What is the role of NCARB in relation to licensing boards?

• A. To develop and facilitate national standards for licensure and recommend regulatory guidelines.
• B. To issue licenses directly to architects.
• C. To accredit individual architectural firms.
• D. To provide continuing education credits for license renewal.

Answer: (A)

The main purpose is to develop and promote national standards for licensure and to provide regulatory guidance that licensing boards can adopt. NCARB creates the framework and tools—such as standardized exam content, education and experience criteria, and mobility guidelines—that licensing boards use to grant and regulate architecture licenses across jurisdictions. It does not issue licenses itself, it does not accredit individual architectural firms, and it does not directly provide continuing education credits for license renewal; those responsibilities lie with the licensing boards or approved providers. This coordination helps ensure a consistent level of competency nationwide while leaving licensure authority to state boards.