October 30, 2025
In accordance with the NAAB 2020 Procedures for Accreditation, NAAB announces the revision of its accreditation criteria (2020 Conditions and 2020 Procedures). This comprehensive revision effort marks an opportunity for the NAAB community to take a thoughtful and forward-looking approach to architectural accreditation standards.
As part of our regular cycle of review, NAAB conducts a broad revision of the accreditation criteria every eight years, complementing the more time-sensitive, interim updates we make in response to evolving needs in education, accreditation, and the field of architecture. This upcoming revision will be grounded in a broad and inclusive stakeholder input and engagement process significantly enhanced by the extensive feedback received since the publication of the 2020 Conditions and 2020 Procedures.
As part of this process, we will:
- Distribute surveys to collect input from a broad spectrum of stakeholders
- Host multiple input sessions to discuss the current criteria (including in-person and virtual opportunities)
This process will be led by an ad-hoc Standards Revision Committee (SRC), which will be responsible for reviewing new input and previously received feedback, and drafting proposed revisions. Proposed changes will be distributed for public comment, which will be assessed by the SRC to inform the final revision.
To support the SRC in navigating today’s rapidly evolving global, professional, and accreditation landscape—shaped by shifting policies, social dynamics, technologies, and economic and environmental pressures— the SRC will be supported by a consultant to assist throughout the process. The consultant’s role will be to work with subject matter experts in the architecture field (education, practice and the profession) to help foster clarity, accessibility and streamlined language in the next iteration of the accreditation standards.
Simultaneously, we will facilitate focus groups including representatives from each of our collateral and alliance organizations, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and other accreditors to review draft revisions to ensure we are leveraging accreditation best practices and the evolving landscape of the profession.
To provide sufficient time to fully solicit, gather, assess and implement input, the process is projected to take two years. In that time, we will provide updated information via email, newsletters, Online Communities and a microsite where you can learn more about the progress of the revision process.
This initiative, in the context of a rapidly changing landscape, is critical to the future of architectural education and to the architectural discipline and profession. Thank you for your participation and stay tuned for an upcoming call for SRC member nominations.
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