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ARB has published proposals for a revised Prescribed Examination that would align with our outcomes-based framework for architectural education and training.
The proposed examination would provide a route to registration for applicants who do not hold ARB-prescribed qualifications but who can demonstrate an equivalent standard of academic competence.
The proposals include draft changes to the Registration Rules, together with draft Eligibility Guidance and a draft Policy Scheme setting out the operation of the revised exam. Subject to the outcome of consultation and Board approval, ARB expects to introduce the revised Prescribed Examination in spring 2027.
Have your say
Our consultation on the proposals is now open. We welcome feedback on the proposed Registration Rules, Eligibility Guidance and Prescribed Examination Policy Scheme until 16 September 2026.
Why are we revising the Prescribed Examination?
ARB’s current Prescribed Examination reflects the previous Part 1 and Part 2 criteria for architectural education.
The proposals would update the Prescribed Examination so that it aligns with ARB’s new outcomes-based framework for initial education and training, and are intended to improve access to the Register for competent professionals by simplifying our processes and removing unintended complexity and barriers.
What is proposed?
The proposed Prescribed Examination will:
- assess applicants against the Academic Outcomes;
- introduce clearer and more consistent eligibility requirements, and be available to applicants who hold a Level 7 (RQF) qualification in architecture or a relevant discipline but do not hold ARB-prescribed qualifications;
- consist of an Application stage, a Review stage and an online Interview stage; and
- continue to be delivered by ARB with appointed examiners.
The proposed examination would assess the Academic Outcomes only. It would not assess the Practice Outcomes.
Materials for consultation
The proposals include:
- draft amendments to the Registration Rules relating to the Prescribed Examination
- a draft Policy Scheme setting out how the revised Prescribed Exam would operate
- draft Eligibility Guidance
These documents explain the proposed eligibility requirements, assessment process and examination procedures in more detail.
What happens next?
Following consultation, ARB will consider the feedback received before deciding whether to introduce the revised Prescribed Examination.
Subject to Board approval, ARB expects to implement the revised examination in spring 2027. Before launch, we will develop supporting guidance for applicants and examiners, undertake examiner training, and publish further operational information.