ARB Logo

Providers are encouraged to use ARB’s logo in marketing material and on their website to signify the status of their ARB accredited qualification(s).  The logo highlights to prospective students and others that a qualification satisfies ARB’s accreditation requirements at the relevant level and contributes to the suite of qualifications and practice experience necessary to join the UK Register of Architects.

When using the logo for an accredited qualification, providers must not:

• Alter it in any way, although the size can be increased or decreased
• Obscure it in any way, for example by overlapping any wording or design
• Reproduce it at an angle

Providers may only use the logo in relation to a qualification that is accredited by ARB – to signal that ARB has recognised the qualification as one of those required for the purpose of registration.

Accreditation must be in place before a qualification starts and at the point at which a student receives the award in order for them to have an accredited qualification that contributes to their eligibility to join the Register.

The logo must not be used in such a way as to mislead students, potential students, members of the public or others into thinking that the logo signifies direct eligibility for registration.  It must be made clear to individuals what accredited qualifications and practical training experience are required to register with ARB.

The logo must not be used for any qualification that is not accredited by ARB.  This means that where a provider is in the process of applying for accreditation of a qualification or where accreditation has been withdrawn (by the provider or by ARB), the logo cannot be used in relation to that qualification.

Providers must ensure that information about the accreditation status of a qualification is accurate so that prospective and current students are not misled.  Providers are expected to advise students that accreditation is subject to annual monitoring and periodic review, and dependent on ARB’s requirements, Standards for Learning Providers and conditions of accreditation being met; for example:

“The University of Poppleton’s Master of Architecture is accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) for the purpose of entry onto the United Kingdom Register of Architects.  Accreditation is subject to annual monitoring and periodic review by ARB, and dependent on ARB’s Standards for Learning Providers and requirements for and conditions of accreditation being met.”

If the status changes while students are undertaking the qualification, the provider should inform the students affected and of the implications of this.

Please note that only ARB accreditation of qualifications gives eligibility for the purpose of joining the UK Register of Architects.

It is possible that students may misunderstand the status of a qualification with ARB if it is recognised by other bodies.  For example, a qualification can be validated by the RIBA but not accredited by ARB, and students may be unaware that this is the case.  If a qualification is not accredited by ARB, it will not give eligibility for the Register, regardless of its validation/recognition by any other body.  Where a provider states that its qualification is recognised by other bodies, it is expected that the status of the qualification with ARB should also be clearly stated.  This will avoid any potential misconceptions over the status of a qualification and whether it will contribute to eligibility to join the Register.