Architectural Experience Program (AXP)

Affected Candidates

The AXP requirement affects all new or inactive candidates applying to the Board for an eligibility evaluation to take the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) on or after January 1, 2005. An inactive candidate is one who was previously determined by the Board to be eligible, but did not take an ARE for five or more years.

The AXP requirement does not affect California’s educational requirement. The five-year educational equivalent required by the Board can be met by various means, including an accredited professional degree in architecture, a combination of a different type of degree plus work experience under the direct supervision of a licensed architect, or solely work experience under the direct supervision of a licensed architect. A candidate who does not have an accredited professional degree in architecture can participate in the NCARB AXP and become licensed in California.

In addition, California candidates are still able to take the ARE after verification of five years of educational equivalents as evaluated by the Board. In order to be eligible for the California Supplemental Examination (CSE) administered after January 1, 2005, candidates must verify eight years of work and education equivalents experience as evaluated by the Board. A candidate who is subject to the AXP requirement must submit verification of completion of the programs prior to eligibility for the CSE and licensure.