Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect Program

NCARB certification requires satisfaction of the education, training, and examination requirements outlined in the NCARB Handbook for Interns and Architects:

• Good character – Verified by employers and an NCARB Member Board where you are registered
• Education – Completion of a professional degree in architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) no later than two years after your graduation, or hold a professional degree in architecture, certified by the CACB, from a Canadian university
• Training – Satisfaction of the Intern Development Program (IDP) Training Requirement or satisfaction of alternate requirements as specified in the Handbook for Interns and Architects
• Examination – Passing the NCARB Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) or past equivalent
• Registration – Current registration to practice issued by an NCARB Member Board

BEFA Eligibility - Foreign architects are eligible to apply for an NCARB Certificate through the Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect (BEFA) Program if they:

• Hold credential as an architect in countries NCARB determines offer reasonable reciprocal credentialing opportunities for U.S. architects
• Have graduated with a professional degree in architecture from an accredited/ validated/officially recognized architecture program
• Are currently credentialed as an architect in a country other than the United States and Canada (NCARB provides certification for architects registered in Canada) that:
• Has a formal record keeping method for disciplinary actions for architects, and
• Provides reasonable reciprocal credentialing opportunities for U.S. architects
• Have completed a minimum of seven years of comprehensive, unlimited practice as a credentialed architect over which the applicant exercised responsible control in the foreign country where the applicant is credentialed

The BEFA Program allows foreign architects to demonstrate competence to independently practice architecture, while protecting the public health, safety, and welfare to meet the examination requirement of NCARB certification.

To learn more about BEFA Program Process, click here.