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If you have previously been registered as an architect in the UK and want to rejoin the Register, you will need to complete an application through MyARB.
The evidence you need to provide will depend on how long you have been off the Register and the reason you left.
ARB is introducing a new Registration Assurance Process (RAP) for people returning to the Register after more than two years. The RAP replaces the previous process involving the Competency Standards Group (CSG) and provides a more proportionate way to demonstrate that your knowledge and skills remain current.
If you were previously registered but have been off the Register since September 2023 or earlier, you may not yet have received your MyARB login details.
If so, please email info@arb.org.uk confirming your full name, date of birth and personal email address and we can issue your login credentials. The email address you supply must be personal to you and not a shared mailbox.
Is this the right route for you?
You have been off the Register for less than two years
If you have been off the Register for less than two years, you can apply to rejoin through the standard registration process in MyARB.
If you:
- resigned from the Register; or
- were removed for non-payment of your retention fee
then you will need to provide a personal development plan (PDP), unless you have already recorded your CPD on MyARB or with RIBA.
Your PDP should set out the CPD you plan to complete before the end of the calendar year and must include planned CPD covering any mandatory topics for that year.
Find out more about the ARB CPD scheme and personal development plans.
You were removed from the Register for failing to comply with the CPD scheme within the last two years
If you were removed from the Register for failing to comply with the ARB CPD scheme, you will need to apply through the Registration Assurance Process (RAP).
You will need to complete a Personal Development Plan setting out how you will address your professional development needs and maintain your competence.
Find out more about the ARB CPD scheme and personal development plans.
You have been off the Register for more than two years
If you have been off the Register for more than two years, you will need to apply through the Registration Assurance Process (RAP).
The RAP is designed to provide assurance that your knowledge and skills remain current.
You will need to provide additional evidence as part of your application, as detailed below.
Before you apply
Before starting your application, make sure you have:
- your MyARB login details
- a current and valid passport or national identity document (we cannot accept driving licenses or other forms of ID)
- a payment card to pay the relevant fees
- any additional evidence required for your route
Evidence requirements
Returning within two years
Resigned
If you resigned from the Register and are returning within two years of your resignation, then you will need to provide a personal development plan (PDP), unless you have already recorded your CPD on MyARB or with RIBA.
Your PDP should set out the CPD you plan to complete before the end of the calendar year and must include CPD covering any mandatory topics for that year.
Find out more about the ARB CPD scheme and personal development plans.
Removed for non-payment of your retention fee
If you were removed from the Register and are returning within two years of your removal, then you will need to provide a personal development plan (PDP), unless you have already recorded your CPD on MyARB or with RIBA.
Your PDP should set out the CPD you plan to complete before the end of the calendar year and must include CPD covering any mandatory topics for that year.
Find out more about the ARB CPD scheme and personal development plans.
Removed for CPD non-compliance
If you have been off the Register for less than two years then you will apply through the Registration Assurance Process (RAP), and will additionally be required to submit a PDP (personal development plan) as part of your application. The PDP should set out the CPD topics you plan to address over the next 12 months, and must cover any mandatory topics.
Find out more about the ARB CPD scheme and personal development plans.
Returning after more than two years
Returning after more than two years
If you have been off the Register for more than two years then you will apply through the Registration Assurance Process (RAP). You will be required to provide:
- a CV; and
- a written reference from a registered architect
Or:
- a personal statement
Your CV
Your CV should, as a minimum, outline:
- your qualifications;
- your work history to date; and
- provide a brief summary of your professional responsibilities.
It must demonstrate that you have worked in the architecture sector on relevant work for at least two of the last three years.
A reference from a registered architect
You must provide a written reference from an architect who is registered with ARB.
The reference must confirm that, to the best of their knowledge and belief, you have been working in the architecture sector on relevant work for at least two of the last three years.
The architect providing the reference must be registered at the time they provide the reference and when your application is submitted. They do not need to have worked with you throughout the full period covered by the reference.
The reference must include the following wording:
I can confirm that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, [CANDIDATE] has been working in architecture for at least two of the last three years. I am aware that ARB may carry out independent checks of the accuracy of this information.
The reference must also include:
- the architect’s full name
- their ARB registration number
- the date the reference was provided
Alternative evidence option (personal statement)
Applicants who choose this alternative evidence option are not required to submit the usual CV or a reference from a registered architect. Instead, they must provide a personal statement. This must include:
- Any identified gaps in their UK-specific knowledge, skills or experience;
- Details of the CPD they have undertaken to address any gaps identified;
- A reflective statement demonstrating that they are ready to practise in a UK context;
- A summary of the type of work they anticipate undertaking.
Applicants will not be provided with a prescriptive template for their personal statement, and do not need to meet a minimum word count.
Applicants who have not identified any gaps in their readiness to practise must explain why they consider that they have no gaps.
Apply for registration
Once you have checked that you are eligible and gathered the documents you need, you can apply through our online registration portal.
You will need to provide the information and supporting evidence required for your route and pay the relevant application and registration fees.
What happens after you apply?
We will review your application and the evidence you have provided.
If we need any further information, we will contact you.
Once your application has been approved, we will confirm that you have been added to the Register.
FAQs
General
Can I apply for registration under a preferred name?
Your name will be included in the Register as it appears in your identity documents. If you have since changed your name, we will need a marriage or civil partnership certificate or a deed poll to show that your name has officially changed.
Registration Assurance Process (RAP)
Does my referee need to have worked with me for the whole period covered by the reference?
No, your referee does not need to have worked with you for the for the whole period of the reference.