Committees

NCARB relies on the work of hundreds of volunteer architects each year from our Member Boards to guide our programs and services. The work of each committee is forwarded to the Board of Directors for review and possible action.

Standing Committees

Committee on Procedures and Documents
The Committee studies the effectiveness and use of existing procedures and documents and receives and collects recommendations concerning adjustments and revisions of Council documents. The Committee incorporates the changes into revised documents for appropriate action by the Council, such as resolutions to be voted on at the Annual Meeting. The Committee also interprets Council standards relating to the qualifications for NCARB certification and reviews impediments to interstate architectural practice and recommends ways to eliminate them.

Member Board Executives Committee
The Committee studies the effectiveness of services the Council provides to its Member Boards and receives suggestions from Member Board Members, Member Board Executives, and others as to ways in which those services may be improved. The Committee also plans workshops for the staff of Member Boards.

Committee on Professional Conduct
The Committee studies the responsibilities of Member Boards that relate to the conduct of registered architects. It reviews policies and practices relating to the conduct and professional development of NCARB Certificate holders. It reviews disciplinary actions taken by Member Boards or courts of law against Certificate holders and recommends revocation of certification to the Board of Directors as warranted.

ARE-Related Committees

Committee on Examination
The Committee coordinates the preparation of the Architect Registration Examination^® (ARE^®) for use by Member Boards.  It reviews grading methods and procedures and recommends the standard for passing the examination. It also evaluates the effectiveness of examination procedures and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors for any necessary changes.

ARE Subcommittee
The ARE Subcommittee is responsible for writing, editing, and pretesting the multiple-choice items and graphic vignettes used in the seven divisions of the ARE. 

Programming, Planning & Practice Subcommittee
This division of the examination covers the application of project development knowledge and skills relating to architectural programming; environmental, social, and economic issues; codes and regulations; and project and practice management.

Structural Systems Subcommittee
This division of the examination covers the identification and incorporation of general structural and lateral force principles in the design and construction of buildings.

Building Systems Subcommittee
This division of the examination covers the evaluation, selection, and integration of mechanical, electrical, and specialty systems in building design and construction.

Building Design & Construction Systems Subcommittee
This division of the examination covers the application of knowledge and skills of building design and construction, including environmental, social, and economic issues, and project and practice management.

Construction Documents & Services Subcommittee
This division of the examination covers the application of project management and professional practice knowledge and skills, including the preparation of contract documents and contract administration.

Site Planning & Design Subcommittee
This division of the examination covers the application of knowledge and skills of site planning and design including environmental, social, and economic issues, and project and practice management.

Graphic Vignettes Subcommittee
These two groups develop the graphic vignette simulations that are included in all seven divisions of the ARE.

Grading Subcommittee
The Grading Subcommittee is responsible for the development and application of the grading criteria to be used on solutions to vignette scripts. The scoring engines and statistical performance of each script are continually monitored by random-sampling of actual candidate solutions throughout the year.

ARE Research & Development Subcommittee
This committee studies the future of the ARE and will begin the development of ARE 5.0. 

Education-Related Committees

Committee on Education
The Committee reviews Council policies and practices relating to the education of persons seeking to become architects. The Committee oversees the EESA evaluation process that is performed by NAAB and hears final appeals from applicants who do not agree with the EESA evaluation of their foreign education. The Committee also investigates the education requirement in foreign countries that have signed agreements with NCARB.

Committee on Professional Development
The Committee oversees the Council’s continuing education program and reviews Council policies and practices relating to professional development. Committee members review the outlines and drafts of new monographs submitted by authors. They also prepare the questions, the quizzes, and monitor their performance.

Broadly Experienced Architect (BEA) Committee
The Committee reviews dossiers and interviews eligible candidates to determine if they meet the NCARB education standard for certification. It evaluates the program for degree of rigor, fairness, and non-bureaucratic procedures, and compiles statistics on the number of applicants, their status, and educational background.

Practice Education Committee
The Committee establishes the entry and jury procedures and requirements for the NCARB Prize for Creative Integration of Practice and Education in the Academy and the NCARB Grant Program For the Integration of Practice and Education in the Academy.

IDP-Related Committees

Committee on the Intern Development Program (IDP)
The Committee monitors the Intern Development Program’s training criteria and record keeping process. Working with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), and the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), the Committee contributes suggestions for improving IDP’s supplementary education and mentorship components, and develops strategies to ensure participation by students, faculty, interns, and architects.  The Committee oversees information contained in the document IDP Guidelines on an annual basis.  The Committee's recommendations for revisions to the IDP training requirements are forwarded to the Procedures and Documents Committee for further study.

IDP Advisory Committee (IDPAC)
The Committee coordinates the internship-related activities between and among NCARB and the AIA, ACSA, AIAS, and the Society for Design Administrators (SDA). Reports, recommendations, etc. made on behalf of the IDPAC are advisory to the NCARB and AIA Board of Directors. Results of its deliberations provide feedback to the participatory organizations to increase the effectiveness of all aspects to the IDP.