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The title ‘architect’ is protected by law. Under the Architects Act 1997, only those on the Architects Register are permitted to use the title architect in business or practice in the UK. The Architects Act also places statutory duties on the Architects Registration Board (ARB):
- to determine the initial education and training necessary to join the Register and
- to ‘prescribe’ (accredit) the qualifications that demonstrate achievement of that learning and practical experience (training).
This section of the ARB website contains information that is relevant to learning providers and schools of architecture.
Accreditation
‘Accreditation’ is ARB’s (new) framework model that sets out education and training requirements for those seeking to join the Register, along with the procedures, processes, and rules by which ARB accredits UK architecture qualifications.
The Accreditation Handbook provides information on the education requirements, and all processes related to accreditation.
To assist this new framework and the transition period, responses to frequently asked questions (FAQs) for learning providers and students are available. A new ‘status of new qualifications and transition applications’ page has also been set up for learning providers to share with applicants for tracking and monitoring purposes.
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. Information for Consultees and learning providers is provided to support this process.
The Accreditation Committee is responsible for making decisions on the accreditation of UK qualifications and accreditation matters. The membership and terms of reference are available to view.
The accreditation fee schedule is reviewed and published on an annual basis. The details on the context, calculation including FAQs are provided.
Professional Practical Experience
Information on the professional training requirements, also known as ‘professional practical experience’ (PPE) are available.
Currently, an independent Commission is investigating the challenges faced by architecture students in the UK regarding PPE. The Commission will present recommendations in its final report in Spring 2025 to assist ARB to help improve the quality of this training requirement.
Resources
Download and see guidance on usage of the ARB logo for your prescribed / accredited qualifications.
Details of all UK Learning Providers, their ARB prescribed / accredited qualifications, and the latest Accreditation Committee decision are available, along with the official list of current ARB prescribed qualifications for the purpose of Registration, known as Schedule 1.
Background to the new Education Framework & Competency Outcomes
In 2023, ARB published and consulted on proposals for a new framework for the initial education and training of architects, under the title Tomorrow’s Architects.
ARB is currently in the process of transitioning to the new Accreditation framework and aligning to the new Competency Outcomes and Standards for Providers, and expects to have completed the transition by 2028.
