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A new UK-Canada mutual recognition agreement (MRA) will be signed today between the UK’s Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Canada’s Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada / Regroupement des Ordres d’Architectes du Canada (ROAC).
In both the UK and Canada, an architect must be registered with the relevant professional regulator to practise architecture in the jurisdiction and use the legally protected title. Registration exists to ensure anyone calling themselves an architect has the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience, while meeting the required standards of conduct and practice.
From 14 May, eligible architects who are registered in the UK or Canada will be able to benefit from a streamlined and quicker process to practise their profession in the two countries, creating exciting new opportunities across the Atlantic. The agreement recognises the high and equivalent competency standards of both countries, and the importance of qualified professionals in order to help protect the public.
Alan Kershaw, Chair of the Architects Registration Board, said:
“The agreement opens significant new opportunities for architects in the UK and Canada to collaborate, building on the strong professional partnerships that already exist between the two countries. It will at the same time maintain the high standards the public have a right to expect. We are so very excited to see the new route open in May.”
Ian R. McDonald Architect AIBC, Chair of the Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada / Regroupement des Ordres d’Architectes du Canada, said:
“This agreement further strengthens the longstanding and historic relationship between the UK and Canada, as Commonwealth partners. Architecture is a global profession – streamlining cross-border registration is key to expanding opportunities for qualified architects, while still upholding professional standards. We are delighted to have been part of the negotiations and final signing, and look forward to the new prospects this agreement creates for architects on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Douglas Alexander, UK Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security, said:
“Today’s landmark agreement will make doing business between our two countries much simpler for the architectural sector and help pave the way for a new generation of British architects.
“It’s a welcome boost for the industry across the UK and Canada, providing exciting new opportunities for both nations to build on their historic relationship and delivering growth, this government’s number one priority.”
ENDS
Notes
The agreement will be signed at a reception hosted by the British Consulate-General in Toronto.
The new route will open to applicants from Wednesday 14 May.
Eligibility requirements include:
- UK to Canada – Those in the UK who have obtained ARB-accredited qualifications and registered with the ARB. The agreement also includes those who have registered through passing the Prescribed Exam at Part 1 and Part 2 level and additionally completed a UK Part 3.
- Canada to UK – Those who have obtained CACB-accredited qualifications, or who have achieved the same standard following certification, and who have additionally completed the Canadian experience requirement and licensing examination.
Interested applicants should first visit the website of the regulator with which they are currently registered. These are:
- ARB (UK): www.arb.org.uk/international-routes
- ROAC (Canada): www.roac.ca/professional-mobility
ARB’s role in developing the MRA was in part supported by funding through the UK Department for Business and Trade’s Recognition Agreements Grant Programme. The ROAC’s role, through the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (secretariat for the MRA), was in part supported by the Province of British Columbia’s Credential Assessment Improvement Fund.