The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is a nonprofit organization comprising the legally constituted architectural registration boards of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands as its members.

Its mission is to collaborate with licensing boards to facilitate the licensure and credentialing of architects to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

NCARB maintains licensure candidate and architect records as a service to their customers and their member registration boards.

NCARB also facilitates reciprocity between jurisdictions and acts on behalf of its Member Boards when negotiating international agreements.

It is a computerized exam that assesses candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required to practice architecture independently.

Although certification does not qualify a person to practice architecture in a jurisdiction, it does signify that he or she has met the highest professional standards established by the registration boards responsible for protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

Applicants then create an online portfolio documenting past work experience to satisfy areas of the NCARB Education Standard.

[13] NCARB assists architects in keeping their skills and knowledge up-to-date through an expertly developed collection of self-study resources.

The series explores everything from sustainable design to fire safety in buildings to professional conduct to post-occupancy evaluation.

NCARB also administers the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Architects program in the United States.