How to Become a Licensed Architect in 2026 (ARE Live Episode)

Episode Summary

Becoming a licensed architect can feel overwhelming at first — especially when trying to understand education requirements, AXP hours, the ARE 5.0, and jurisdiction-specific rules.

In this episode of ARE Live, architect Kiara Galicinao breaks down what licensure means for your career, why many professionals choose to pursue it, and the steps required to become a licensed architect in 2026.

You’ll learn:

• Why licensure matters for long-term career growth
• The three main steps to becoming licensed
• How AXP and the ARE 5.0 work together
• What “early eligibility” means
• How to create and use your NCARB Record

If you're preparing for the ARE, you may also want to read our guide on how to pass the ARE 5.0 in 2026 with proven study strategies and exam order recommendations.

Key Takeaways

• Licensure can lead to greater career flexibility and responsibility
• Most candidates pursue licensure through education, AXP, and the ARE
• AXP requires 3,740 documented experience hours
• The ARE 5.0 consists of six divisions that can be taken in any order
• Many jurisdictions allow candidates to complete AXP and the ARE concurrently

Timestamps

• 4:33 - Why you should become a licensed architect
• 12:01 - How to become a licensed architect
• 24:48 - Live Q&A

Why Become a Licensed Architect?

Kiara explains that while you do not need to be licensed to work in architecture, licensure creates long-term professional advantages and opportunities.

Some professionals choose not to pursue licensure because:

• The process can be stressful
• Exam and application fees can be expensive
• You can still work in architecture-related roles without a license
• Licensure comes with additional responsibility

However, there are also major benefits to becoming licensed.

Legal Recognition

In most jurisdictions, the title “architect” is legally protected and reserved for licensed professionals.

Career Advancement

Many firms require or strongly prefer licensure for leadership and management roles.

Licensure can help keep more opportunities open as your career evolves.

Increased Responsibility and Authority

Licensed architects can sign and seal drawings and serve as the Architect of Record.

Long-Term Financial Growth

Kiara references AIA compensation data showing that licensed architects often earn significantly more than unlicensed staff over the course of a career.

The 3 Steps to Becoming a Licensed Architect

Kiara breaks the licensure process into the “3 E’s”:

1. Education
2. Experience
3. Examination

Step 1: Education

For most candidates, this means earning a NAAB-accredited architecture degree.

Kiara explains that:

• There are currently 176 accredited programs across 140 schools
• Some jurisdictions offer alternate pathways for candidates without NAAB-accredited degrees
• Requirements vary by jurisdiction

Step 2: Complete AXP

The Architectural Experience Program (AXP) was created by NCARB to help candidates gain and document professional experience.

AXP requires:

• 3,740 experience hours
• Experience across six categories
• Work completed under approved settings

Setting A

Traditional architecture firm experience supervised by a licensed architect.

A minimum of 1,860 hours must be completed under Setting A, although all 3,740 hours can be completed through this setting.

Setting O

Experience earned outside traditional architecture firms, including:

• Construction-related work
• Design-adjacent roles
• Community-based work
• Design competitions

Each Setting O category has limits on how many hours can count toward AXP requirements.

Step 3: Pass the ARE 5.0

Experience earned outside traditional architecture firms, including:

• Practice Management (PcM)
• Project Management (PjM)
• Programming & Analysis (PA)
• Project Planning & Design (PPD)
• Project Development & Documentation (PDD)
• Construction & Evaluation (CE)

Kiara explains that:

• Exams range from 65–100 questions
• Exams last between 3 hours 20 minutes and 5 hours
• Divisions can be taken in any order

If you're preparing for the exams, review our guide on how to pass the ARE 5.0 in 2026 with proven study strategies and exam order recommendations.

Understanding Early Eligibility

Many jurisdictions allow candidates to:

• Complete AXP
• Work full-time
• Take the ARE

…at the same time.

Kiara explains this is commonly referred to as “early eligibility.”

Alternate Pathways to Licensure

Not every candidate follows the exact same route.

IPAL Programs

The Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) allows students to:

• Complete education
• Gain AXP hours
• Take the ARE

…simultaneously.

Kiara notes there are currently 33 IPAL programs across 28 schools.

IPAL Programs

Some jurisdictions may require:

• Additional experience hours
• Supplemental exams
• Other application requirements

Kiara recommends checking both:

• NCARB’s Licensing Requirements Tool
• Your jurisdiction’s licensing board

Reciprocity

Your initial architecture license only applies to the jurisdiction where it was issued.

To become licensed in another state, candidates typically pursue reciprocity.

Create Your NCARB Record Early

Kiara strongly recommends creating your NCARB Record as early as possible.

Your NCARB Record is used to:

• Verify education
• Document AXP hours
• Schedule ARE exams
• Record licensure information
• Pursue reciprocity later

About the Guest: Kiara Galicinao

Kiara Galicinao is a licensed architect based in Oregon and a Product Coordinator at Black Spectacles. She works on learning content, community engagement, and educational resources that help ARE candidates navigate the licensure process.

Join the Discussion & Watch the Webinar Q&A

Join the discussion and revisit the webinar here.

Topics discussed during the live Q&A included:

• Managing work-life balance while studying
• Taking AXP and the ARE concurrently
• Whether experience transfers between states
• The difference between PcM and PjM
• How long licensure typically takes

Frequently Asked Questions From the ARE Live Community

Can I take the ARE while completing AXP?

Yes. Kiara explained during the webinar that many jurisdictions allow candidates to begin taking the ARE before completing all AXP hours. This is commonly referred to as “early eligibility,” and it allows many candidates to work, gain experience, and test concurrently.

How long does it typically take to become a licensed architect?

The timeline varies depending on your education path, work experience, and how quickly you complete the ARE 5.0. Many candidates complete the process over several years while working full-time in architecture firms.

Do I need a NAAB-accredited degree to become licensed?

In most jurisdictions, a NAAB-accredited degree is the standard path to licensure. However, Kiara noted that some jurisdictions offer alternate pathways for candidates without a NAAB-accredited degree. Requirements vary by state, so candidates should verify requirements directly with their licensing board.

Can AXP experience transfer between states?

AXP is administered through NCARB, so your documented experience is tracked through your NCARB Record and can generally be used across jurisdictions. However, individual licensing requirements still vary by state.

What is the fastest path to licensure?

Kiara discussed programs like IPAL, which allow candidates to complete education, AXP, and ARE testing simultaneously. More broadly, candidates often move through licensure faster when they create a structured plan early and stay consistent throughout the process.

When should I create my NCARB Record?

Kiara strongly recommended creating your NCARB Record as early as possible — even if licensure still feels far away. Your NCARB Record is used throughout the entire process to document education, AXP hours, exam eligibility, and future reciprocity.

Ready to Start Studying for the ARE?

Black Spectacles provides:

• ARE video lectures
• Practice exams
• Flashcards and quizzes
• Guided study plans
• Mobile study tools
• The Pass the ARE Guarantee

Thousands of ARE candidates use Black Spectacles to streamline their path to licensure and prepare with more confidence. Start studying today.