21 NCAC 02 .0302             ARCHITECTURAL LICENSURE BY EXAMINATION

(a)  Those individuals who wish to take the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE) shall contact the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards (NCARB) directly to obtain exam eligibility. Upon completion of all requirements set forth in the NCARB Architecture Experience Program (AXP), a candidate seeking licensure by exam in North Carolina shall direct NCARB to transmit a completed NCARB AXP record to the North Carolina Board of Architecture and Registered Interior Designers.

(b)  Upon passing all sections of the NCARB ARE, fulfillment of all NCARB AXP requirements, and completion of the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited degree, NCARB, as directed by the candidate, will transmit a completed NCARB AXP file to the Board to determine compliance with G.S. 83A-7(a)(1)(a), which shall be deemed satisfied through completion of the requirements set forth in Subparagraphs (1) through (5) of this Paragraph. The Board shall grant licensure by exam to those individuals who:

(1)           are of good moral character as defined in G.S. 83A-1(5);

(2)           are at least 18 years of age;

(3)           have completed a NAAB accredited professional degree in architecture or who have completed a NAAB accredited degree program that is identified as an NCARB endorsed Integrated Path To Architectural Licensure Degree Program;

(4)           have completed the NCARB AXP; and

(5)           submit the Application for Licensure by Exam and fee as required by Rule .0108 of this Chapter.

(c)  Retention of credit for purposes of licensure by examination in North Carolina.

(1)           Passing scores received after July 1, 2006 on any part of the ARE remain valid for a period of time established by the exam provider, NCARB.

(2)           Scores received on any part of the ARE prior to July 1, 2006 are invalid.

(d)  Practical training pursuant to G.S. 83A-7(a)(2) means practical experience and diversified training as defined by the NCARB AXP.

(e)  During the application process, Board members, in order to augment the evidence submitted in an application may interview the applicant regarding qualifications required in Paragraph (b) of this Rule. The Board shall determine whether an interview is needed on a case-by-case basis, based upon information in the application, including any academic or professional discipline.

(f)  To complete the ARE, an exam candidate shall receive a passing grade in each division of the ARE. Information regarding NCARB grading methods and procedures can be found on their web site at www.ncarb.org.

(g)  A person currently employed under the responsible control of an architect, who holds a Professional Degree from a NAAB accredited program, and who maintains an active NCARB AXP record or has completed the NCARB AXP may use the title "Architectural Intern" or "Intern Architect" in conjunction with his or her current employment.

(h)  The fees for examination, or parts thereof, are set and collected by the NCARB. Fee information is available on the NCARB web site www.ncarb.org.

(i)  The standards of the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards and its components are hereby incorporated by reference including subsequent amendments and editions, and can be accessed at no charge at www.ncarb.org.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 83A-1; 83A-6; 83A-7; 83A-12;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2016; July 1, 2014; November 1, 2010; July 1, 2006; July 1, 2000; July 1, 1996; June 1, 1995; December 1, 1992; July 1, 1991;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2017;

Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;

Amended Eff. April 1, 2024; June 1, 2022.