# ARE Live: How to Become a Licensed Architect in 2026 **URL:** \ **Category:** ARE Live\ **Tags:** are-live\ **Created:** [January 20, 2026, 6:46pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-how-to-become-a-licensed-architect-in-2026/7688 "2026-01-20T18:46:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![cmarvin1956](https://blackspectacles.com/uploads/images/6.png) [@cmarvin1956](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/cmarvin1956)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 6:12pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-how-to-become-a-licensed-architect-in-2026/7688/21 "2026-01-21T18:12:34Z")
I left…this is not the presentation for me. I already know all this. I have three tests left and I need to focus on them. ---
**Author:** ![ariel.payamps](https://blackspectacles.com/uploads/images/5.png) [@ariel.payamps](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/ariel.payamps)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 6:14pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-how-to-become-a-licensed-architect-in-2026/7688/22 "2026-01-21T18:14:34Z")
Hello, My name is Ariel, and I am writing from New Jersey to confirm whether a licensed Landscape Architect is eligible to be a AXP sponsor and submit and verify AXP hours through NCARB. Additionally, I worked in New York for approximately six to seven years under a licensed Architect who was the principal of the firm. Unfortunately, the principal Architect passed away a few months ago. Given this situation, I would like to know whether my time worked in New York can still be submitted and credited toward my AXP hours. Thank you for your time and guidance. I look forward to your response. ---
**Author:** ![amonsanto](https://blackspectacles.com/uploads/images/7.png) [@amonsanto](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/amonsanto)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 6:19pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-how-to-become-a-licensed-architect-in-2026/7688/23 "2026-01-21T18:19:11Z")
$20,000 difference mentioned at the beginning is way too little. If you break that down per paycheck and after taxes, that’s not much of a benefit. We NEED a raise! ---
**Author:** ![patrickfinnigan](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/community.blackspectacles.com/patrickfinnigan/32/1634_2.png) [@patrickfinnigan](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/patrickfinnigan)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 6:20pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-how-to-become-a-licensed-architect-in-2026/7688/24 "2026-01-21T18:20:23Z")
Hey Ariel! I’ll bring this up to Kiara at the end of the session, but I recommend looking into Setting O. You can refer to NCARB’s **[AXP Guidelines](https://www.ncarb.org/sites/default/files/AXP-Guidelines.pdf)** for different Setting O opportunities and other requirements for the program. ---
**Author:** ![christopherbwatkins92](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/community.blackspectacles.com/christopherbwatkins92/32/1796_2.png) [@christopherbwatkins92](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/christopherbwatkins92)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 6:28pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-how-to-become-a-licensed-architect-in-2026/7688/25 "2026-01-21T18:28:24Z")
Currently studying for the ARE exams, third time taking them. Great presentation but I am a bit farther along the process. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![mzakutansky](https://blackspectacles.com/uploads/images/25.png) [@mzakutansky](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/mzakutansky)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 6:29pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-how-to-become-a-licensed-architect-in-2026/7688/26 "2026-01-21T18:29:25Z")
Is there any benefit in taking PcM or PjM before the other? ---
**Author:** ![ankatayeva](https://blackspectacles.com/uploads/images/2.png) [@ankatayeva](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/ankatayeva)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 6:31pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-how-to-become-a-licensed-architect-in-2026/7688/27 "2026-01-21T18:31:30Z")
How is your membership different from other platforms? ---
**Author:** ![mzakutansky](https://blackspectacles.com/uploads/images/25.png) [@mzakutansky](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/mzakutansky)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 6:34pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-how-to-become-a-licensed-architect-in-2026/7688/28 "2026-01-21T18:34:58Z")
Thank you! ---
**Author:** ![mzakutansky](https://blackspectacles.com/uploads/images/25.png) [@mzakutansky](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/mzakutansky)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 6:37pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-how-to-become-a-licensed-architect-in-2026/7688/29 "2026-01-21T18:37:10Z")
How do practice exam scores translate? I’ve seen in research that Black Spectacles practice exams may be a bit more difficult that NCARB or other practice exams. What score on a BS practice exam would likely indicate a passing score on the actual exam? ---
**Author:** ![ankatayeva](https://blackspectacles.com/uploads/images/2.png) [@ankatayeva](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/ankatayeva)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 6:37pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-how-to-become-a-licensed-architect-in-2026/7688/30 "2026-01-21T18:37:28Z")
Thank you, that helps ---
**Author:** ![mzakutansky](https://blackspectacles.com/uploads/images/25.png) [@mzakutansky](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/mzakutansky)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 6:48pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-how-to-become-a-licensed-architect-in-2026/7688/31 "2026-01-21T18:48:41Z")
Awesome, thank you! ---
**Author:** ![kiaragalicinao](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/community.blackspectacles.com/kiaragalicinao/32/1607_2.png) [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 7:03pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-how-to-become-a-licensed-architect-in-2026/7688/32 "2026-01-21T19:03:43Z")
Thanks for tuning in, everyone! Regarding that question about if you need to physically take the ARE in the jurisdiction where you are pursuing licensure, it looks like you do not. This **[article](https://www.ncarb.org/blog/how-to-switch-your-testing-jurisdiction-my-ncarb)** states that: _You do not need to be physically located in the jurisdiction that granted your eligibilities when taking the exam._ Refer to the **[ARE Guidelines](https://www.ncarb.org/sites/default/files/ARE-5-Guidelines.pdf)** for more information. ---
**Author:** ![kiaragalicinao](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/community.blackspectacles.com/kiaragalicinao/32/1607_2.png) [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 7:10pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-how-to-become-a-licensed-architect-in-2026/7688/33 "2026-01-21T19:10:45Z")
I touched on this a little, but here is more information about the current **[AXP Reporting Policy](https://www.ncarb.org/gain-axp-experience/start-axp/record-experience/hourly-reporting/reporting-requirement)**. Essentially, you must report all experience within one year to earn full credit. All experience older than one year at the time of submission is eligible for 75% credit. For those of you who had mentioned having years of experience that was not yet reported, I highly recommend that you report them as soon as possible! ---
**Author:** ![kiaragalicinao](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/community.blackspectacles.com/kiaragalicinao/32/1607_2.png) [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 7:15pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-how-to-become-a-licensed-architect-in-2026/7688/34 "2026-01-21T19:15:12Z")
@mzakutansky To add to Patrick’s response about this, check out this **[article](https://www.ncarb.org/blog/what-score-do-you-need-to-pass-the-are)** about ARE cut scores. You’ll see that the cut score ranges vary by division and fall anywhere between 58-71%. You can use this as a general target score for your practice exams. We do our best to match the rigor and complexity of the real ARE, so performing well on our practice exams should give you a good indication that you are ready to take the real thing! I also recommend that you review your practice exam results well beyond the “final score” itself - take note of your performance in each section/objective and be sure that you are reviewing all correct/incorrect answer explanations. Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![kiaragalicinao](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/community.blackspectacles.com/kiaragalicinao/32/1607_2.png) [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 7:16pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-how-to-become-a-licensed-architect-in-2026/7688/35 "2026-01-21T19:16:28Z")
Best of luck on your exams @christopherbwatkins92 you’re going to do great! I’m sorry that it’s been a difficult journey for you - but third time’s a charm 🙂 Let us know if you need anything along the way! ---
**Author:** ![kiaragalicinao](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/community.blackspectacles.com/kiaragalicinao/32/1607_2.png) [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 7:18pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-how-to-become-a-licensed-architect-in-2026/7688/36 "2026-01-21T19:18:28Z")
I hear you @amonsanto and of course we all would love higher raises in general! The example I presented was a very rough estimate based on the _AIA Compensation & Benefits Report 2023_. The difference in pay varies greatly depending on your firm, location, and other factors - however, a change in status (unlicensed to licensed) definitely signals an increase in compensation. ---
**Author:** ![kiaragalicinao](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/community.blackspectacles.com/kiaragalicinao/32/1607_2.png) [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 7:24pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-how-to-become-a-licensed-architect-in-2026/7688/37 "2026-01-21T19:24:59Z")
@ariel.payamps I missed the second part of your question earlier when I answered about considering Setting O for your landscape architect supervisor. I’m sorry to hear about the passing of your principal. If your work was done under them (the licensed architect), I think it would still be considered Setting A, as long as you had another licensed architect to approve the hours. However, because you’re having a landscape architect approve the Setting A hours, I think this is a special circumstance that you’d want to discuss with NCARB. I recommend reaching out to their **[Customer Relations](https://www.ncarb.org/contact-us)** team for further guidance! [Previous page](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-how-to-become-a-licensed-architect-in-2026/7688.md?page=1)