Navigating Change Together: Insights from the 2025 NCARB Licensing Advisor Summit

This past July, licensing advisors from across the country gathered in Minneapolis, MN, for the 2025 NCARB Licensing Advisor Summit (LAS). The event brought together leaders from NCARB, state boards, academic institutions, and professional organizations, including the Immigrant Architects Coalition (IAC), to explore how best to guide emerging professionals through the evolving and sometimes challenging path to licensure.

Our Director of Programs, Gloria Kloter, AIA, NCARB, CODIA, who also serves as the Architect Licensing Advisor for the State of Florida through AIA Florida, participated as a panelist in the session “Advisors in Professional Organizations.” Representing both the IAC and AIA Florida, Gloria emphasized the critical role that professional organizations play as bridges between immigrant and emerging architects and the often-complex licensing systems in the United States. She shared insights on how to communicate change, build relationships, and expand the reach of licensure support through intentional engagement.

Why This Matters for Immigrants

For immigrant professionals, the path to licensure can feel especially daunting: foreign degrees to validate, language and cultural differences to navigate, and uncertainty about how prior experience is recognized. At the summit, these challenges were not only acknowledged, they were centered in the conversation.

Through real-world case studies, advisors examined scenarios that closely mirror the experiences of many immigrant professionals:

• Case Study 1: A candidate earned an architecture degree abroad and wonders if it qualifies him for U.S. licensure. Advisors discussed the importance of starting an NCARB Record early, pursuing Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA), and engaging with NCARB staff to understand available options.

• Case Study 2: A candidate requested accommodations for the ARE. Advisors emphasized that NCARB has clear, supportive processes for candidates with documented needs and that early communication ensures equitable access.

• Case Study 3: A candidate was concerned that her older AXP (Architectural Experience Program) hours were no longer valid. The key message: AXP hours do not expire, and with record reactivation, her progress toward licensure is preserved.

These examples underline a critical takeaway: there is no one-size-fits-all path. Licensing advisors are committed to meeting candidates where they are and tailoring the journey to their unique needs.

Key Lessons Shared

The summit offered several practical strategies that immigrant architects can put into action:

• Stay Informed: NCARB guidelines and requirements change. Following updates directly from NCARB and connecting with trusted licensing advisors reduces confusion and delays.

• Leverage Networks: Local AIA chapters, organizations like IAC, and mentors provide community, encouragement, and clarity.

• Communicate Questions Early: Whether it is about education evaluations, AXP reporting, or exam accommodations, advisors should encourage candidates not to wait until they feel “stuck.”

• Use Digital Tools: Social media, virtual workshops, and study groups are making support more accessible, even for those in geographically remote or underserved areas.

A Collective Commitment

One of the most inspiring aspects of the summit was its spirit of collaboration. Advisors across organizations are working together to ensure that every candidate, including those from immigrant and underrepresented backgrounds, has equitable access to guidance and resources.

As Gloria emphasized during the panel, the immigrant experience is both unique and invaluable. Immigrant architects bring resilience, adaptability, and a global perspective to the profession. At the same time, they face barriers that require intentional outreach and advocacy. By participating in this summit, the IAC strengthened its role as a trusted advocate within the broader licensure ecosystem.

Moving Forward

For immigrant architects, the message from the Licensing Advisor Summit is clear: you are not alone. Resources, advisors, and communities like the IAC exist to guide you, answer your questions, and help you succeed.

As the licensure landscape continues to evolve, the IAC will keep amplifying immigrant voices and ensuring they remain at the center of the conversation. Together, we can navigate change and shine through the challenges on the path to licensure.

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