United States
About this story
The 2026 NCARB by the Numbers report finds that median time to licensure fell to 12.3 years after the average time required to complete both the Architectural Experience Program and Architect Registration Examination declined. More than 39,000 candidates were actively pursuing licensure, while the licensed architect population exceeded 123,000. The report also tracks attrition and demographic disparities: the candidate pool is substantially more diverse than the existing architect population, but significant drop-off remains across the pathway. NCARB connects the findings to its Pathways to Practice work and potential competency-based alternatives to the current single-route model.
Status and timeline
The 15th edition of NCARB by the Numbers was released in 2026 using 2025 data and records from more than 127,000 candidates and architects.
