Practical training experience

Practical training requirements – frequently asked questions

This leaflet gives you information about the practical training that you will need to do to register with us and become an architect.

The typical pattern

The usual stages of education and training you need to take to become an architect are as follows.

Part 1 – you gain a degree in architecture, which we should recognise. At Part 1, you will usually have finished three years’ full-time study, or a longer period of part-time study. Once you have your degree, you will usually do a year’s practical training under the supervision of an architect who is registered in the UK or in Europe. If we don’t recognise your qualification, you can take an examination that we set. This will test whether your qualification meets our standards.

Part 2 – you gain a diploma or second degree in architecture, which we should recognise. At Part 2, you will usually have done a further two years’ full-time study after getting your first degree. You will then have to do another year of practical training experience, under the supervision of an architect registered in the UK. As with Part 1, if we do not recognise your qualification, you can take an examination that we set to see if it meets our standards.

Part 3 – you take a professional practice examination, which we recognise. You will be tested on the knowledge, understanding and skills you have gained from your practical training experience.

When you have finished all three parts, including your practical training experience, you can apply to join the UK Register of Architects.

Different patterns

To register with us, you must have at least two years’ practical training experience. One of the years must be after you have finished your second degree, and at least one must be in the UK under the supervision of an architect registered in the UK.

You can make some changes to the usual stages of education and practical training experience, as long as you meet the requirements above.

You can choose to do both years of your practical training experience after you finish your diploma or second degree.
You can choose to do part of your practical training (up to one year counting towards the two years you need) working under the supervision of an architect who is registered in a member state of the European Union (EU).
You can choose to do part of your practical training (up to one year counting towards the two years you need) with an architect who isn’t registered in the UK or in a member state of the EU. If you are thinking about taking this option, you should get in touch with us to make sure that the training meets our requirements.

The requirements for practical training are in the Board’s General Rules (13(a) and 13(b)). The rules are on our website at www.arb.org.uk, or we can send you a printed copy if you ask.

If you are unsure about what experience you need, phone us on 020 7580 5861 and we will be pleased to help.

Proof of practical training

When we decide whether non-standard practical training experience meets our requirements, we will need to see the following information.

A letter confirming when you did your practical training experience.
Information about the company, firm or practice where you did your practical training experience, or where you are about to do it. This must be on the firm’s headed notepaper, and signed by a principal or director of the firm. It should include the size, turnover and number of staff employed.
Where the supervising architect is registered, particularly if the architect is registered in more than one region or country.
Whether your practical training experience is the first or second year of your training.

If appropriate, you can break down your practical training experience by stages and responsibilities, and record it in a practical-training logbook.

Schools and institutions of architecture

Our requirements for practical training experience are different from those of the institutions of architecture. They will have their own entry requirements, and they do not have to recognise your practical training.

Work permits

Students from abroad who want to work in the UK may need to apply for a ‘student entry clearance’. If you have any questions about work permits, please visit the Home Office website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/. We cannot help you with this.