Returning to the register

	• Readmission (under two years)		Apply Online or Download form
	• Readmission (over two years)		Apply Online or Download form
	• Reinstatement (under two years)		Apply Online or Download form
	• Reinstatement (over two years)		Apply Online or Download form
	• Re-entry after removal for not reporting a change of address		Apply Online or Download form

The online application process is straightforward, secure and convenient. You can upload the documents needed to support your application, and make your payment safely and securely online using your debit or credit card. However, you can still follow the more traditional method for applying if you prefer.

When you apply to rejoin the Register, the overall cost and the time it takes to process your application will depend upon:

how you left the Register
how much time has passed since you were last registered, and
the time of year you submit your application.

On average, most applications are processed within four to six weeks.

Applications for rejoining the Register are divided into the following categories:

Readmission – if you resigned voluntarily from the Register
Reinstatement – if you were removed from the Register because you did not pay the annual retention fee (Section 8 of the Architects Act 1997 refers)
Re-entry – if you were removed from the Register because you did not report a change of address (Section 11 of the Architects Act 1997 refers)

In addition, if you left the Register more than two years ago, you will need to submit additional documentary evidence to demonstrate your competence to practise, in accordance with Rule 20 of the Board’s General Rules.

It is important that you read the following before proceeding.

The Architects Code: Standards of Conduct and Practice
The Board’s General Rules
The Professional Conduct Committee and Investigations Committee Rules

Please take a moment to decide which of the following five numbered sections applies to you, then complete and submit the relevant online application form, making sure that you have uploaded the relevant documents and given details of your credit/debit card. If you are downloading the form to complete and return to us, please make sure that you include the documents we ask for in your mailing.

We only accept payment for your application by cheque or credit/debit card, and we cannot refund your application fee if your application is unsuccessful. For future retention fee payments, we recommend that you take advantage of the direct debit system. Once you are back on the Register, your first annual retention fee payment will become due at the beginning of January in the following year.
If you are unsure of the date or method of your removal from the Register, please call us on 020 7580 5861 for clarification or send an e-mail to registrationdepartment@arb.org.uk.

1. Readmission within two years of voluntary resignation

If you apply to rejoin the Register within two years after you resigned, you will need to:

complete and submit the online application form or download a readmission (under two years) application form
pay an application fee and a pro rata retention fee. The level of retention fee that you pay will depend on the time of year that you submit your application.

2. Readmission over two years after voluntary resignation

If you apply to rejoin the Register more than two years after you resigned, your application will be considered by our Competency Standards Group. You will need to provide additional information about yourself so that the Group can judge whether you are competent to practise. You will need to:

complete and submit the online application form or download a readmission (over two years) application form
submit additional documents to assist the Group in making a recommendation to the Registrar about your application. These include a detailed CV, a minimum of two references, and evidence of the continuous professional development (CPD) you have undertaken since leaving the Register, in particular in the two years immediately before your application to rejoin. If you are applying online, these documents can be uploadedto accompany your application.
pay an application fee and a pro rata retention fee. The level of retention fee that you pay will depend on the time of year that you submit your application.

3. Reinstatement within two years of removal for non-payment of the retention fee

If you apply to rejoin the Register within two years after you were removed, you will need to:

complete and submit the online application form or complete a reinstatement (under two years) application form
pay an application fee and a penalty fee, as well as a pro rata retention fee. The level of retention fee that you pay will depend on the time of year that you submit your application.

4. Reinstatement over two years after removal for non-payment of the retention fee

If you apply to rejoin the Register more than two years after you were removed, your application will be considered by our Competency Standards Group. You will need to provide additional information about yourself so that the Group can judge whether you are competent to practise. You will need to:

complete and submit an online application form or complete a reinstatement (over two years) application form
submit additional documents to assist the Group in making a recommendation to the Registrar about your application. These include a detailed CV, a minimum of two references, and evidence of the continuous professional development (CPD) you have undertaken since leaving the Register, in particular in the two years immediately before your application to rejoin
pay an application fee and a penalty fee, as well as a pro rata retention fee. The level of retention fee that you pay will depend on the time of year that you submit your application.

5. Re-entry after removal for not reporting a change of address

If you apply to rejoin the Register up to 31 December in the same year that you were removed, you will need to:

complete and submit an online application form or complete a re-entry application form
pay an application fee and a pro rata retention fee. The level of retention fee that you pay will depend on the time of year that you submit your application.

If you apply to rejoin the Register after the end of the year in which you were removed but still within two years of the date of your removal, you will need to:

complete and submit an online application form or complete a re-entry application form
pay an application fee and a penalty fee, as well as a pro rata retention fee. The level of retention fee that you pay will depend on the time of year that you submit your application.

complete and submit an online application form or complete a re-entry application form
submit additional documents to assist the Group in making a recommendation to the Registrar about your application. These include a detailed CV, a minimum of two references, and evidence of the continuous professional development (CPD) you have undertaken since leaving the Register, in particular in the two years immediately before your application to rejoin
pay an application fee and a penalty fee, as well as a pro rata retention fee. The level of retention fee that you pay will depend on the time of year that you submit your application.