Overview
NAAB and the professional degree
The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredits professional architecture degrees in the United States — the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), Master of Architecture (M.Arch), and Doctor of Architecture (D.Arch). CHEA-recognized. Most state licensing boards require a NAAB-accredited professional degree as part of the path to becoming a licensed architect.
Read This Carefully
Professional vs. pre-professional
The critical distinction: a NAAB-accredited degree is the professional degree (B.Arch, M.Arch, D.Arch). A pre-professional BA or BS in Architecture is not a NAAB-accredited professional degree — it is usually a stepping stone to an accredited M.Arch. If licensure is your goal, make sure your path leads to a NAAB-accredited professional degree, not just any architecture bachelor’s.
The Path
From degree to licensed architect
- 1 · NAAB-accredited professional degreeB.Arch, M.Arch, or D.Arch — required by most state boards.
- 2 · AXP experienceThe Architectural Experience Program (supervised experience hours), through NCARB.
- 3 · ARE examThe Architect Registration Examination.
- 4 · State licenseIssued by the state board, after the above.
Do It Yourself
Verify an architecture program
Go Deeper
Official sources
Questions
Frequently asked questions
- Who accredits architecture programs? The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which accredits professional architecture degrees — the B.Arch, M.Arch, and D.Arch. It is CHEA-recognized.
- Do I need a NAAB-accredited degree to become an architect? In most states, yes. A NAAB-accredited professional degree is required as part of the licensure path, along with the AXP experience and the ARE exam.
- What is the difference between a professional and pre-professional degree? NAAB accredits the professional degree (B.Arch, M.Arch, D.Arch). A pre-professional BA or BS in Architecture is not NAAB-accredited and usually leads into an accredited M.Arch.
- What are the steps to licensure? A NAAB-accredited professional degree, the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) hours, the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), and a state license — coordinated through NCARB.
- Is a BA in Architecture enough for licensure? Usually not on its own. It is typically a pre-professional degree that must be followed by an accredited M.Arch for the licensure path.
- Is NAAB recognized by the government? NAAB is CHEA-recognized. Architecture accreditation is generally not a federal Title IV gatekeeper; aid follows the institution's accreditation.
- Which degree should I choose for licensure? Any NAAB-accredited professional degree works — a B.Arch (typically five years), an M.Arch, or a D.Arch. Confirm your intended path leads to an accredited professional degree.
- How do I verify an architecture program? Search NAAB's list of accredited professional programs and confirm the licensure path via NCARB and your state board.