What is the Six- Month Rule?
The Six-Month Rule is a training unit reporting requirement for the IDP. The Six-Month Rule requires interns to submit their training units to NCARB in reporting periods of no longer than six months and within two months of completion of each reporting period.

When will the training unit reporting requirement begin?
The Six-Month Rule will be phased in over two years:

• On 1 July 2009, the Six-Month Rule will apply to interns establishing an NCARB Record on or after 1 July 2009.
• On 1 July 2010, one full year later, the Six-Month Rule will apply to all interns.                                                               

I am a current NCARB Record holder, but I have years of experience to report. How will the Six-Month Rule impact experience I have not yet reported?
Current NCARB Record holders may retroactively report their experience and are not subject to the Six-Month Rule until 1 July 2010. You must report all experience by 30 June 2010.

I am NOT a current NCARB Record holder, but I have years of experience to report. How will the Six-Month Rule impact experience I have not yet reported if I establish an NCARB Record before 1 July 2009?
If you establish your Record before 1 July 2009, than you are not subject to the Six-Month Rule until 1 July 2010. Until then you may retroactively report your experience, however, you must report all experience by 30 June 2010.

I am a NOT a current NCARB Record holder, but I have years of experience to report. How will the Six-Month Rule impact experience I have not yet reported if I establish an NCARB record after 1 July 2009?
If you establish your NCARB Record after 1 July 2009, you must submit training units to NCARB in reporting periods of no longer than six months and within two months of completion of each reporting period.

How will the Six-Month Rule impact reporting of short-term employment, such as summer internships or employment periods of less than six months in duration?
Short-term employment must be reported within a training unit-reporting period of no longer than six months and within two months of completion of the reporting period. See Example 3

I am a current NCARB Record holder, as of 1 July 2010, what can I report?
As of 1 July 2010, current NCARB Record holders will be unable to report training units earned before 2 November 2009. After 1 July 2010, you must submit training units to NCARB in reporting periods of no longer than six months and within two months of completion of each reporting period.

Can I loose experience for administrative delays?
Once an intern enters qualified training units into the automated system, they will not be penalized by losing training units for delays in processing caused by their supervisor or NCARB. NCARB will electronically notify the intern’s supervisor that they have submitted a report for their review and discussion with their intern. In other words, once an intern submits training units by entering them into their Record online, those units are “protected” from the reporting requirement of the Six-Month Rule while any loose ends are tied up. An intern can only lose the submitted training units if they are deemed invalid by the supervisor, or they are not earned in accordance with the rules of the IDP. See Example 2

Can an individual apply for an extension?
Yes. The Six-Month Rule provides for a reasonable extension of the reporting period where it is prevented by the birth or adoption of a child, by a serious medical condition, by active duty in military service, or by other like causes. The application and review process for such requests will available when the Six-Month Rule becomes effective. See Examples 5-7

Why is there a Six-Month Rule?
The Six-Month Rule is a reporting requirement that will help interns, together with their supervisors, identify and target deficient training areas sooner rather than later so that they can request exposure to such experience promptly. 

When was the Six-Month Rule voted on?
At the Annual Meeting in June 2008, NCARB’s Member Boards voted 49-1 in favor of implementing Resolution 2008-07 aka the Six- Month Rule. 

How will the Six- Month Rule be communicated to all relevant stakeholders?
NCARB has launched a large-scale communications “blitz” to its Member Boards, Record holders, and potential Record holders. NCARB is also making collaborative communication efforts with the collateral organizations participating in the IDP Advisory Committee. See NCARB Six-Month Rule Resources

More Questions? Contact customerservice@ncarb.org