit www.ncarb.org.
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.
