A new framework for establishing competency-based qualifications as the initial basis for architectural licensure in the United States was released today by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
The new NCARB Competency Standard for Architects outlines 16 key competencies that are imperative at the point of initial licensure in order to ensure the public’s health, safety, and overall welfare.
NCARB says it will make updates to its existing programs over the next two years to align with the new standard, which likewise provides a "flexible foundation" for the development of future licensure programs. This, in turn, is supposed to allow NCARB to build more accessible pathways to licensure without compromises to the ardent professional standards that are needed to protect the public.
The organization's President, Kenneth R. Van Tine, says the new standard will "shape the architecture profession for years to come and ensure that the path to licensure is accessible to individuals of all backgrounds."
(You can read his colleague CEO Mike Armstrong's thoughts on the topic of licensure here as part of our recent Archinect In-Depth: Licensure series.)
New standards will be applied piecemeal to develop changes to the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and Architect Registration Examination (ARE) within the stated two-year timeframe. Armstrong said: "These changes confirm that licensure is keeping pace with changes in design and technology that are shaping the profession."
Updates to both will be launched by the summer of 2026. NCARB says it "anticipates that the first phase of updates will integrate the Competency Standard into the existing AXP and ARE structure, allowing candidates to continue making progress on the current programs without facing potential changes to their AXP or ARE credits."
Next, NCARB’s Licensure Process Research & Development Task Force will utilize the competencies to deliberate on new pathways to become an architect. This includes expanding options for those without degrees from an accredited school or program.
The Task Force was responsible for developing the new standard, which leveraged the input of 20,000 architects who participated in the 2022 Analysis of Practice survey. It was then subjected to feedback from over 5,000 practitioners before being shared with NCARB members for final comments in June and finalized by the Board of Directors in September.
For those who don't want to click through:
Design & Documentation Domain
1. Assess regulatory design requirements.
2. Evaluate existing project conditions.
3. Develop a program that establishes project criteria.
4. Create design solutions that support public and environmental well-being.
5. Integrate socio-demographic considerations and universal design principles.
6. Create design solutions that address project requirements.
7. Create deliverables that convey a design solution.
8. Coordinate the integration of building systems into a project design.
Construction Administration Domain
9. Prepare and administer documentation of the construction phase.
10. Evaluate the progress of construction for conformance with contract documents and design intent.
Practice & Project Management Domain
11. Execute contracts for professional services.
12. Implement a work plan according to a project’s scope, schedule, and budget.
13. Organize and coordinate an interdisciplinary project team.
14. Understand statutes and regulations that govern architectural practice within U.S. jurisdictions to provide services legally.
15. Understand ethical and professional standards that govern architectural practice.
16. Understand foundational business principles to operate a practice.
All 4 Comments
For those who don't want to click through:
Design & Documentation Domain
1. Assess regulatory design requirements.
2. Evaluate existing project conditions.
3. Develop a program that establishes project criteria.
4. Create design solutions that support public and environmental well-being.
5. Integrate socio-demographic considerations and universal design principles.
6. Create design solutions that address project requirements.
7. Create deliverables that convey a design solution.
8. Coordinate the integration of building systems into a project design.
Construction Administration Domain
9. Prepare and administer documentation of the construction phase.
10. Evaluate the progress of construction for conformance with contract documents and design intent.
Practice & Project Management Domain
11. Execute contracts for professional services.
12. Implement a work plan according to a project’s scope, schedule, and budget.
13. Organize and coordinate an interdisciplinary project team.
14. Understand statutes and regulations that govern architectural practice within U.S. jurisdictions to provide services legally.
15. Understand ethical and professional standards that govern architectural practice.
16. Understand foundational business principles to operate a practice.
These all seem reasonable and I can do all of them.
Thank you for the list. I'll later read up on the rest but an interesting thing as I plan to observe the OSBAE meeting (10/4/2024) [later today] and this is related to an agenda item on that meeting which I plan to be attending over the internet.
Thanks!! If it's not too much of a bother, how are these changes, well, changes? Like what's different in these 16 points to whatever was on the books?
GENIUS! The profession is saved!!!
11. Is problematic, it’s just not that easy, many don’t get to touch contracts, and we should, just so we know how to administer them during construction.
Contract law course at a college! Ok, I know, it is more than just that but a little tongue in cheek thing.
I bristle at paying the NCARB dues every year but at least they have some function and value in the profession - seeing something like this come out (basic as it may be) really puts it in contrast to the AIA, of which there has been much news lately.
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