Returning to the Register

.If you have previously been registered as an architect in the UK and would now like to re-join the Register, you can do so using our online portal Applying for registration online is both quick and secure, and can be done at a time and place that is most convenient for you.

To complete your application online you will need the following to hand:

• ARB Registration Number
  You must have your unique ARB (or ARCUK) Registration Number. If you do not have this information and wish to apply online, please contact us and we will be happy to provide it to you.
• Your regular business address
  The Architects Act 1997 requires us to record your business address in the Register. This is the address where you can usually be found during working hours. If you do not have a business address, you must supply an alternative (e.g. home address) where you can usually be found during working hours. As the Register is a public document, your address details will always be made public.
• Credit/Debit Card
  To submit your online application you must pay all relevant fees online via WorldPay (ARB's online payments agent) using a credit or debit card. We accept MasterCard, Debit MasterCard, Visa Credit, Visa Debit, Visa Electron, Maestro, and JCB.
• Change of Name
  If your name has changed since you were last on the Register, you will need to upload the relevant document to support the change in your circumstances, for example a marriage certificate, or deed poll certificate.
• If you have been off the Register for more than two years, your application will need to be reviewed by ARB's Competency Standards Group. This review is necessary under Rule 20 of the ARB's General Rules, and requires you to demonstrate your competence to practise when registering. You will need to provide additional information and evidence for this purpose (i.e. references, evidence of continuing professional development, detailed curriculum vitae, and a statement for admission). This information will then be reviewed by the Competency Standards Group, who are all architects, before making a recommendation to the Registrar. If the information you provide in the first instance is not sufficient to satisfy the Group, we may need to ask you to provide further information before we are able to take your application forward.

Important - please note
You cannot submit an online application and pay the relevant fees offline (e.g. by posting us a cheque). If you are unable to pay the relevant fees online using one of the accepted credit/debit cards, you should instead apply by post using our downloadable application forms.

You need not complete your online application in one sitting. As you progress through each step, the information you provide will be saved automatically so you can log out of the portal and log in again later to continue working on your application. Your application will only be submitted to us once you have completed it in full and your payment transaction has been completed.

The relevant fees for re-joining the Register can be found here. Please note that fees for re-joining the Register will vary, depending on the timing of your application and the circumstances applying to any previous resignation or removal from the Register.

Apply here using our online portal

If you would prefer to download and submit your application by post, please click here.