Routes to Registration

2. Prescribed Qualifications

2 (i) Prescribed Qualifications – UK Recognised Courses

The Architects Act 1997: Section 4 (1) states-

"A person who has applied to the Registrar in the prescribed manner for registration in pursuance of this section is entitled to be registered in Part 1 of the Register if –

1. he holds such qualifications and has gained such practical experiences as may be prescribed…"

Approved Courses and Examinations in Architecture

In the UK, courses of architecture leading to the award of recognised qualifications are conducted in two stages. Currently, over forty universities and other tertiary institutions offer approved courses and examinations, which are five years’ duration or the equivalent in part time study.

The qualifications awarded at completion of each stage of an approved course of study are individually and separately recognised by the ARB for registration purposes.

A list of all the Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 qualifications is available on the ARB website [www.arb.org.uk] or from the ARB.

Practical Training Experience and the Part 3 Qualification

In addition to the Parts 1 and 2 qualifications, applicants for registration are required to complete a minimum period of two years structured and recorded architectural experience in a range of activities, and pass a recognised Part 3 qualification.

The Board's General Rule 13 states:
"The qualifications and practical experience prescribed by the Board pursuant to Section 4(1)(a) of the Act are that the person:

1. holds such qualification(s) as are listed in Schedule 1 to the Rules; and
2. hasrecently completed a minimum of 24 months’ practical experience under the direct supervision of a professional working in the construction industry which should include at least 12 months working in the EEA, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, under the direct supervision of an architect.

For the purpose of this Rule:

• “months”
  these will be calendar months of full time working (at least 20 hours a week). Reasonable time off for holidays and illness may be included in this period. (Where the work is less than 20 hours per week, applicants will be expected to complete a commensurately longer period of experience.)
• “practical experience”
  experience which consists of activities which would typically be undertaken by an architect in practice. (The Part 3 Criteria are helpful in setting out in broad terms, some of the activities which are likely to be required to be undertaken.)
• “recently”
  at least 12 of the 24 months’ experience should have been undertaken in the two years immediately before taking the Part 3 exam.
• “direct supervision”
  the person supervising should have responsibility for and control over the work being undertaken.  
• “professional working in the construction industry”
  will be an architect registered in the territory where the experience is being undertaken or a chartered or similarly qualified member of an appropriate professional body. The ‘construction industry’ will include qualified professionals typically involved in the procurement, design and management of the built environment. "

Admission to a recognised Part 3 examination in professional practice is subject to completion of Parts 1 and 2 qualifications and the required practical training experience.

Please see Section 5 of this booklet if a Part 3 qualification was passed more than two years ago.      

Application

If you would like a set of application papers, please contact the ARB (info@arb.org.uk). Alternatively, application details and forms are also available to download at the Board’s website.