NCARB Competency Standard
“The NCARB Competency Standard for Architects defines the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors required for entry into the practice of architecture across NCARB’s member jurisdictions..” - NCARB
NCARB just announced new competency standards for architects that will become the basis for what it takes to be a licensed architect in North America.
These standards will be developed to incorporate the architects Experience Program, the AXP and the are the licensing exam.
In following blogs, I suggest what you can do, right now, to build your experience in each of the competencies.
Candidates for licensure must demonstrate their capabilities in each independent competency to earn a license in the jurisdiction(s) in which they practice. The competencies are important for new architecture professionals working toward licensure, and firm owners to help them.
There are 16 Competency Standards – What do they mean for you, the firm owner with staff, and how you can create or adapt your training program? These new competency standards have real potential for creating a new way of thinking about mentoring throughout the first few years you are working in an architecture office.
After becoming licensed, architects must ensure they maintain the capabilities described to remain competent. In addition, architects should strive to continually grow their competency in these and other areas to provide quality service and public protection.
The competencies are organized into three domains.
Design & Documentation Domain
1. Assess regulatory design requirements.
2. Evaluate existing project conditions.
3. Develop a program that establishes project criteria.
4. Create design solutions that support public and environmental well-being.
5. Integrate socio-demographic considerations and universal design principles.
6. Create design solutions that address project requirements.
7. Create deliverables that convey a design solution.
8. Coordinate the integration of building systems into a project design.
Construction Administration Domain
9. Prepare and administer documentation of the construction phase.
10. Evaluate the progress of construction for conformance with contract documents and design intent.
Practice & Project Management Domain
11. Execute contracts for professional services.
12. Implement a work plan according to a project’s scope, schedule, and budget.
13. Organize and coordinate an interdisciplinary project team.
14. Understand statutes and regulations that govern architectural practice within U.S. jurisdictions to provide services legally.
15. Understand ethical and professional standards that govern architectural practice.
16. Understand foundational business principles to operate a practice.
