Initial education and training: FAQs and glossary

The new Competency Outcomes for architects and Standards for learning providers were introduced in January 2024. Existing qualifications are being transitioned to the new framework during a planned transition period, which runs until December 2028.

Existing Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 qualifications will remain accredited until they are superseded by a new qualification based on the new Outcomes or until 31 no later than December 2028. After this date, they will only be recognised for the purpose of registration if awarded before the 31 December 2028 date.  

If you are currently studying an accredited course, we recommend speaking to your learning provider, who can advise you on any changes to your course and what these changes mean for you. 

The new Standards for learning providers came into effect in January 2024. Learning providers have until 31 December 2028 to transition their qualifications and demonstrate that they meet the new Standards.

ARB will cease accrediting Part 1 qualifications from 1 January 2028.

The new framework does not impact on the access to finance available to students. Those with a non-ARB accredited undergraduate degree (at Level 6, or 9 in Scotland) in architecture will still be entitled to the funding exception that allows such students to access the same student loans at master’s level as they did for their undergraduate studies. We will keep this situation under review.  

Students with a non-cognate degree (that is, a degree for a subject that is unrelated to architecture) may not be entitled to the funding exception at master’s level. This is no different to the current funding model, but it could potentially limit funding access. We will explore further the impact on access to student funding for related or joint degrees through the guidance we intend to develop for learning providers, and we will look at undertaking research, too. 

Trainees are responsible for securing their own work placement. However, learning providers are expected to support trainees in preparing for practical experience and to maintain relationships with employers. 

 ARB’s Standards for Learning Providers set out specific requirements for how students and trainees should be supported in gaining practical experience. 

Qualifications will transition to the new practical experience framework as part of the wider transition to the new education and training requirements. All qualifications must have transitioned to the new framework by 31 December 2028.  

During the transition, learning providers will agree with ARB which practical experience requirements apply to their trainees. Providers may apply either the existing or new requirements, depending on the qualification and the needs of their trainees.  

Information about the practical experience requirements that apply to individual qualifications will be published as providers confirm their transition arrangements.  

No. A formal mentor in the context of PPE does not have to be a UK registered architect. They can be any professional with appropriate experience and sufficient time and resources to carry out their mentoring role effectively.  

You can find more information on mentoring in the guidance for employers of trainees.

Practical experience gained during an academic qualification may contribute towards completion of your Trainee Record of Experience (TRE), depending on the nature of the experience and whether it meets the relevant requirements. 

Your Professional Studies Adviser can advise you on whether your experience is appropriate to include in your TRE. 

No. ARB will not assess the Trainee Record of Experience (the Record). The Record is intended to support trainees in recording and reflecting on their practical experience and progress towards qualification.  

Learning providers should use the Record as part of their own assessment processes to ensure that trainees are meeting the required Outcomes. 

Read the requirements for the Trainee Record of Experience.   

ARB is moving to a new approach to the Prescribed Exam that focuses on directly assessing an applicant’s competence against the Academic Outcomes, and has launched a new route to registration for applicants with partial qualifications (Part 2 and Part 3/Practice Outcomes). Because of this, we are no longer running a Part 1 Prescribed Exam.