What are the operating hours for NCARB Customer Service?
NCARB Customer Service is available to answer questions Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding holidays.
How do I contact NCARB customer service?
What is NAAB?
How do I verify my education with NCARB?
In order for NCARB to receive a transcript from your educational institution, you will need to download, complete, and send the transcript form to your school. Many schools will allow you to request your transcripts online without the transcript form. Please be sure to reference your NCARB Record number on your request.
If your education is from an institution within the United States or Canada, have your transcript mailed to NCARB directly from your college or university. NCARB cannot accept student-issued transcripts.
If you were educated outside the United States or Canada and do not have a NAAB-or CAAB-accredited degree, you must get your post-secondary education evaluated by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Do not use the transcript form and do not have your transcript(s) sent to NCARB. Contact NAAB.
Is it possible to seek registration if I have a foreign education?
Yes, many jurisdictions have procedures for considering a foreign education.
Most jurisdictions require that:
You may review the different jurisdictional requirements by visiting our registration board requirements section.
What is an EESA-NCARB evaluation?
NAAB administers the Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA-NCARB) program, which evaluates non-NAAB accredited degrees and the credentials of foreign educated applicants against the NCARB Education Standard.
I have a Bachelor of Architecture degree from a foreign program and a Master of Architecture degree from a U.S. program. Will I be required to have an EESA-NCARB evaluation?
What is the Intern Development Program (IDP)?
Who is considered an intern?
How do I begin the Intern Development Program?
The first step is to establish an NCARB Record.
You will receive e-mail instructions on how to proceed. For more information about the IDP, download the IDP Guidelines.
When can I start the IDP?
You can start the IDP once you have established an NCARB Record and met the requirements of an IDP elgibility date. All of the requirements for starting the program are outlined in the IDP Guidelines and the Getting Started section.
What is an IDP eligibility date?
An IDP eligibility date is the date on or after which you are able to earn IDP experience. It is determined based on your education or experience.
For experience earned on or after 1 October 2010, you must satisfy one of the current IDP eligibility dates outlined in the IDP Guidelines.Please refer to Appendix A of the IDP Guidelines to learn how to establish an IDP eligibility date that is prior to 1 October 2010.
You only need to establish your IDP eligibility date once.
How is an IDP eligibility date determined?
An IDP eligibility date is determined based on your education or experience. To establish an IDP eligibility date on or after 1 October 2010, you must document one of the following:
For experience earned on or after 1 October 2010, you may document your IDP eligibility date using one of the IDP eligibility date forms available on the Getting Started page.
Please refer to Appendix A of the IDP Guidelines to learn how to document an IDP eligibility date that is prior to 1 October 2010.
Do I need to have an established IDP eligibility date to report experience?
If I have already established an IDP eligibility date prior to 1 October 2010, do I need to establish one under the new rules?
No. Once your IDP eligibility date has been established, it is set for all experience earned on or after that date.
If I have already submitted experience prior to 1 October 2010 through the e-EVR and I have not yet established my eligibility date, what do I need to do?
Since you have reported experience prior to 1 October 2010, you will need to establish your IDP eligibility date based on the rules that were in effect prior to 1 October 2010.
Please refer to Appendix A of the IDP Guidelines to learn how to establish an IDP eligibility date that is prior to 1 October 2010.
When I am reporting experience will I be able to tell if my IDP eligibility date has been established?
Yes. When you are reporting experience in My NCARB and you do not have an IDP eligibility date, you will see the warning, “Your IDP eligibility date has not been established.” This warning will not prevent you from reporting. However, once your IDP eligibility date is established, any experience you have submitted that was earned prior to your eligibility date will not be accepted.
If you have already documented your IDP eligibility date and are seeing this warning, please contact NCARB Customer Service.
Your IDP eligibility date is determined based on your education or experience.
For experience earned on after 1 October 2010, you may document your IDP eligibility date using one of the IDP eligibility date forms available in the IDP Guidelines or on the Getting Started page.
How much does it cost to participate in the IDP?
There is an application fee to establish your NCARB Record. You must have established your NCARB Record to document your IDP experience. For the current intern application fee, please refer to the How much does IDP cost? page.
The online application charges the application fee based on your graduation date. If you are currently in school or are within six months of graduation, you have a choice of paying the partial student application fee or the full fee. If you chose the partial application fee, the balance will be due before your Record is transmitted to a jurisdiction in support of your application for the ARE. Please check your graduation date and select the payment option you prefer within the online application.
What is the IDP training requirement?
Are there rules about where I need to work to gain IDP experience?
What is my IDP work setting?
Your IDP work setting is where you work and who you work for. The most common IDP work setting is under the direct supervision of a registered architect in a firm encompassing the comprehensive practice of architecture (see work setting A). You may earn experience in other work settings; however, there are limitations to the amount of experience that can be earned in alternate work settings. All of the work setting descriptions and limitations are outlined in the IDP Guidelines.
How do I report my experience?
You report your experience through the NCARB electronic Experience Verification Reporting system (e-EVR).
What is the difference between "Category Minimums" and "Program Minimums"?
Can I receive any IDP experience credit for my foreign employment?
In general, you can receive up to one year of credit for foreign employment that occurred under the direct supervision of an architect registered in that country. If your direct supervisor was registered in a U.S. jurisdiction, you can usually receive unlimited credit.
Is there any way to earn IDP experience if I am unemployed?
Yes. You may earn IDP experience through supplementary education whether or not you are employed.
All of the opportunities available through supplementary education are explained in the IDP Guidelines.
How do I get the most out of my internship?
How do I help my employers understand the IDP?
How does completing IDP relate to getting an NCARB Certificate?
Should I complete IDP even if my current jurisdiction does not require it?
Even if your current jurisdiction does not require IDP, many jurisdictions will require completion of IDP as a requirement to achieve reciprocity. You may review the different jurisdictional requirements on the State Board Licensing Requirements section.
It is also a requirement to earn an NCARB Certificate.
Will there be a transition period for IDP 2.0?
No, as each phase of IDP 2.0 is implemented, all changes to the program will be applicable to all interns currently participating in the IDP. At no point during the rollout of IDP 2.0 will any intern lose experience hours that have already been reported and approved.
The lowest denomination of hours the system will accept is .25 hours.
What if my jurisdiction still requires training units?
Some jurisdictional laws and regulations may still reference training units. Although My NCARB systems are denominated in training hours from the intern and supervisor’s perspective, some of NCARB’s "behind-the-scenes" systems will continue to reflect training units, and your jurisdiction will still be corresponding with NCARB in terms of training units. To avoid confusion, please be aware if you are referencing training hours or training units when corresponding with NCARB or your jurisdiction. One training unit equals eight training hours.
What happens if an experience report is submitted in training units after the e-EVR has been switched to training hours?
Will a new IDP Workbook be available?
Yes, an IDP Workbook is available reflecting this change.
What is the Six-Month Rule, and how will it affect me?
Why is there a Six-Month Rule?
Can I lose experience for administrative delays?
Once an intern enters qualified hours into the e-EVR system, they will not be penalized by losing 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 hours by entering them into their Record online, those hours are “protected” from the Six-Month Rule while any loose ends are tied up. An intern can only lose the submitted 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 in the Six-Month Rule Examples section for more information.
Can an individual apply for an extension to the requirements of the Six-month rule?
When was the Six-Month Rule voted on?
If I am unemployed, do I need to be concerned about the Six-Month Rule?
All interns must comply with the Six-Month Rule when submitting work experience or supplementary education. If you are unemployed, you do not have any work experience to report, and therefore do not need to submit a work experience report. However, if you take advantage of the Supplementary Education opportunities that are available for IDP credit while unemployed, then you will need to submit that experience in compliance with the Six-Month Rule.
What is the e-EVR?
The e-EVR is an acronym for NCARB's electronic Experience Verification Reporting system. NCARB Record holders are able to document their experience reports online through My NCARB. Each time you submit a report, your supervisor receives an e-mail notification with a link to their report. Once the supervisor has created a profile in the system, they can review and approve all your experience reports online.
Your Record is updated immediately, and you can log in to My NCARB at any time to view your progress.
How do I access the e-EVR?
"Saved" experience reports are hours you have entered for a specific reporting period, but have not yet submitted to your IDP supervisor for approval. You may make changes to your "saved" experience any time until you submit your report
"Submitted" experience reports are hours you have submitted to your supervisor, but have not yet been approved. You may not make changes to an experience report once you have submitted it to your IDP supervisor for approval and certification of the accuracy.
"Approved" experience reports are hours your supervisor has verified and are now included in your IDP hour totals.
If you need to make adjustments to an experience report you have submitted to your IDP supervisor for approval, you must have your supervisor select the "Return for Edits" option. This action will cause the experience report to be returned to you so that you can correct it and resubmit it.
NOTE: Your supervisor has a third option to permanently reject your report. This is only intended to be used if they do not agree that you performed any of the work noted on your submission or that your professional conduct or technical competence were unsatisfactory. If your supervisor rejects your submission, you will need to discuss this with them directly to see if a resolution is available. If this needs to be changed, the supervisor would need to contact NCARB directly.
Yes, all previously submitted and accepted hours are included in the IDP summary you see on your e-EVR home page.
How does my IDP experience get verified using the e-EVR?
Am I required to use e-EVR or can I submit a paper version for employment verification?
Paper forms are no longer accepted.
There is an option to print paper reports out of the e-EVR system, but there are limitations and restrictions to this approach and this option should only be utilized out of necessity, such as when your IDP supervisor does not have an e-mail account.
Please note: This option will be eliminated when the final phase of IDP 2.0 is implemented in April 2012.
What is the difference between a "Warning" and an "Error" in my message center?
A "Warning" in the message center alerts you to the potential for a mistake in your report that could lead to rejection by your supervisor or NCARB. You may proceed with your submission despite a warning message.
An "Error" message alerts you to a mistake that must be corrected before you can submit your experience report. Error messages are most often problems such as overlapping reporting periods or submitting too many training hours for the reporting period. You may not submit an experience report until all "error" messages have been addressed and no longer appear in your message center.
Why am I unable to enter training hours in Category A and/or B?
Can I enter two forms into the e-EVR for the same reporting period if I am working full time at one firm and part time at another firm?
Yes, the e-EVR will accept the two employments while providing you a warning regarding overlapping experience reports. You will need to accept the warning message in the e-EVR. NCARB may require additional documentation from your employers.
Once the e-EVR indicates that you have completed the requirements for the IDP, your Record will automatically be placed in the queue for a final evaluation. After this evaluation, which currently takes between 30-45 days, you will be updated by NCARB staff regarding your status and the next steps you'll need to take.
Will NCARB automatically send my Record to my state when I complete IDP?
How do I add an experience report for an employer already in the system?
Select "My Employers" in the bar at the top of the e-EVR screen; locate the employer and select "Add Experience."
How do I add a new experience report in the e-EVR?
Select "My Experience" in the bar at the top of the e-EVR screen. Select "Add New Experience" and enter the information requested.
How do I edit a "Saved" experience report?
Select "My Experience" in the bar at the top of the e-EVR screen, locate the desired experience, and click "View." Select "Edit" and make any changes necessary. The experience is saved automatically until you either "Submit" or "Delete" the report. Until then, you can make changes as often as you like, including updating the training hours daily to reflect work completed that same day. However, once you submit the report to your supervisor you will not be able to edit it unless your supervisor returns the report for edits. Please make sure you are satisfied with the completeness and accuracy of the report before submitting it for verification.
Am I able to delete experience reports through the e-EVR?
Whom do I contact to schedule an appointment for the ARE?
What kind of identification should I bring to the testing center?
Can I reschedule my appointment and not lose my test fee?
What do I do if my eligibility is not in the system?
Can my eligibility period be changed or extended?
It may be possible to extend or change your eligibility to take an exam. Your board of architecture is responsible for establishing eligibility periods. You must call your board for any changes.
What do I do if I have not received my Authorization to Test (ATT)?
When your board of architecture transmits your eligibility to the ARE Helpdesk, an Authorization to Test is automatically generated. If you feel that you should have received it already, please call the ARE Helpdesk at 800/896-2272.
Whom do I contact if I have changed my name and/or address?
If you need to change your name and/or address, you must first call your board of architecture. It is imperative that this be done so that your Authorization to Test matches the identification you will provide at the testing center. Additionally, you must notify NCARB of this change to ensure that you receive all important updates related to the ARE.
(NOTE: If you have made your appointment prior to changing your name and/or address, your new information will not appear on the check-in screen at the test center.)
Whom do I contact if I have a question or concern regarding my ARE testing experience?
If you have any comments or questions concerning your examination, direct your comments in writing to the following address within 10 days following your test administration:
ARE Helpdesk 1501 South Clinton Street Baltimore, MD 21224 609/895-5022 FAX
A copy of this letter should be forwarded to your board of architecture. You will receive a reply from NCARB, Prometric, or your board of architecture as appropriate.
If you have any type of problem or a concern regarding your ARE testing experience, please contact the ARE Helpdesk (800/896-2272) to report your concerns immediately. DO NOT wait to receive your test results before expressing your concerns. NCARB policy does not allow for response to complaints received more than 10 days following your test date and does not allow for response to complaints sent to any other address than that of the ARE Helpdesk. The filing of a report by the test center administrator does NOT satisfy the requirements of notifying the ARE Helpdesk directly.
What does the “Confidentiality Agreement” mean?
How long after I take the exam will I receive my scores?
How are the vignettes scored?
The vignettes are scored by computer scoring engines, which have been programmed to objectively evaluate each solution for compliance to the specific vignette’s requirement.
Is there only one correct solution to each vignette?
Why do I have to wait six months until I can retake a failed division?
This rule was established for two reasons. First, NCARB has a library of test questions and vignettes, but the library is not of sufficient size to offer each division of the exam more than once every six months to any given candidate. Second, it is important to spend the time between test administrations gaining additional knowledge and experience in the particular areas being tested.
If I pass all divisions of the ARE, does that mean I am certified by NCARB?
How many exam divisions are there in ARE 4.0 and how are they structured?
Aside from the vignettes being paired with multiple-choice questions, what else changed with the implementation of ARE 4.0?
What software does the exam use?
The software used to solve the vignettes is proprietary to the examination and is not commercially available. NCARB did this for two reasons. First, it ensures that the exam does not unfairly advantage one group of candidates. Second, the software NCARB developed is specifically designed for testing, not for development of construction documents.
How do I practice the software?
Will a calculator be provided at the test center?
All divisions include an on-screen scientific calculator for your use.
Will I have the opportunity to practice with the on-screen calculator?
The vignette calculator tool is included in the downloadable practice software. The calculator used in the multiple-choice sections of each exam is very similar to the Windows scientific calculator.
For the graphic vignette sections of the exam, will I be able to move from one vignette to another?
Yes. You are able to stop working on one vignette, move to a second or third vignette, come back to the first, etc., within each section of vignettes. However, once you choose to exit that section of vignettes, you cannot return to them. You do not need to save your work, as it is automatically saved approximately every minute. Each time you leave a vignette to move to another vignette your work also is saved.
How accurate do I need to be in solving the graphic vignettes?
You must be as accurate as possible when creating your solutions since more accurate information will result in more accurate scoring. Use the “zoom” tool and the “full-screen cursor” to make it easier to create more accurate solutions. A “check” tool is provided in several vignettes to help you identify problem areas such as overlapping elements. Tolerances are built into each scoring program that allow for slight inaccuracies. These tolerances vary from vignette to vignette based on the importance of the feature being evaluated.
Will I be able to print out my solutions to check them at the test center?
How do I know what to study?
Why doesn’t NCARB produce more comprehensive study materials for the ARE?
How are the multiple-choice questions given on a computer?
A brief tutorial is delivered before each division to explain how to move from one question to the next. Each multiple-choice section consists of a fixed number of questions delivered within a maximum time limit. Within each multiple-choice section, some questions are being pretested and do not affect your actual test score. These pretest questions are being evaluated and may be included as scored items in future editions of the test.
In the multiple-choice sections, am I able to review or change my answers?
You will only see one question at a time; however, you can go back to review and/or change answers. It is possible to look at each question, answer it, and move on without going back. It is also possible to answer a question and mark it for later review. Additionally, you will have the option to skip a question and come back to it later.
If I don't complete a multiple-choice question, will the question be counted wrong?
Yes, all unanswered questions are counted wrong.
How are the Alternate-Item-Type (AIT) questions different from regular multiple-choice questions?
How many AIT questions will be on my test? Is it a set percentage? A range?
Approximately 10-15 percent of each division will be AIT questions.
Will I be given more time to answer the AIT questions?
The maximum time allowed for each division includes adequate time to answer these questions.
Do the AIT questions count more than a regular multiple-choice question?
No, all questions are scored equally.
Can I get partial credit on the AIT questions?
No partial credit is given.
How do I register to take the ARE?
Contact the registration board in the jurisdiction in which you wish to become licensed in to apply to take the exam. Your board will provide you with all application requirements. Although NCARB develops the ARE, it does not register candidates to take the exam. For jurisdictions that participate in the Direct Registration or Direct Eligibility programs, NCARB does process candidate exam eligibilities based upon their jurisdiction’s requirements.
Am I eligible to sit for the ARE prior to completion of IDP?
When is the computer-based exam given?
How do I locate a test center?
Do I have to take the exam at a test center within the borders of the state or province where I am seeking my initial license (registration)?
No. NCARB’s computer-based format removes geographical barriers. For instance, a candidate who started taking the exam in Texas, and now lives in New York, will be able to take the exam at any conveniently located test center, rather than having to return to Texas. Scores will be forwarded to the initial jurisdiction where you are seeking registration.
Who develops the ARE?
The development of the ARE is a lengthy process that involves thousands of hours of work by hundreds of volunteer architects from all over the United States and Canada. Several times a year, the various exam committees meet to write questions, evaluate scoring engines, and make recommendations related to the long-term future of the ARE.
Who decides what changes will take place in the exam?
Why is it necessary to periodically update the exam?
Architecture is a continuously evolving profession and the practice of architecture has changed considerably since NCARB launched the first registration exam in 1965. Exam content and format goes through deliberate, studied, and controlled evaluation on a regular basis. Content is updated to reflect current architectural practices and technological changes are incorporated to more accurately assess the abilities of today’s candidate. Throughout all versions of the ARE and its predecessors, the goal of the exam has remained the same: to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public by providing a psychometrically justifiable and legally defensible examination that measures the level of competency necessary to practice architecture independently.
Does NCARB make a profit from the exam fees?
No, the opposite is actually true. The ARE is heavily subsidized by NCARB. The income generated by the administration of the ARE covers only a portion of the expenses related to the development and administration of the examination. The remainder of the expenses is covered by income generated by other programs operated by the Council.
Why does it cost so much to develop exam content?
Before a vignette or multiple-choice item is added to the exam it must be written, reviewed, edited, and thoroughly pretested. Prometric, NCARB’s test consultant, evaluates the psychometric data on each pretested item to determine if it meets established requirements to be included on the exam. Any item—multiple-choice question or vignette—that isn’t performing as expected is revised or thrown out. The rewritten items go back for another round of pretesting. Only items that perform acceptably during pretesting are included as a scored item in an actual exam. This process takes a minimum of two years from concept to becoming a scored item.
What is NCARB doing to prevent further disclosure of exam content?
How much does it cost to take the ARE?
Each division costs $210.
If I make an appointment now, will I be able to cancel or reschedule it?
For more information about rescheduling an appointment, please refer to the ARE Guidelines, which can be downloaded from the NCARB website.
The candidates who expose exam content are sanctioned by having exam scores canceled and testing privileges suspended. While further action against candidates who violate the Confidentiality Agreement to recover a portion of the financial losses is an option, the high cost of pursuing legal action would likely negate any amount that could be recovered from an exam candidate. In the meantime, NCARB has a responsibility to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public by providing a psychometrically justifiable and legally defensible examination that measures the level of competence necessary to practice architecture independently.
What is the ARE passing standard?
The passing standard (i.e., the number of questions you have to get right) is the same for every registration board. It is not affected by the number of candidates who pass or fail each examination. There is no fixed percentage of candidates who pass or fail the ARE.
Does NCARB have a retake quota?
NCARB doesn't have a retake quota or profit margin it has to meet. The ARE is heavily subsidized by other NCARB operations. The income generated by candidate fees only covers a portion (about half) of the actual expense necessary to support the development and administration of the exam.
Why can't I see my score instantly?
What happens to my test data after I finish my exam?
How do the scoring engines work to determine a final pass or fail?
Why can't Prometric just mail me the score report directly?
Why doesn't NCARB give more information on why I failed an exam?
You receive limited diagnostic information for each failed division because the ARE is a licensing examination developed to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public—as such, you are required to demonstrate your knowledge, skill, and ability. The ARE is not intended to be a teaching tool nor is it designed as a placement or certification examination.
NCARB’s mission is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public--how does disclosing information from the ARE undermine the mission?
As a high stakes licensure exam, the ARE is designed to measure the minimum competence of the knowledge, skills, and abilities that architects must possess in order to safely practice architecture independently. The disclosure of content tested by the ARE diminishes the reliability and defensibility of the exam and ultimately undermines the integrity of the process. If someone passes the ARE because they were exposed to exam content prior to taking the test, they could become licensed even if they are not competent. This could endanger the health, safety, and welfare of the public, which is not good for the public or our profession.
What constitutes “disclosure” of exam content?
“Disclosure” means sharing the substance or details of any test questions, vignettes or other graphics and/or alleged answers with anyone via electronic, written, or verbal means. This includes any attempt to reproduce, paraphrase, summarize, or describe any test content from memory after leaving the testing room.
Disclosure includes both the initial disclosure by a test taker and any further dissemination of ARE content by others. These prohibitions on disclosure also apply to forwarding, re-posting, or other distribution of ARE content that others have disclosed.
How does that differ from “cheating” on the exam?
The biggest difference is that “cheating” occurs during the course of your examination. Disclosure typically occurs after your exam.
What does NCARB consider cheating?
Before taking any division of the ARE and seeing any questions on the exam, candidates are required to agree to the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement. What are the consequences of breaking the Confidentiality Agreement?
1. A warning letter 2. OR any or all of the following
What are the most recent examples of disciplinary action taken by the Board of Directors?
The Confidentiality Agreement says that a candidate agrees not to disclose any of the content of the exam “before, during, or after” the exam. How can does a candidate disclose material contained in an exam that they haven’t taken yet?
Disclosure includes “forwarding, re-posting, or other distribution of ARE content that others have disclosed.” Actively seeking exam content or forwarding it once you acquire it is also a violation. While you may not have agreed to this confidentiality Agreement yet, you are still in violation of U.S. copyright protection. Every question and vignette included on the ARE is copyrighted.
How does a candidate help their peers without breaking the Confidentiality Agreement?
After taking an exam, you are welcome to tell people about your experience when scheduling, at the test center, your score report, or how you prepared for the exam. When you are sharing your preparation experience, you may tell others what books, classes, or other resources you used. But do not attempt to paraphrase or describe any of the questions or vignettes on your exam.
What can someone do to prevent cheating or disclosure of exam content on the internet?
If you come back from your test and want to share your experience, but don’t want to go too far, call NCARB and ask to speak to the ARE directorate. Someone there will be able to help you determine what you are and are not allowed to share.
It is probably hard for most people to prevent other candidates from exposing exam content. But, as long as you aren’t asking for the information or passing it on once you find it, you are doing as much as you can.
Discouraging inappropriate sharing of information by posting comments on known forums is also an option.
Is a person obligated to report people who cheat or disclose exam content?
Through the internet a candidate can find lots of lists of things to study for each division. Why are some lists acceptable and others not?
Listings of general information are usually fine. If someone says “I just got back from my test” or “I had a vignette and I solved it like this” they are likely crossing the line.
What should a candidate do if someone asks for specific information about the exam?
Will a candidate be notified if their post crosses the line before their testing privileges are suspended?
Sometimes. If we learn that you have posted something that may be exam content, we will evaluate it against your actual exam. If we determine that it wasn’t actual exam content, you will likely get a warning letter. We would do this in hopes of preventing you from crossing the line in the future.If we determine that it does contain exam content, your case will be forwarded to the NCARB Committee on Professional Conduct (PCC) for review and action. If your first post on a web site crosses the line, the first letter will be the notice that your case is being forwarded to PCC.
At what point is an individual notified that they are being investigated?
If we determine that you have disclosed content, we make every effort to notify you as soon as possible. Typically, this will occur within a few weeks of our discovery.
When the investigation is complete, does the individual in question have an opportunity for defense?
You will have the opportunity to respond in writing to defend your actions. Your response will be provided to the PCC for review when they discuss your case.
Do these individuals have any opportunity to appeal their penalty?
Once the PCC reviews a given situation, they will make a recommendation to the NCARB Board of Directors. The Board will then review the case and take final action. Action by the NCARB Board is final.
How does disclosure of exam content affect candidates?
When candidates disclose information, NCARB works with Prometric to determine the impact on the exam. If NCARB needs to turn exam content off, this impacts all candidates now and in the future. If we find that we need to turn off substantial amounts of content, our ability to continuously deliver the ARE is jeopardized.
Is NCARB going to increase the amount of time a candidate has to wait to retake a previously failed division?
Not at this time, but should we feel that a division has been compromised, we will reconsider this option.
How is the NCARB Grant different from the NCARB Prize?
The NCARB Grant was created to support new educational initiatives that integrate practice and education, while the NCARB Prize was designed to showcase and reward current diverse programs and activities that integrate practice and education in an academic setting.
Will NCARB reinstate the NCARB Prize Program?
NCARB does not have plans to reinstate the NCARB Prize Program. NCARB is increasing focus on the NCARB Grant Program and will continue to support the academy through the NCARB Grant.
Are there any new review criteria for the NCARB Grant proposals?
How do the NCARB Grant Program objectives relate to the school's objectives?
The NCARB Grant and its objectives support architecture schools' efforts to create academic initiatives that will have a long-term, ongoing impact on architecture students, faculty, and the curriculum by integrating practice and education in the academy. Within the larger objective of integrating of practice and education in the academy, the NCARB Grant criteria includes two specific issues: raising student awareness about issues central to practice and the architect's responsibility for the public health, safety, and welfare. These and other objectives are aligned with the NAAB 2009 Conditions for Accreditation that "define minimum standards that professional degree programs in architecture are expected to meet in order to ensure that students are prepared to move to the next steps in their careers including internship and licensure."
What is "the Boyer Report?"
The "Boyer Report," the informal name for Building Community: A New Future for Architecture, Education, and Practice, was a study of architecture education and practice undertaken by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The report is referred to as "The Boyer Report" in recognition of Dr. Ernest Boyer, a noted educator, former U.S. Commissioner of Education, and co-author. The report identified a "sense of disconnection... between the two separate worlds of architecture education and practice." The 30-month study examined architecture programs and architecture firms and surveyed students, faculty, administration, alumni, interns, and architects. The study was significant because it drew attention to "the gulf dividing architecture schools and the practice world [that] has grown perilously wide."
The Boyer Report is out of print and I cannot find a copy online. How do I find out more about the Boyer Report?
Although the Boyer Report is out of print, architecture libraries may have a copy. NCARB undertook a review of the report to evaluate issues and recommendations that the report raised. These are summarized in the Report of the NCARB Carnegie/Boyer Review Task Force, which is available on the NCARB website here.
What is the 2007 Practice Analysis of Architecture?
The 2007 Practice Analysis of Architecture is one of several periodic studies that NCARB regularly undertakes to determine the tasks and knowledge/skills that are important to the competent performance of recently licensed architects. The results of the 2007 Practice Analysis of Architecture provide a psychometrically valid foundation of empirically derived data upon which the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) and the Intern Development Program (IDP) are based.
Why are the 2007 Practice Analysis of Architecture and the Boyer Report relevant to the NCARB Grant Program?
The NCARB Grant was created to support creation of educational initiatives that integrate practice and education in the academy. Both documents outline a variety of issues that are central to the integration of practice and education in the academy that faculty members may want to reference. Within the larger objective of integrating of practice and education, the NCARB Grant Program allows faculty members to develop proposals that respond to these criteria in relation to their institution's specific context and needs.
Why has the Grant proposal form become more complex over the past few years?
Although the Grant proposal form requires more information than in previous years, it has been developed to focus on key concepts and elements of proposals. Faculty members can use this to help them develop proposals and focus on key issues that are important for the review process and facilitate the development of their ideas and concepts. It is intended to focus on aspects of projects that they might overlook and also ensure that all required information is submitted.
Based on previous proposals, what suggestions do you have to make the submission process more effective?
Following are some pointers that may be beneficial:
Is the NCARB Grant an annual program?
Yes, the NCARB Grant is an annual program. Each grant is for a one-year term time period; projects must begin in January and be offered no later than the following fall term.
What is the schedule for the 2012 NCARB Grant Program?
It is anticipated that the 2012 NCARB Grant Program schedule will be similar to the 2011 NCARB Grant Program.
Who are NCARB Practice Education Committee members?
Members of the Practice Education Committee are volunteers from NCARB Member Boards (the 54 U.S. architect registration boards). All committee members are architects.
Will the committee provide feedback on my proposal?
No, due to the number of proposals, the committee is not able to provide feedback on individual proposals.
If awarded an NCARB Grant, when are projects required to start?
Projects are required to begin development in January and the class/seminar/studio should be offered no later than the following fall term.
Are there any other conditions related to the award of an NCARB Grant?
Yes, NCARB Grant recipients will receive a copy of award conditions that specify the terms and conditions of the NCARB Grant and requirements for interim and final reports.
What are NCARB Grant award conditions?
NCARB Grant award conditions require submission of interim and final reports and supporting documents to describe the proposal development and implementation. Supporting documents include letters from school administration and non-faculty architect practitioners, budgets, course descriptions, and syllabi.
What was the 2010 NCARB Grant award amount?
The 2010 NCARB Grant award amount was a total of $10,000 divided among three awards.
Is there any flexibility with the interpretation of the format and submission requirements?
No, proposals are required to meet all format and submission requirements and include all required information and documents. Incomplete proposals and proposals that do not meet format and submission requirements will not be accepted. For example, if a proposal does not include one of the required documents, it will be disqualified. If a proposal is not submitted in PDF format and bookmarked, it will be disqualified.
Can I submit a project with a faculty member from another academic department or another institution?
Yes, you can submit projects with other faculty members from other departments or other institutions. Please note that joint projects between faculty members in different academic departments may be submitted as long as one of the faculty members is a member of the architecture school with a NAAB-accredited program or the program that is a candidate for NAAB accreditation. Faculty members may submit a joint proposal with faculty members from other academic institutions as long as at least one of the project directors from each institution is a faculty member in each institution's architecture school with a NAAB-accredited program or the program that is a candidate for NAAB accreditation.
Can someone other than a faculty member submit a proposal? For example can an architect who is not a faculty member submit a proposal?
No, proposals may only be submitted by faculty members in an architecture school with a NAAB-accredited program or the program that is a candidate for NAAB accreditation. However, architects can work with faculty members to develop proposals and be involved in the project as a non-faculty architect practitioner.
Can students submit a proposal?
No, students may not submit a proposal. Students may have ideas for projects and may discuss them with faculty members and non-faculty architect practitioners; however, proposals may only be submitted by faculty members in an architecture school with a NAAB-accredited program or the program that is a candidate for NAAB accreditation.
Are proposals pre-reviewed to see if they meet program requirements?
No, proposals are not pre-reviewed. You are encouraged to review all program information and program requirements prior to submitting proposals.
Will I be notified if my proposal does not meet all format and submission requirements?
No, it is the individual project director's responsibility to ensure that all required documents and information are provided and that all documents conform to the format and submission requirements.
Should proposals be anonymous?
No, proposals should not be anonymous; proposals and individual documents of the proposals may contain the names of institutions, project directors, and non-faculty architect practitioners, etc.
How many proposals can an individual faculty member submit for the NCARB Grant?
There is no limit to the number of proposals that an individual faculty member may submit as long as each proposal is limited to one project or initiative.
Who is eligible to submit a proposal for the NCARB Grant? Are there any restrictions on my appointment level or designation?
Faculty in architecture schools located in one of NCARB's 54 Member Board jurisdictions that have a program that is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or a program that is a candidate for NAAB accreditation are eligible. There are no restrictions on appointment levels or designations; full-time, part-time, and adjunct faculty members are eligible to submit proposals.
What are NCARB's 54 Member Board jurisdictions?
The 54 Member Board jurisdictions are the architect registration boards of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As NCARB Member Boards they elect NCARB officers and directors and work together to formulate NCARB policies, rules, and regulations in addition to their responsibility to regulate the profession of architecture in their jurisdiction. For a complete list of our 54 Member Board jurisdictions please click on the following link here.
How do I find out the accreditation status of my school?
The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)'s website has a list of all NAAB-accredited programs and programs that are candidates for NAAB accreditation. Your school should also be able to confirm if it has a program that is accredited by the NAAB or a candidate for NAAB accreditation.
My school only has a program that is eligible for candidacy for NAAB accreditation, but it has not achieved candidate status. Am I eligible to submit a proposal?
No, only faculty members in schools that have programs that are NAAB-accredited or candidates for NAAB accreditation are eligible.
Will any preference be given to projects in which the project directors are from different departments or institutions?
No, projects that include project directors from different departments or institutions will not be given preference over other projects. All submissions must meet all proposal and submission requirements. They will be assessed solely in relation to established program review criteria.
Will any preference be given to projects in which the project directors are registered architects?
No, preference will not be given to proposals in which the project director is an architect. Project directors are not required to hold registration as an architect. However, a copy of the project director's resume outlining the education, professional, and academic experience, must be included.
Who can serve as non-faculty architect practitioner?
Only architects who are currently registered in a U.S. jurisdiction may serve as a non-faculty architect practitioner. They are not required to be registered in the same jurisdiction in which the architecture school is located and they not required to be in the same location as the school as long as they are involved in significant ways.
What are the requirements for non-faculty architect practitioners?
Verification of all non-faculty architect practitioners' registration status must be provided with the proposal. Please refer to the proposal submission form for specific information required.
How many non-faculty architect practitioners must be involved in the project?
At least one non-faculty architect practitioner must be involved. However, it is important to ensure that the non-faculty architect practitioners are involved in the education of students in significant and meaningful ways.
Can engineers, interior designers, or other building professionals take the place of a non-faculty architect practitioner?
No, only architects who are currently registered in a U.S. jurisdiction are eligible to serve as a non-faculty architect practitioner. Other professionals can be involved in the project; however, at least one non-faculty architect practitioner must be involved in the project. Verification of the non-faculty architect practitioner's registration must also be included in the proposal.
We have several architects who hold part-time and adjunct appointments at our university. Can they serve as non-faculty architect practitioners?
Non-faculty architect practitioners may not include any adjunct, visiting, part-time, or full-time faculty members. They may be involved in the project; however, they do not fulfill the requirement for non-faculty architect practitioners.
My school is in a non-urban location and there are not many local architects who are able to be involved in my proposal. Are there any alternatives to local architects such as other professionals?
There is no alternative to involvement of non-faculty architect practitioners and other professionals cannot take the place of non-faculty architect practitioners. However, there is no requirement that the non-faculty architect practitioner be located in or even registered in the jurisdiction in which the school is located. You may want to consider other means of involving non-faculty architect practitioners in projects such as technology. There are no restrictions on the way in which you involve the non-faculty architect practitioner in the project as long as they are involved in significant and meaningful ways.
How is involvement of non-faculty architect practitioners defined? How much involvement is sufficient to be eligible for an award?
NCARB does not place specific requirements on the amount of or extent of involvement of non-faculty architect practitioners other than to require that the non-faculty architect practitioner be involved in significant and meaningful ways. It is the individual project director's responsibility to define this in relation to the architect, their expertise, the needs of the school, program, project, and students, as well as the individual project goals and objectives.
What if the architect's registration lapses? Can that architect still be involved in the project?
The non-faculty architect practitioner's registration must remain active during the duration of the project. It is important to ensure that it is active and that the period of registration documented in the registration verification documents is consistent with the project schedule.
Can other non-faculty architect practitioners who were not listed in the original proposal be involved in the project? Can I involve them as the project develops?
Yes, you can involve other non-faculty architect practitioners who were not included in the original proposal. However, you must still include a non-faculty architect practitioner in the proposal form and submit all required documents related to the non-faculty architect practitioner. The possibility to include other non-faculty architect practitioners in the future alone does not fulfill this eligibility requirement.
The non-faculty architect practitioner we plan to involve in our project has a large office with many employees who are not licensed architects. Can they be involved in the project and fulfill the role of the non-faculty architect practitioner?
Yes, you can involve other people in the office of the non-faculty architect practitioner who are not architects; however, they cannot take the place of the non-faculty architect practitioner.
Yes, it is eligible as long as it did not receive an award. Projects submitted in previous years that were not awarded an NCARB Grant are eligible to be submitted. Please note that you must use the current year's NCARB Grant Proposal Submission Form. Proposals using previous year's proposal submission form will not be accepted.
The NCARB Prize Program required that projects be completed or in progress at the time of submission. The NCARB Grant Program is for new projects or initiatives, so a project that met the eligibility requirement for the NCARB Prize Program would not meet eligibility requirements for the NCARB Grant Program.
I submitted a project for the NCARB Grant several years ago, but I did not receive an award. Can I resubmit the same project?
Yes, projects submitted in previous years that were not awarded an NCARB Grant are eligible to be submitted. Please note that you must use the most recent NCARB Grant Proposal Submission Form. Proposals using previous year's proposal submission form will not be accepted.
Are there any types of project that are not eligible? Are there any restrictions on the project types?
There are no restrictions on the type of project as long as proposals respond to program objectives and criteria and they meet all eligibility requirements. Projects do not have to be studio-based or design-based; they do not have to result in a building project, a design project, or a built project. Non-design and non-studio projects such as classroom-, laboratory-, and seminar-based projects are eligible.
There are several descriptions that joint projects are required to meet. Could you please clarify these?
Are there any budget restrictions?
Yes, NCARB Grant funds are to be specifically used to support activities and initiatives that result in the integration of practice and education in the academy. NCARB Grant funds may be used for the items such as faculty release time to create the program, new equipment and technology, expendable materials, publication related to the project, travel and per diem for non-faculty architect practitioners, students, faculty, and consultants, and honoraria for non-faculty architect practitioners and consultants. Please refer to the detailed description of budget restrictions.
What if I do not receive funding from other sources that I have identified in my proposal budget?
If you are awarded an NCARB Grant and do not receive funding that you included in your proposal, you will have an opportunity to submit an updated budget in the interim and final report. Please note that additional funding from the NCARB Grant will not be available.
How is the NCARB Grant Program different from other funding sources for architecture schools?
The NCARB Grant Program provides funding for a new course (class/seminar/studio). It does not require completion of previous courses or initiatives. There are no restrictions on the type of project and it is curriculum-focused, not research focused. The NCARB Grant Program is one of the largest sources of funding available to school. These characteristics make it especially valuable to architecture faculty who want to explore new ideas and concepts to create new courses.
Can I make revisions to a proposal after I submit it?
No, you cannot make revisions to proposal once it has been submitted. However, you may submit a revised proposal to include revisions and additional documents. Please note that the revised proposal must be submitted in its entirety and must conform to all submission and format requirements. In the event that duplicate proposals and/or resubmission of the same proposals are received, the proposal with the latest proposal will be assumed to be the final proposal. The earlier proposal will be disqualified.
Can I submit additional documents and ask NCARB to add these to my proposal?
No, you cannot submit additional documents and NCARB will not make any modifications to proposals once they have been received. If you would like to submit additional documents, you may submit a revised proposal to include revisions and additional documents. Please note that the revised proposal must be submitted in its entirety and must conform to all submission and format requirements. In the event that duplicate proposals and/or resubmission of the same proposals are received, the proposal with the latest proposal will be assumed to be the final proposal. The earlier proposal will be disqualified.
Can proposals be submitted by mail or overnight?
Will late proposals be accepted?
Will I receive confirmation that my proposal has been received?
No, due to the large number of proposals received individual notification of receipt will not be provided.
What if I have additional questions about the NCARB Grant Program?
How do I become licensed in another jurisdiction?
If you are already certified, you can request your NCARB Record be sent to any jurisdiction in the United States or Canada by logging into My NCARB. From My NCARB, proceed to the NCARB Record section, select "Request Transmittal of NCARB Record," and follow the instructions. If you are not NCARB certified, go to the Certification and Reciprocity section of the NCARB website to learn the requirements and steps to become certified. Questions? Contact customer service at 202/879-0520 or customerservice@ncarb.org.
There is no national license for architects in the United States. Architects are individually licensed in each individual jurisdiction of the United States. Architects are licensed separately under different laws, and must apply for a license in each jurisdiction. In some jurisdictions it is required that firms also have authorizations to practice.
After an architect has achieved an architectural license, that architect may be eligible for NCARB certification, a tool for achieving reciprocal licensure in multiple jurisdictions.
What are the requirements for NCARB certification?
Please visit the Certification and Reciprocity section of the NCARB website to learn the requirements and steps to become certified.
Am I eligible for an NCARB Certificate with my foreign education?
When seeking reciprocal registration, do all jurisdictions accept an EESA-NCARB evaluation?
How does the EESA-NCARB evaluation process work?
How do I begin an EESA-NCARB evaluation?
Can firms use the NCARB logo if it has NCARB certified architects on staff?
The NCARB Certificate is an individual credential. By obtaining and maintaining an NCARB Certificate, an individual has demonstrated that they have met the established standards for certification. An architect who has obtained an NCARB Certificate may use the letters "NCARB" after their name. The NCARB logo is reserved solely for use by NCARB. At this time there is no accepted means of using the NCARB logo or designation in association with a firm.
This resolution recommends one continuing education requirement for all of NCARB's 54 member jurisdictions. The benefits are:
Currently an architect registered in five jurisdictions may have five different CE requirements to keep all of his or her licenses active. Differences in the number of hours required, timeframe for earning hours, and types of hours (HSW, SD, ADA, etc.) accepted are variables that an architect may encounter. Twelve continuing education hours in health, safety, and welfare subjects each calendar is simpler for the architect and jurisdictions to process.
Professional Development Units (PDUs) are continuing education units that equal one contact hour—each hour consisting of a direct learning activity also sometimes referred to as CEUs (continuing education units), LUs (learning units) or CUs (contact units). Both the AIA and the state licensing boards base their programs on the contact hour.
What is an NCARB monograph?
Are all NCARB monograph titles accepted for continuing education credit by all jurisdictions?
Yes.
What is HSW?
What is SD?
Can non-NCARB Record holders receive credit for monograph quizzes?
All registered architects can receive credit for completed and passed monograph quizzes.
Can a monograph quiz be taken by more than one person in a firm?
No, each person has to pay a separate fee to receive credit for a monograph quiz. Monograph orders are name and number coded for the person that ordered the monograph.
How many continuing education hours are required to renew my NCARB Record?
NCARB does not have a continuing education requirement to renew an NCARB Record. Continuing education may be required by an architect’s state board to renew an architectural license. Check the most current continuing education requirement with your jurisdiction.
How do I receive the discounted pricing for a monograph?
To receive the discounted pricing, you must have an active NCARB Record number.
Where do I find the monograph order form?
How do I submit a monograph quiz for grading?
Currently there are three ways an architect can submit a quiz for grading; 1) use a password to submit the quiz online, 2) fax the quiz sheet to 202/783-0290, or 3) or you can mail the quiz sheet to the NCARB office.
Where is the online access code for a monograph quiz located?
You can find your access code on the confirmation e-mail for your monograph order.
How many chances do I get to take a monograph quiz?
I failed a quiz twice, how can I request a third retest and what is the fee?
I have additional questions about monographs, who do I contact?
There are three types of accounts.
My NCARB Record: You have access to this section if you have an NCARB Record or an NCARB Certificate.
IDP Supervisors and Mentors: You have access to this section if you are an IDP supervisor or mentor who approves experience through the electronic Experience Verification Reporting (e-EVR) system.
Member Registration Boards: You have access to this section if you are currently serving on or work for one of the 54 U.S. architectural registration boards or are a volunteer on one of NCARB's committees.
You may easily update your accounts online.
To start a new account:
For additional assistance, watch "How to create a new account."
To recover your saved application:
How do I start an NCARB Record?
Why is NCARB upgrading its system?
NCARB is upgrading its systems in order to streamline our services under one login. This upgrade will immediately provide additional security to each account. In the future, it will allow us to create personalized web pages for each user and the ability to add more tools to make interacting with us even easier.
How does this upgrade impact me?
The first time you try to log into one of our secure sections, you will be asked to update all accounts you may have with us. This will combine services under one new username, password, and security question.
What is an account?
How do I know what accounts I have?
Why can't NCARB update my account for me?
A major component of this system upgrade is adding additional security to each account. For data security purposes, each individual must update his or her own accounts.
What if I only have one account--My NCARB Record?
You must update your account even if you currently only have access to one of our secure sections. The upgrade to our system includes additional security for each account, which is why every user of our system must update their username, password, and security question—even if you only have one account.
How do I update accounts?
For additional assistance, watch "How to update existing accounts."
What if I forgot to update one of my accounts?
Once you have updated one of your accounts, you will have the opportunity to update or add other accounts through the My NCARB homepage as needed.
Will I be able to log in with my old username (e-mail/Record number) and password?
What if I have an NCARB Record, but don't have a username and password?
What if I am an IDP supervisor or mentor with multiple e-EVR accounts?
How do I create a new account?
What if I am in the process of applying for an NCARB Record or Certificate, but have not yet made the payment and received a Record number?
Am I an NCARB Member?
NCARB’s only members are the 54 U.S. architectural registration boards. Those that receive access to Registration Board section will require additional verification.
What username and password do I use to order NCARB monographs?
What fees are associated with my NCARB Record?
If I go back to school, can I extend the expiration date on my NCARB Record?
No. NCARB will not extend the expiration date on an NCARB Record if you are enrolled full time in a NAAB-accredited master's degree program.
What is the expiration date of my NCARB Record?
How do I renew my NCARB Record online?
If you have established access to your online records then you may update through My NCARB.
If you have not yet established access to your online records contact customer service.