Competence Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions*
Guidance Note on Maintaining Competence to Practise

1. I’m retired do I need to maintain competence to practise?

   No, as long as you are completely retired, but if you think you may return to practise in the future you might want to bear this in mind because it will then apply.

2. Will Rule 20 apply to academics?

   Rule 20 applies to those who are engaged in the practice of architecture. 
   Rule 20 applies to those who are engaged in teaching/lecturing of subjects in architecture and who are also engaged in the practice of architecture.
   Those who are engaged solely in the teaching/lecturing of subjects in architecture are not subject to Rule 20. However, Rule 20 will need to be considered by anyone who is engaged solely in the teaching/lecturing of subjects in architecture but is considering practising, or returning to practice.

3. I’m a writer/do not work in the field of architecture, does this apply to me?

   No, provided you are not in practice or offering any kind of architectural services, but if you think you might want to return to practice in the future you might want to bear it in mind because it will then apply.

4. What does ‘in practice’ mean?

   It means practising as an architect and offering architectural services, whether for a fee or not.

5. In the Guidance it says that under Rule 20, I must have undertaken sufficient activities to satisfy the Board as to my competence during the 2 years prior to my renewal or application – must this be continuous for the whole 2 years?

   No, the 2 years refers to how recent the activities should be. How much and what you have done will be a personal matter and relate to your own practice and experience. The guidance gives you further information on what you could be doing.

6. Do I need to send anything to you at renewal?

   No, we don’t need anything more from you unless we have requested it.

7. I’m a member of the RIBA, how does this relate to their CPD scheme?

   The Board has agreed that architects who have complied with the RIBA CPD scheme are likely to satisfy the Board’s requirements.

8. I’m not a member of the RIBA or any other professional body and I don’t want to take part in their scheme, what must I do?

   You don’t have to be part of a structured CPD programme – the Board has published guidance on its requirements on its website.

9. I registered under the EU Directive and I’m not sure how my qualifications relate to the ARB Criteria.

   The ARB Criteria at Parts 1 and 2 are based on the EU Directive so there will be a direct correlation between your qualifications and the UK Criteria.

10. Is this about CPD?

    CPD is just part of the picture, there are a number of activities which may be undertaken to maintain competence – these are outlined in the Guidelinespublished on the ARB website.

11. I have taken a career break and been out of practice for some time.  Are there any courses specifically designed to help me now that I’m planning to go back to work?

    The RIBA run a ‘Return to Practice Course’ in partnership with London Metropolitan University (see www.londonmet.ac.uk/architecture/department/asd-projects/ ). Other organisations and institutions may run similar courses including the University of Dundee which runs an MSc in Advanced Practice Management (see www.dundee.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/apm).

* Additional FAQs will be added as the need arises.