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To be accredited, a qualification must:
- teach and assess the Competency Outcomes (the Outcomes) at the relevant level; and
- be delivered in a way that meets our Standards for learning providers (the Standards).
The information below explains how we accredit qualifications, and how learning providers can apply for accreditation of their qualifications.
The successful completion of both qualifications demonstrates that an individual has achieved the required learning outcomes and standard of competence to be eligible to apply for registration with ARB. If you plan to complete your initial education and training in the UK and apply for registration with ARB, you should complete qualifications accredited by ARB. You can check the accredited status of a qualification here. The pages below provide information for students and trainees, learning providers and employers about ARB-accredited qualification and the different routes to registration.
ARB does not accredit qualifications awarded outside the UK. Different routes to registration are available depending on your qualifications and experience. You can find more information about these alternative routes here.
How we accredit
The Accreditation Handbook provides information on the education requirements, and all processes related to accreditation.
The Accreditation Committee is responsible for making decisions on the accreditation of UK qualifications and accreditation matters
When qualifications are being accredited for the first time, ARB is required to consult bodies representative of architects, and other professional and educational bodies as it thinks appropriate.
ARB will only accredit UK qualifications. The reasons for this are set out on our overseas prescription policy.
A list of providers of accredited qualifications is available on the Schools and Institutions of Architecture webpage.
A list of current qualification applications is available to view on the Applications for Accreditation of Qualifications webpage.
ARB charges fees for accreditation. The accreditation fee schedule is reviewed and published on an annual basis
The official list of current ARB prescribed qualifications for the purpose of Registration, known as Schedule 1.
Download and see guidance on usage of the ARB logo for your accredited qualifications
Professional Practical Experience
A period of practical experience is a vital part of becoming an architect. It allows trainees to apply and build on what they have learned, develop professional judgement, and undertake the activities they need to meet ARB’s Practice Outcomes.
The Standards and Accreditation Handbook set out specific requirements on how students and trainees should be supported in gaining their practical experience. These include requirements for providers to support employability and to use a Trainee Record of Experience to advise trainees individually about the practical experience they need. The Record will not be assessed by ARB for registration. Its purpose is to support structured reflection, enable providers to give advice to trainees on progress, and help trainees and employers identify gaps in experience.
You will need to have an appointed individual to maintain contact with trainees during periods of employment during their qualification, assisting them with concerns or referring them to others. They will also need to develop your relationships with employers to support trainees, but how this is done can vary between providers.
The full requirements are set out in Standard 6 of the Accreditation Handbook.
ARB has also produced guidance for trainees on professional practical experience. It explains what is expected of them and how to make the most of their time in professional practice. We have also published guidance for employers. Together, these documents help everyone understand their role in making the experience productive, fair and professionally meaningful. You’ll need to share this with your trainees and you can use this guidance when advising them on what is suitable experience.
Existing accredited qualifications do not need to meet the new requirements immediately. However, all qualifications must have transitioned to the new practical experience framework by 31 December 2028. Please refer to our Practical Training requirements for further information.
Qualifications may transition earlier as part of the planned accreditation process and some practice level qualifications may be approved under the new outcomes-based framework before December 2028.
As part of this new framework, we’ll remove the existing requirement that applicants for registration need to have at least two years of practical experience. They’ll still need qualifications that demonstrate they’ve met the Competency Outcomes.
Where a qualification is accredited before December 2028, we will confirm as part of the accreditation process whether trainees completing that qualification will be subject to the existing practical experience requirements or the new outcomes-based approach. We will publish information identifying which practical experience requirements apply to each qualification during the transition period.
Contact us
We look forward to working with you as you develop your new qualifications and utilise the new flexibility provided by the new framework.
Please contact our accreditation team if you require any further information or would like to discuss your plans for your qualifications. We encourage you to do so as early as you can.