Policy on approved combinations of experience and education

Information on approved combinations of experience and education policy.

Policy on approved combinations of experience and education

The Board of Registration of Architects (“the Board”) hereby adopts the following policy. 

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to offer guidance and provide some clarification to applicants regarding 231 CMR 3.02(2)(c)4 by providing examples of what combination of education and experience the Board may accept for initial registration as an architect.

Background

Massachusetts General Law c. 13 § 44C authorizes the Board to “make such rules or by-laws, not inconsistent with law, as it may deem necessary in the performance of its duties.” Accordingly, the Board has promulgated 231 CMR 3.02(2) which, in part, requires applicants seeking initial licensure to:

(c) Submit written proof satisfactory to the Board that the applicant: 

1. holds a professional degree in architecture from a degree program that has been accredited by NAAB or CACB; or
2. has completed a non-accredited architectural curriculum that has been evaluated and found to be an equivalent standard based on the NCARB Education Standards then in effect; or 
3. obtained a review of the applicant's education by an education evaluation service approved by NCARB and such evaluation concludes that the applicant's education meets the requirements for NCARB certification; or 
4. the applicant's combination of education and experience has been evaluated by the Board and found to be equivalent to educational requirements approved by the Board.

At its regularly scheduled Board meeting on August 11, 2026, the Board voted to adopt the following policy.

For the purposes of satisfying the requirements of 231 CMR 3.01(2)(c)4., the Board has determined that the following combinations of education and experience are found to be equivalent to education requirements approved by the Board:

1. If a candidate holds a degree from a 4-year bachelor degree program that includes at least 50 semester credit hours in architecture-related subjects, but is not NAAB or CACB approved, the candidate must complete twice the number of hours for each category of the NCARB Architectural Experience Program (AXP).
2. If a candidate has a degree from a 2-year associate degree program that includes at least 30 semester credit hours of coursework in architecture-related subjects, the candidate must complete three times the number of hours for each category of the AXP.
3. If a candidate has a high school diploma or an established equivalent but does not have the post-secondary academic education set forth in paragraphs 1 and 2 above, the candidate must complete four times the number of hours for each category of the AXP four times.