On July 1, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) raised fees for several services after much thought and consideration. Below are some factually answered questions regarding the increased fees, the timing involved in this decision, and who is impacted.

Why did NCARB pick such a difficult economic period to increase fees?
The recession, which has affected us all, began several years ago. During this time fees were increased only minimally, and not across the board. Also during this time, changes and improvements have been made to help our customers do their business with us more efficiently. Fees were increased this year because we could no longer afford to continue these substantial processing and service improvements without significantly reducing our ability to service our customers.

• Most fees have not increased since July 2007
• The IDP application fee was last increased July 2003

Why did NCARB pick such a difficult economic period to overhaul services (spend money)?
Three years ago, our customers and members were very vocal about needing improvements on our service delivery. We responded. Our business process re-engineering project started before the recession began—changes and improvements to our systems were well underway before the full impact of the economy hit us.

What has NCARB done to reduce costs?
With the understanding that these are difficult economic times for our profession, before NCARB even considered increasing fees, we analyzed expenses thoroughly and reduced our planned expenditures. However, in order to continue to support our mission and to improve the way we conduct business with you, we had to evaluate the true cost of all of our programs and services.

We endeavored to balance the budget by being as fair to all constituents as possible, without overburdening any one group. We reduced Member Board support, either eliminated meetings or added more virtual meetings for our committees, reduced the size of committees, and reduced staffing and staff benefits. Any further cuts in expenses would impact our ability to deliver services, impact our ability to implement further improvements in services and programs, and impact our ability to carry out future initiatives.

Was it really necessary to increase the fee for a new Certificate to $1,500?
The decision was made to move to a business model where we reduce the practice of subsidizing programs and services and charge the actual costs. The most accurate assessment of the cost of compiling everything that goes into an NCARB Record is $1,500. This $1,500 application fee only impacts registered architects who have never had an NCARB Record—approximately 800 people per year—and apply for the NCARB Certificate after many years (or decades) of practice. This fee does not apply to any existing Record holders or interns going from IDP to certification.

Will it cost me $1,500 to get the NCARB Certificate?
Most likely not. This fee does not apply to current NCARB Record holders (whether active or inactive). In fact, this fee is waived entirely for interns who have kept their Record active throughout the IDP and examination processes and who return for certification soon after licensure. (They also receive a significant renewal discount for the first three years.) See the Benefits of Keeping Your Record Active page for more information.

Your NCARB Record is a necessary component of becoming licensed in all U.S. jurisdictions; it is important that you keep it active and up-to-date.

Why did the fee for the Broadly Experienced Architect program increase so much?
The decision was made to work toward reducing the subsidies to the Broadly Experienced Architect program. The BEA dossier fee increased from $3,000 to $5,000, a 67 percent increase. This new fee is closer to the actual cost required to support this program and allows a pathway to certification for those architects who do not have a NAAB-accredited degree. This fee impacts approximately 30 architects a year.

I'm an intern who started a Record two years ago. Does the new $350 fee to start a Record impact me?
No. Interns who took advantage of the $100 down payment to start their Record during school or just after graduation will only be required to pay the remainder of the fee that was in effect when they started their Record. So if you started your Record before 1 July 2010, you will only pay the remainder of the $285 fee. The annual renewal fee for interns will continue to be waived for the first three years.

Questions or comments? Send them to NCARB Customer Service.