Rolling Clock Extension
Go here to learn more about a recent announcement about the time frame for the “rolling clock extension” related to the ARE.
ARE Testing Opportunities
Prometric, the company that contracts with NCARB to administer the ARE through their testing centers, closed all of their centers early in the Pandemic. Many were reopened in late spring, but not all. This information from Prometric identifies the centers that are closed. You can find a link to the site on the AIA Oregon COVID 19 resource page. The center in Medford remains closed, but information indicates that the other sites in Oregon (Bend, Eugene, LaGrande, and two in Portland) are open. Please contact AIA Oregon at info@aiaoregon.org if you are aware of different information about the test centers.
The impact of the closures is having a notable impact on the number of new registered architects in Oregon and other states, and a source of frustration for those working towards licensure. To reduce the impact, NCARB announced that they are implementing an online testing option by mid-November. Go here to learn more.
It is important to note that rules applying to the practice of architecture administered by Oregon State Board of Architect Examiners (OSBAE) do not currently recognize remote test taking, and OSBAE is considering changes at the October 16, 2020 board meeting. Contact OSBAE for the status of remote test-taking prior to scheduling a remote test.
NCARB by the Numbers
NCARB recently published the 2020 version of the annual NCARB By The Numbers (NBTN), which is a data-focused perspective on the profession of architecture. The report is organized by the state of the profession, public perception of architects, education, the licensing process and demographics. The report was first published in 2012, therefore trends are becoming more apparent. The link above will take you to the report and components and we encourage you to check it out.
Here are a few notable statistics you’ll find in the report.
There are 116,242 Architects in the United States, which is a 1% increase over the previous year. AIA reports that as of the end of 2019 there were 74,145 architect members of AIA. 63.7% of registered architects are AIA members.
Contrary to legislative efforts in some states, 71% of voters support professional licensing.
26,061 students were enrolled in NAAB-accredited programs and 47% of graduates were women.
The average age of candidates starting the AXP is 25 years, and 29 years is the average age to complete.
The average period to complete the ARE is 2.3 years.
Women complete licensure requirements 1.3 years sooner than men.
Non-white candidates are 31% more likely to fall off the path of licensure than their white colleagues.
People of color are 7% more likely than their white peers to stop pursuing licensure while working in a firm.
The Exam Success Rate is currently 52% nationally, and 62% in Oregon. We’re doing something right! Four of the largest states; California, Florida, New Year, and Texas are below the average. Most all other states are above.
The report reflects data over a complete year, however the data collection allows NCARB to look into the current year. COVID-19 is impacting the number of people getting licensed in 2020, although the full story has not been written yet. According to statistics from OSBAE, COVID-19 is impacting the number of newly licensed Oregon architects (those that are licensed through exam as opposed through reciprocity. The number below are from January 1 through September 30 of the years noted:
o 2018: 89
o 2019: 70
o 2020: 39