It takes over 12 years to become an architect on average, NCARB data finds

The average time to earn an architect license in the United States is 12.3 years, according to new figures released by NCARB. The time taken is down four months from last year’s average of 12.7 years.

In total, there are 39,090 candidates currently pursuing licensure, with 3,488 new architects obtaining a license. The number of people receiving a license is down 6% from last year. Of those who started the licensure path 13 years ago, NCARB adds, 37% had stopped pursuing it as of 2025.

“When viewed by race and ethnicity, there was a significant difference in attrition rates for white candidates compared to their non-white peers,” NCARB notes. “Compared to candidates of color, white candidates who started an NCARB Record in 2012 were far more likely to be licensed in 2025: 54% of white candidates were licensed, compared to 32% of candidates of color.”

Related on Archinect: Number of architects rose last year, but long-term decline predicted. Image courtesy Yan Krukau/Pexels

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