Exam: NCARB prerequisites for Architects

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) lead exams for architect licenses. Learn what you need to take the exams.

NCARB exam prerequisites

The requirements for the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) exams vary depending on your education and experience. Contact NCARB for resources on how to prepare for your exam.

Exam fees

There are fees for taking the Architect Registration Exams (AREs). Since they are administered through NCARB, you will pay the fees for each ARE directly to NCARB. Please contact NCARB to find out more information about exam fees and scheduling an exam.

Degrees and work experience requirements

Degree type Experience and exams required
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 AXP)
  • 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
  • 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.)
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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

Reciprocity requirements

Experience type 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
Licensed for at least 8 years in an NCARB–recognized jurisdiction
(No NCARB council record )
  • Verification of 8 years of licensure in an NCARB-recognized jurisdiction
  • Completion of the ARE
 Yes Board's discretion

Related laws and codes

Need more help?

Here's how to contact us:

call Phone: 360-664-1388
(TTY: Call 711)
mail Email: architects@dol.wa.gov
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