Consultation on New Qualifications

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is the body responsible for prescribing (recognising) the qualifications in architecture that a person must possess if they wish to be placed on the UK Register of Architects under Section 4 of the Architects Act 1997.

Learning Providers wishing to have their qualifications accredited for the first time are required to apply for accreditation under ARB’s Accreditation Process for New Qualifications as set out in the Accreditation Handbook, in line with ARB’s Accreditation Rules. 

Before accrediting a new qualification (i.e. recognising a qualification for the first time), Section 4(3) of the Architects Act 1997 requires ARB to consult bodies representative of architects that are incorporated by royal charter and other professional and educational bodies as it thinks appropriate.

Who does ARB consult?

ARB will typically consult with: 

• the Association of Consultant Architects (ACA),  

• the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS),  

• the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA),  

• the Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW),  

• the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA),  

• and the relevant RIBA region. 

Depending on the nature of the qualification, ARB may also consult other related professional and/or educational bodies such as the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Engineering Council (EC),  the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE),  the Institute of Lighting Engineers (ILE),  the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMECHE), the Institute of Acoustics (IOA),  the Institute of Structural Engineers (ISTRUCTE), and/or the Society of Environmental Engineers (SEE) and the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE). 

ARB will not consult with individuals. 

When does ARB consult?

ARB will consult after the Accreditation Committee has made their ‘minded to position’. Although prior to their final decision to ensure any Consultee responses along with the provider’s final comments or representation in respect to any consultation response(s) are considered when making its final decision.

What information will ARB send to a consultee?

ARB provides consultees with the details of the Committee’s minded to decision in relation to accreditation of the qualification, and the programme specification.   

ARB will also provide consultees with information of its Accreditation Process for New Qualifications, the Competency Outcomes for Architects, and Standards for Learning Providers, and Accreditation Rules.

What information should a consultee respond with to ARB?

Consultees will be asked to notify ARB of any concerns in respect of the minded to position and/or the proposed qualification in relation to the ARB’s Competency Outcomes and Standards for Providers. Evidence to support any concerns should be submitted where possible.

Will a consultation response be seen by anyone other than ARB?

As part of its commitment to being open and transparent, a copy of any material that is submitted by a consultee is provided to the institution. This is so the institution has the opportunity of submitting any final comments or representations to ARB in respect of the consultation responses before the Accreditation Committee reaches its final decision.

How long will a consultee have to respond to ARB’s requests?

In order that the institution applying for accreditation receive a timely decision, consultees will typically be given six weeks to submit their comments.  In exceptional circumstances the Accreditation Committee may ask consultees to respond in a shorter period of time.

Where can more information about ARB’s accreditation process be found?

Please see the ARB Accreditation Handbook and the Schools of Architecture page which lists the institutions that currently offer prescribed/accredited qualifications.

Who are the key contacts at ARB for further enquiries?

Should you have any queries in relation to a consultation, please contact the Accreditation Team (qualifications@arb.org.uk).