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:
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.
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:
However, there are also major benefits to becoming licensed.
In most jurisdictions, the title “architect” is legally protected and reserved for licensed professionals.
Many firms require or strongly prefer licensure for leadership and management roles.
Licensure can help keep more opportunities open as your career evolves.
Licensed architects can sign and seal drawings and serve as the Architect of Record.
Kiara references AIA compensation data showing that licensed architects often earn significantly more than unlicensed staff over the course of a career.
Kiara breaks the licensure process into the “3 E’s”:
For most candidates, this means earning a NAAB-accredited architecture degree.
Kiara explains that:
The Architectural Experience Program (AXP) was created by NCARB to help candidates gain and document professional experience.
AXP requires:
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.
Experience earned outside traditional architecture firms, including:
Each Setting O category has limits on how many hours can count toward AXP requirements.
Experience earned outside traditional architecture firms, including:
Kiara explains that:
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.
Many jurisdictions allow candidates to:
…at the same time.
Kiara explains this is commonly referred to as “early eligibility.”
Not every candidate follows the exact same route.
The Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) allows students to:
…simultaneously.
Kiara notes there are currently 33 IPAL programs across 28 schools.
Some jurisdictions may require:
Kiara recommends checking both:
Your initial architecture license only applies to the jurisdiction where it was issued.
To become licensed in another state, candidates typically pursue reciprocity.
Kiara strongly recommends creating your NCARB Record as early as possible.
Your NCARB Record is used to:
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 and revisit the webinar here.
Topics discussed during the live Q&A included:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Black Spectacles provides:
Thousands of ARE candidates use Black Spectacles to streamline their path to licensure and prepare with more confidence. Start studying today.