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ARB registration of internationally-qualified architects – consultation results
In October 2024 ARB launched a public consultation on proposed changes to international routes to registration. The changes aimed to:
- align our international routes with our new approach to UK initial education and training
- improve access to the UK Register for those with qualifications from outside the UK who can demonstrate competence, by simplifying the examination process and removing unintended complexity and barriers.
The proposals included an overhaul of the Prescribed Exam, and changes to the UK Adaptation Assessment, which is undertaken by architects joining the UK Register through one of ARB’s international agreements.
Summary of the results
The consultation ran from 3 October 2024 to 6 January 2025 and received 59 unique responses. The majority of respondents were from registered architects (25, 42%), and a third of responses (19, 32%) were from ‘other’ types of respondents, including internationally-qualified architects not yet on the UK Register. We also ran an online event in which we presented and discussed the proposals, which was attended by over 100 stakeholders.
Our proposals to move to a competence-based assessment (88%) and for a single point of entry to the UK Register (80%) received the highest levels of support in our consultation. Of all our proposals, support was lowest for our proposal to move to an accreditation approach (58%) rather than run the exams in-house. Respondents expressed concern that the cost of the assessment, exam or route must be affordable for candidates. Potential providers of the exam were also mindful of costs, and the question of whether there would be enough candidates and throughput for the model to be viable.
To what extent do you agree with each of our proposed changes to the Prescribed Exam?
Decision
We will continue our plans to introduce a competence-based assessment in a modernised format, simpler eligibility requirements, and a single point of entry to the Register.
However, following consultation feedback and further market research, we intend to apply a contract model to outsource the assessments, rather than an accreditation model. This means that rather than providers developing assessments that we then approve, we will instead contract specific providers to run the assessment based on a service they’ll propose to meet our brief.
Our research has shown that other regulatory bodies generally use a contract model for examinations or assessments, although some regulators do accredit qualifications required by overseas professionals. We are conscious that accreditation can be a significant undertaking and as yet we are unsure about the numbers of likely applicants. One of the benefits of using a contract model would be additional control over performance, including the ability to review or terminate a contract if the fees are problematic for candidates.
We will initially seek to appoint a single provider, and consider widening out to multiple providers based on the success of the contract model.
Alongside these changes, we will review and remodel the Competency Standards Group to provide an alternative route to registration for those with partial qualifications (specifically, ARB-accredited Part 2 and Part 3 qualifications but no Part 1).
Single gateway
There will be a single examination gateway to the Register (instead of requiring two exams to prove equivalence to Part 1 and/or Part 2, and in addition, requiring a Part 3 UK-accredited qualification).
Improved eligibility
Simpler eligibility requirements will be based on qualifications that focus on architecture and meet ARB’s UK professional practical experience requirements (without reference to the number of years spent in education and training).
Competence-based assessment
Assessment will be based on ARB’s Academic and Practice Outcomes (in place of the outgoing Criteria). It will assess equivalent competence and UK context-specific knowledge (instead of equivalent qualifications).
Modern assessment format
We will introduce an online gateway assessment of UK-specific knowledge and readiness to practise in UK context, which will be designed to also
operate as the UK Adaptation Assessment.
We will invite providers to develop the online gateway test and the subsequent competence assessment exercise(s) for ARB to accredit. There might be a range of formats of the assessment exercises, to increase options for candidates.
Outsourced examinations
Exams will be outsourced through a contract model, using specific service agreements to manage the cost and quality of exams. Initially, we will appoint a single provider, and review our approach depending on the success of the contract model.
New route for partial qualifications
ARB will launch a new route to registration for individuals with partial UK qualifications (specifically, those with accredited Part 2 and Part 3 qualifications, but no Part 1) that will be more proportionate and will not include a formal examination.
Timeline and next steps
We still intend to introduce the new Prescribed Exam and UK Adaptation Assessment in 2027, to align with our education reforms. A detailed implementation plan will be developed, with a further consultation scheduled for 2026. We hope to be able to introduce the new Competency Standards Group route for those with partial qualifications sooner, before the end of 2026.
We will announce changes when we are ready to introduce them, but there will be a period of development and further consultation first.
This timeline means our advice to those currently in a position to apply through the existing routes should continue to do so. Anyone with questions about their specific circumstances and their route to registration should check our website in the first instance. If their questions are not answered by our FAQs and other online information, they can contact us directly at info@arb.org.uk.