Architect exam: NCARB prerequisites

The requirements for the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) exams vary depending on your education and experience.

NCARB exam prerequisites: Degrees and work experience

If you have…	You need…
An NAAB–accredited degree (5–year Bachelor of Architecture or 6–year Master of Architecture)	Work experience: 2 years of AXP. (Contact NCARB to find out when you can enroll in AXP.) Exams: Pass the ARE, including the seismic exam. (You can start taking the ARE through NCARB while enrolled in IDP.) Successfully complete the Washington law review.
A professional degree awarded by Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA) (5 or 6–year degree from a non–accredited U.S. architectural school or foreign architectural school)	Work experience: 2 years of AXP. (Contact NCARB to find out when you can enroll in AXP.) Exams: Pass the ARE, including the seismic exam. (Apply for your exam after completing your work experience and AXP.) Successfully complete the Washington law review.
A preprofessional degree in architecture (4–year degree from a program offering an accredited degree)	Work experience: 2 years of practical architectural work experience under the direct supervision of an architect. and 2 years of AXP. (Contact NCARB to find out when you can enroll in AXP.) Exams: Pass the ARE, including the seismic exam. (Apply for your exam after completing your work experience and AXP.) Successfully complete the Washington law review.
Postsecondary study in architecture or related fields (with passing grades)	Education credit: Up to 3 years of credit, in increments of 1 year. Work experience: 3 or more years of practical architectural work experience, depending on your education credit. (3 of these years must be under the direct supervision of an architect.) and 2 years of AXP. (Contact NCARB to find out when you can enroll in AXP.) Exams: Pass the ARE, including the seismic exam. (Apply for your exam after completing your work experience and AXP.) Successfully complete the Washington law review.
A degree in architectural technology (2–year degree from a community college or trade school)	Work experience: 4 years of practical architectural work experience, depending on your education credit. (3 of these years must be under the direct supervision of an architect.) and 2 years of AXP. (Contact NCARB to find out when you can enroll in AXP.) Exams: Pass the ARE, including the seismic exam. (Apply for your exam after completing your work experience and AXP.) Successfully complete the Washington law review.
A high school diploma (or equivalent)	Work experience: 6 years of practical architectural work experience, depending on your education credit. (3 of these years must be under the direct supervision of an architect.) and 3 years of AXP. (Contact NCARB to find out when you can enroll in AXP.) Exams: Pass the ARE, including the seismic exam. (Apply for your exam after completing your work experience and AXP.) Successfully complete the Washington law review.

NCARB exam prerequisites: Reciprocity

If you have…	Minimum requirements	Summarize law?	Oral exam?
An NCARB council record (including the Broadly Experienced Architect and the Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect certificates)	NCARB transmits your council record to us for review	Yes	No
Been licensed at least 9 years in an NCARB–recognized jurisdiction (No NCARB council record )	Verification of 9 years of licensure in an NCARB–recognized jurisdiction Completion of the ARE.	Yes	Board's discretion

Related laws and rules

• RCW 18.08.360: Examinations
• WAC 308–12–023: How do I become a licensed architect?
• WAC 308–12–025: What qualifications do I need to meet if I am not already licensed?

Explanation of abbreviations

• RCW—Revised Code of Washington (Washington State laws)
• WAC—Washington Administrative Code (Washington State agency regulations)

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