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What is the UK Adaptation Assessment?
The UK Adaptation Assessment (UKAA) is a competence-based assessment for internationally qualified architects to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and experience for safe and effective practice in the UK. It must be completed by any internationally qualified architect seeking to join the UK Register through a registration-level mutual recognition agreement (MRA).
What does the UKAA involve?
The UKAA is designed to assess your professional competence to practise safely and effectively in the UK. The UKAA is comprised of three elements: a reflective career summary, a written scenario-based assessment and an online professional interview.
1
Reflective Career Summary
The Reflective Career Summary encompasses two sections: a curriculum vitae (CV) and the reflective career summary proper. Guidance and a template for the Reflective Career Summary can be found here.
While completing the Reflective Career Summary and to prepare for later elements, ARB recommends referring to the Resources Reference List here.
2
Scenario-based Assessment
This will take the form of a short, written scenario describing a situation that could arise during UK practice, and will be accompanied by five related questions. Your responses to these questions must be submitted in advance of your professional interview, and your assessors will use these to inform their discussion with you. These will facilitate our assessment of your knowledge and understanding of the UK context for practice. An example scenario, along with example questions and guidance for responses, can be found here.
3
Professional Interview
In this interview, typically held online, you will have the opportunity to outline your recent experience and highlight key experiences from your Reflective Career Summary. The ARB assessors will then ask you a number of questions, related to your Reflective Career Summary and the responses you supplied for the Scenario-based Assessment.
Timeline and process
| Step | Timeline |
| Make initial enquiry with partner organisation and confirm eligibility | Rolling intake |
| Submit application and make payment, along with Reflective Career Summary | Within five working days of receipt of application |
| ARB issues Scenario-based Assessment | Typically within three weeks of application submission |
| Professional Interview | Earliest date possible following receipt of the Scenario-based Assessment (typically within six weeks) |
| Decision | Typically within three weeks of the Professional Interview |
Apply
Eligibility
Contact your Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) partner organisation to check if your qualifications fall within the scope of the MRA. ARB cannot assess your eligibility. If confirmed eligible, obtain a certificate or statement from the MRA partner (a fee may apply). The partner organisation will send this directly to ARB. Once received, ARB will email you confirmation of eligibility, an application reference number, and the application form for the UK Adaptation Assessment. Please note that there is an application fee of £2,950 that must be paid after your application form has been issued that must be paid before you can proceed with the UKAA.
If you are not eligible for the UKAA, you may wish to consider the prescribed exams as an alternative route.
If relocation to the UK is your aim, we advise that you check with UK Visas and Immigration to determine whether you are required to secure a visa, work permit or other permission before you make your application. We are unable to provide any advice on this process as the UK Visas and Immigration is the responsible authority.
Next steps
- Make initial enquiry and check if you are eligible with the relevant MRA partner organisation
- Download the Reflective Career Summary Guidance and Template and Resources Reference List documents
- Prepare your Reflective Career Summary
FAQs
Eligibility
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Which MRAs are in scope?
The UK Adaptation Assessment is available to architects whose qualifications are recognised under a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between ARB and their home registration body. You can check the list of MRAs currently in scope on the ARB website.
My registration organisation has said I’m not eligible – what next?
If your home registration body confirms you’re not eligible under an MRA, you won’t be able to take the UKAA. You may wish to explore alternative routes to registration in the UK, which are listed on the ARB website.
How long does a UKAA eligibility certificate remain valid for?
A UKAA eligibility certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. You’ll need to submit your application and complete the assessment within this period.
Are there any language requirements?
Applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit a valid International English Language Testing System (IELTS) certificate with no band score below 7.0 or above with their application for examination. Applicants who are obviously bilingual English speakers will not normally be required to provide an IELTS certificate if they declare that this is the case when applying.
Application
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Where can I get the application form?
We will provide you with an application form via email after we receive confirmation of your eligibility from your home registration body.
How can I pay the application fee?
We will contact you after your completed application form has been received to take payment for the UKAA, using a telephone number you provide on the application form. Payment can be made by debit or credit card.
How can I request a reasonable adjustment?
If you have a disability or other condition that may impact your ability to participate, you can request a reasonable adjustment when you submit your application. Supporting evidence may be required.
Scenario-based Assessment
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How should I return the completed scenario-based assessment?
You’ll be given clear instructions when you receive your assessment materials. Completed assessments must be submitted electronically by the stated deadline.
Professional Interview
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Where is the interview held?
Interviews are normally held online via secure video conferencing.
How long does the interview take?
The interview should take no more than 60 minutes, but may be extended at the discretion of the assessors.
Who will be present in the interview?
There will be three assessors and one ARB staff member. Your assessors will be architects who have relevant expertise in conducting criteria-based assessments. One of the assessors present will be the independent assessor, who is there to ensure that the assessment process is run in accordance with ARB’s procedures. The ARB staff member is there to assist with facilitation.
What do I need to bring to the interview?
You’ll need to have a form of photo ID (such as a national identity card, a passport or UK driving licence).
Can I change the date for the interview?
You can request a change of date, but requests must be made within seven days of receiving your original date.
Completing the UKAA
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I’ve passed the UKAA - what do I need to do next to join the UK Register?
Once you’ve passed, you’ll receive instructions from ARB on how to apply for registration. You’ll need to complete the registration form, provide the required documents, and pay the registration fee.
Reapplying
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What happens if I don’t pass?
If you don’t pass, you will be informed of the assessor’s decision, and provided with a copy of the assessment record which will include feedback.
Can I reapply if I’m unsuccessful in my application?
Yes. If you are unsuccessful in your assessment, you may reapply. You must wait six months following receipt of the notification that you were unsuccessful before re-applying. You may only apply for re-assessment twice following an initial unsuccessful application. The Registrar may vary the maximum number of attempts permitted if, following receipt of evidence, they are satisfied that there has been a material improvement in an applicant’s competence.