Six-Month Rule FAQs

How will the Six-Month Rule impact reporting of short-term employment, such as summer internships or employment periods of less than six months in duration?
Short-term employment must be reported within an experience reporting period of no longer than six months and within two months of completion of the reporting period. See Example 3.

Can I loose experience for administrative delays?
Once an intern enters qualified training hours into the automated system, they will not be penalized by losing training hours for delays in processing caused by their supervisor or NCARB. NCARB will electronically notify the intern’s supervisor that they have submitted a report for their review and discussion with their intern. In other words, once an intern submits training hours by entering them into their Record online, those hours are “protected” from the reporting requirement of the Six-Month Rule while any loose ends are tied up. An intern can only lose the submitted training hours if they are deemed invalid by the supervisor, or they are not earned in accordance with the rules of the IDP. See Example 2

Can an individual apply for an extension?
Yes. The Six-Month Rule provides for a reasonable extension of the reporting period where it is prevented by the birth or adoption of a child, by a serious medical condition, by active duty in military service, or by other like causes. See Examples 5-7. Also see the Six-Month Rule Extensions section. Click here for the application.

Why is there a Six-Month Rule?
The Six-Month Rule is a reporting requirement that will help interns, together with their supervisors, identify and target deficient training areas sooner rather than later so that they can request exposure to such experience promptly.

When was the Six-Month Rule voted on?
At the Annual Meeting in June 2008, NCARB’s Member Boards voted 49-1 in favor of implementing Resolution 2008-07 aka the Six-Month Rule.

More Questions? Contact customerservice@ncarb.org