Regulation of the Profession

The information provided in this presentation is not exhaustive and some may
subsequently be updated.

Please refer to the website – www.arb.org.uk – for the most up-to-date details, and
contact ARB with any queries.

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 What is an architect?
Resolves
Construction
disputes Business
worker
person
Professional
Registered Contractor
Artist
Designer Employer

www.arb.org.uk/student-information

In the UK, an architect is someone on the Architects Register – www.architects-

register.org.uk.

Those not on the Architects Register are not architects, and not entitled to use the title
‘architect’ in business or practice.

www.arb.org.uk/student-information

Regulation of Architects
• Architect is the only built environment profession that has statutory regulation –
www.arb.org.uk/legislation.
• The Architects Act 1997 is the UK legislation currently in force – the Act designates ARB
as the statutory regulatory body in the UK and sets out the regulatory framework for
the profession.
• The type of regulation is protection of title – this means that individuals who wish to
use the title ‘architect’ in business or practice must be appropriately educated, trained
and on the Register (as opposed to protection of function; whereby only individuals on
the relevant register are permitted by law to undertake certain
roles/responsibilities/tasks, e.g. medical doctor, solicitor).

Benefits of regulation – www.arb.org.uk/why-register – include:

• Public protection – people can check on the Register that they are dealing with a

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 genuine trained and qualified professional, and can be assured of standards and
competence to expect; and the public are protected from dishonest individuals
who deliberately mislead people by calling themselves something they’re not;
• Protection of the profession – to qualify to become an architect requires a long
and demanding period of study and practical experience (typically, around seven
years in the UK) and, once registered, architects are expected to abide by the
Code of Conduct and Practice and maintain standards of competence and good
practice; regulation identifies, protects and supports their professional status;
• Additional benefits to registration – the title and being regulated bring with them
a different level of professional respect and trust, which in turn is attractive to
potential clients; some contracts and jobs may only be open to architects;
architects can apply for a Professionally Qualified Person (PQP) card through the
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), which are increasingly asked for
as proof of occupational competence by contractors and clients; registration
entitles architects to exemption from certain units of the energy assessor
scheme; status may enable established architects to charge a premium for their
services; UK taxpayers are entitled to tax relief on the annual retention
(registration) fee.

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 ARB’s statutory responsibilities

Architects Act 1997

• Prescribe qualifications for entry to the
Register

Prescription • Maintain the Register of Architects

• Issue expected standards of professional
practice
REGISTER • Investigate conduct and competence
complaints
Code of Disciplinary • Regulate the title architect
Conduct Process
• Regulatory body for architects in the UK

www.arb.org.uk/about-arb

ARB was established by Parliament in 1997 to regulate the architect profession in the UK –
www.arb.org.uk/about-arb. We are an independent, public interest body; and our work in
regulating architects ensures that good standards within the profession are consistently
maintained for the benefit of the public and architects alike.

Our duties are set out in the Architects Act 1997, and cover six main areas:
• Set the standards for entry to the Register and prescribe (recognise) qualifications
needed to become an architect;
• Maintain the UK Register of Architects – www.architects-register.org.uk;
• Issue a Code of Conduct for the profession, and ensure architects meet these standards
for conduct and practice;
• Investigate complaints about architects, and discipline those whose conduct or
competence is found to have fallen below the required standards;
• Ensure only those on the Register of Architects use the title and offer their services as
an architect, and pursue prosecution of those unlawfully using the title;
• Act as the UK’s designated regulatory body for architects.

ARB’s existence gives the public confidence in the profession, and supports architects
through maintaining their professional standing and reputation.

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 Regulators and professional bodies

Regulators: Professional bodies:

• Public protection
• Independent of government and
profession
• Statutory responsibilities set out in
legislation – Architects Act 1997
• Registration is a legal requirement
• Primary responsibility to their
members
• Membership services
• Activities determined by own
governing council
• Membership is optional

www.arb.org.uk/about-arb

Regulators and professional bodies have shared interests but different remits.

Regulators (ARB)
• Public protection purpose – providing assurance for users and potential users of
architect services of competence and standards; and supporting architects through
regulation.
• Independent of government and the profession –
• Lay (non-architect) members on the Board and all Committees, the majority of
the Board are lay members;
• ARB’s sponsoring government department is the Department for Levelling Up,
Housing and Communities (DLUHC), though the Department isn’t involved in
day-to-day running and duties;
• Funded entirely by architects’ retention (registration) fee, ARB receives no
government funding.
• Statutory/legal status – ARB’s duties and responsibilities are laid down by legislation
(Architects Act 1997).
• c43,500 architects currently registered in the UK.

Professional bodies
• For example RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects), RIAS (Royal Incorporation of
Architects in Scotland), RSAW (Royal Society of Architects in Wales), RSUA (Royal
Society of Ulster Architects).

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• Primary responsibility is to their members – to represent and act in the interests
of members/architects.
• Activities are decided and can be changed by own governing council.
• RIBA validate some architecture courses for membership of RIBA; though only
ARB prescribed courses offer eligibility to join the UK Register of Architects (not
all RIBA validated courses are prescribed by ARB, and not all ARB prescribed
courses are validated by RIBA).
• Approximately half/two-thirds of UK architects are also members of a
professional body; don’t need to be on the Register to join, and membership of
professional bodies is optional.

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 Use and misuse of title

A1
Architectural Landscape
Architecture
Assistant Architect
and Design

Part 1 / 2 Interior RIBA / RIAS /

Architect Architect ACA

Architect Software Architect

(overseas) Architect (retired)

www.arb.org.uk/title-protection-policy

Which can/can’t be used if not registered?

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 Use and misuse of title

A1
Architectural Landscape
Architecture
Assistant Architect
and Design

Part 1 / 2 Interior RIBA / RIAS /

Architect Architect ACA

Architect Software Architect

(overseas) Architect (retired)

www.arb.org.uk/title-protection-policy

• Protection of title is in relation to its use in business or practice –

www.arb.org.uk/title-protection-policy.
• The key is whether or not the word ‘architect’ appears – only those on the Register of
Architects are legally permitted to use ‘architect’ in the course of business or practice
in the UK.
• Architectural Assistant, Landscape Architect, and A1 Architecture and Design are all
acceptable titles if not on the UK Register of Architects.
• Landscape Architect – one of three exceptions specified within the Act (with
Naval and Golf Course) where ‘architect’ can be used by those not on the
Register; these are considered to be sufficiently separate from the construction
industry to not be misleading to the public; landscape and naval architects have
their own chartered body – the Landscape Institute and Royal Institute of Naval
Architects – which may take a different view as to who should be using these
titles.
• A1 Architecture and Design – an example of a business/practice name; to use
‘architect’/’architects’ in the name of a business requires at least one architect
to be in charge of and responsible for the architectural work of that company;
and the number of architects should be appropriate for the size of the business.
• Part 1 / 2 Architect (similarly, Assistant Architect or Student Architect) – if the individual
is not on the Register and uses this title in relation to business or practice this would be
misleading and may give rise to a breach of the Act and criminal prosecution for misuse
of title. In relation to misuse of title, responsibility lies with the person holding/using
the title. Where an architect is giving someone in their employ a misleading title, that
architect would be in breach of the Code of Conduct (Standard 3 – honest promotion of
services), but would not be liable to prosecution under misuse of title.

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• Interior Architect – not permitted if not registered.
• RIBA/RIAS/ACA – use of any such designatory initials after a name by someone
not on the Register of Architects is not permitted; as ‘architect(s)’ is represented
by these acronyms, their use may be misleading to the public.
• Architect (overseas) – although someone may be permitted to use the title
architect in another country, they cannot use this title in the UK unless they‘re on
the UK Register of Architects.
• Software Architect – technically a breach, but the Board takes a pragmatic view
and in each case considers how misleading it is to the public, and whether
prosecution would be in the public interest (the public interest test).
• Architect (retired) – this would be dependent on how the title is being used
(whether in relation to business or practice) and whether the individual is on the
Register.
• In all cases, the circumstances and context are considered; and proportionality in
relation to the risk posed is applied.

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 Misuse of title process

Investigation Penalty
and warning
Complaint Court hearing

Penalties Tests applied

• Fine of up to £2,500 per count • Evidence test
• Criminal record • Public interest test

www.arb.org.uk/regulate

The Architects Act 1997 gives ARB powers to investigate and, if appropriate, take action
against those who misuse the title architect (i.e. unregistered individuals unlawfully calling
themselves an architect) in the course of business or practice – www.arb.org.uk/regulate.

Process
• Complaints can be received online, by phone/email/letter or in person.
• The matter will be investigated to establish if, where and how the title is being
misused. Where the individual has not been investigated previously, they will be
informed that they are breaking the law and instructed to make appropriate changes.
Should they persist, or have been investigated/prosecuted previously, ARB will take the
case forward for prosecution.
• Tests applied:
• Evidence test – there must be evidence of misuse of title;
• Public interest test – the extent to which the misuse of title may be misleading,
and the potential of risk to the public.
• Under the Architects Act 1997, misuse of title is a criminal offence – cases are heard in
magistrates’ courts (or through the Procurator Fiscal’s Office in Scotland).
• Those who are found guilty and convicted receive a criminal record, and the court can
impose a fine of up to £2,500 per count (N.B. Fines go to the Treasury, not to ARB).

Details of title misuse cases can be found at www.arb.org.uk/table-of-prosecutions. ARB is

increasing activity in this area.

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 Routes to registration

Non-prescribed or Prescribed UK Part 1 Eligible EU

qualification Eligible EU
overseas qualifications qualification listed in
qualification listed
the PQD only;
in the PQD
no access to the
+
profession
ARB Prescribed Prescribed UK Part 2 Access to the
Exam at Part 1 qualification profession in that
EU Member State

ARB Prescribed 24 months’ practical

Exam at Part 2 experience

Prescribed UK Part 3
qualification

Registration
www.arb.org.uk/find-my-registration-route

In the UK, to be eligible to register as an architect requires passing ARB prescribed

(recognised) qualifications at three stages – Part 1 (undergraduate, usually three or four
years if full-time study, longer if part-time), Part 2 (Masters/diploma, usually two years if
full-time), and Part 3 (part-time study focusing on UK practice and law) – and undertaking
at least 24 months of relevant practical experience before taking the final Part 3 exam;
typically around seven years to qualify (though many take longer).
• N.B. Some architecture courses are validated by a professional/membership body (for
membership of that body) – many validated courses are also prescribed by ARB but not
all are (the schools/institutions offering ARB prescribed courses are online at
www.arb.org.uk/schools). If you wish to be eligible to join the Register you must have
taken ARB prescribed courses.

ARB only prescribes UK qualifications; and the only non-UK qualifications that can currently
be recognised are EU qualifications that were listed in Annex V of the Mutual Recognition
of Professional Qualifications Directive (MRPQD, or PQD) as at 31 December 2020, and
Irish qualifications that are covered under the memorandum of understanding with the
Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) (www.arb.org.uk/eu-exit).

If you have overseas qualifications / non-eligible EU qualifications (that are not listed in
Annex V of the PQD, or that were listed in Annex V of the PQD after 31 December 2020) /
UK qualifications that aren’t prescribed by ARB:
• ARB Prescribed Exam at Part 1 + prescribed UK Parts 2 and 3 qualifications with (min)
two years’ practical experience; or
• ARB Prescribed Exams at Parts 1 and 2 + prescribed UK Part 3 qualification with (min)
two years’ practical experience.

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• ARB Prescribed Exams – www.arb.org.uk/prescribed-exam – are assessments of
equivalence to prescribed UK Parts 1 and 2 qualifications. Each Prescribed Exam
involves submission of a comparative matrix to demonstrate compliance with
ARB’s Criteria for Parts 1 and 2, a portfolio of work and supporting material, and
an interview.

UK qualified route:
• ARB prescribed UK Parts 1, 2 and 3 qualifications with (min) two years’ practical
experience.
• N.B. In order to join the Register, you need to have your award certificates for all
three qualifications/Parts (confirmation letter or transcript not sufficient), and
your institutions must have supplied ARB with the pass list of those who have
successfully graduated.

If you have an eligible EU qualification (i.e. that was listed in Annex V of the PQD as
at 31 December 2020) to Part 2 level but haven’t completed any additional
qualifications required to register in that EU Member State:
• Eligible EU qualification to the equivalent of Part 2 level + prescribed UK Part 3
qualification with (min) two years’ practical experience.
• N.B. In order to join the UK Register, you must have your EU award certificate,
competent authority statement (confirming recognition of your qualification in
that Member State), and UK Part 3 certificate.

Eligible EU qualification + access to the profession:

• If you have a recognised EU qualification to Part 2 level (i.e. that was listed in
Annex V of the PQD as at 31 December 2020) and you are eligible to join or are
on the register in that Member State you can apply to join the UK Register
without undertaking further UK qualifications.

The information provided here is not exhaustive; and there may be changes to non-
UK prescribed routes in the coming year and beyond. Refer to the website regarding
how to join the UK Register of Architects – www.arb.org.uk/find-my-registration-
route – and contact ARB’s Registration Team with any queries (info@arb.org.uk).

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 Registration
Annual retention fee

Contact details
Registration

Code of Conduct

Maintain competence

Promote your status

www.arb.org.uk/registration

• Once qualified, in order to register you need to have received the certificates for each
of your Parts 1, 2 and 3 awards (you’ll need to provide ARB with copies of all of them);
and the pass lists (of those successfully achieving the awards) must have been provided
to ARB by your universities/course providers.
• Please check with your university/course provider when they send their pass
lists to ARB and ensure you have all of your award certificates to hand before
you apply to join the Register.
• It’s recommended that you join the Register within two years. If you wait longer (or
you choose to remove yourself from the Register and wish to re-Register after a period
of more than two years), your application will need to be reviewed by ARB’s
Competency Standards Group (CSG) – you’ll need to supply additional information and
evidence (e.g. demonstrating how you’ve maintained your competence) – and the CSG
will make a recommendation to ARB’s Registrar, who’ll make the final decision about
the application.

The following are only relevant to architects – www.arb.org.uk/registration.

• Architects must pay the annual retention fee to remain on the Register (£149 for 2022;
the deadline to pay the fee for the following year is 31 December of the current year;
those joining the Register part way through a year will pay a pro rata retention fee for
the remainder of that year) – those who don’t pay in time will be removed from the
Register (they can come back onto the Register, though have to pay an administrative
fee and prescribed fee in addition to the retention fee).
• Architects must ensure their contact details on the Register are up-to-date – if we’re

9
 unable to contact an architect, they’re liable to be removed from the Register.
• Code of Conduct – being a professional means upholding standards higher than
those required or expected of non-professionals; registrants are expected to
abide by the Standards and spirit of the Architects Code in any professional role
undertaken.
• Promote their architect status and what clients/potential clients can be assured of
through their observance of the Code of Conduct – this isn’t a requirement or
expectation, but being registered and regulated is indicative of an individual’s
professional status; and gives assurance to clients/potential clients of the
standards and competence they can expect.

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 Code of Conduct and Practice

www.arb.org.uk/code

• Being a professional means upholding standards higher than those required of non-
professionals.
• The Architects Code consists of 12 Standards (most of which consist of several
elements) built around integrity, honesty and competence.
• The Code represents standards of accepted good practice within the profession – such
codes aren’t unique to architects or regulated professions (many
professional/membership bodies have an equivalent).
• This Code is applicable to those on the Register, is an expectation of professional
standards and conduct (not law), and is a guide to clients/potential clients of what to
expect (as a minimum) of an architect – it embodies principles of good business; if
followed, it should help to prevent issues arising and, in the event they do, help to get
things resolved.
• Architects are expected to conduct themselves (professionally and personally) in
accordance with the spirit of the Code as well as by its express terms. The fact that a
course of conduct isn’t specifically referred to in the Code doesn’t mean it can’t form
the basis of disciplinary hearings; and not every breach of the Standards expected by
the Code will necessarily give rise to disciplinary proceedings. Each case is judged on
its facts.

ARB’s Professional Standards Team is happy to offer advice and guidance about matters
relating to the Code. If you have any queries or concerns (now or in the future), please
contact them at professionalstandards@arb.org.uk / 020 7580 5861. You can also find
guidance notes on a range of matters online at www.arb.org.uk/architect-
information/guidance-notes.

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 The Architects Code:
Standards of Professional Conduct and Practice
Standard 1: Honesty and integrity
You are expected at all times to act with honesty and integrity, and to avoid any actions or
situations which are inconsistent with your professional obligations.
Standard 2: Competence
You are expected to be competent to carry out the professional work you undertake to do,
and if you engage others to do that work they should be competent and adequately
supervised.
Standard 3: Honest promotion of your services
You are expected to promote your professional services in a truthful and responsible
manner.
Standard 4: Competent management of your business
You are expected to have effective systems in place to ensure that your practice is run
professionally and that projects are regularly monitored and reviewed.

www.arb.org.uk/code

This and the next two slides summarise the 12 Standards, and is not exhaustive – you can
find the full Code online at www.arb.org.uk/code, and additional information and
guidance on the Standards at www.arb.org.uk/advisory-notes.

Standard 1
• Honesty and integrity are at the heart of what it is to be a professional, and
maintaining trust in individual practitioners and the profession overall.
• Standard 1 also encompasses disclosure of conflicts of interest.

Standard 2
• Architects are expected to be competent to carry out their professional work, and
maintain and update their knowledge and skills throughout their careers –
www.arb.org.uk/maintaining-competence. ARB is currently reviewing the
competencies required before joining and once on the Register.
• Standard 2 also encompasses contingency planning – architects should have
appropriate arrangements in place for their professional work in the event of their
incapacity or inability to work.

Standard 3
• Architects are expected to promote their services in a truthful and responsible manner,
and not be misleading.

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• Standard 3 also requires architects to ensure their clients know who is the
architect responsible for the work, and to notify clients promptly should the
responsible architect change.

Standard 4
• Architects are expected to have appropriate systems in place to ensure that their
practice and projects are operated professionally, and there is adequate security
in place to safeguard records and confidential information.
• Standard 4 also sets out the minimum requirements to be encompassed in
written agreements with clients prior to any work being undertaken – these terms
provide clarity and protection for both the client and the architect.

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 The Architects Code continued

Standard 5: Considering the wider impact of your work

Where appropriate, you should advise your client how best to conserve and enhance the
quality of the environment and its natural resources.
Standard 6: You should carry our your professional work conscientiously and
with due regard to relevant technical and professional standards
You are expected to carry out your work with skill and care, and in accordance with the
terms of your engagement.
Standard 7: Trustworthiness and safeguarding clients’ money
You are expected to keep proper records of all money held by you which belongs to a client
or other third party, and to account for it at all times.
Standard 8: Insurance arrangements
You are expected to have adequate and appropriate professional indemnity insurance
cover for you, your practice and your employees.

www.arb.org.uk/code

Standard 5
• Architects are expected to consider the impact of their work in respect of
environmental and sustainability considerations.
• ARB has issued a Strategic Statement on the organisation’s role in addressing the
climate emergency – www.arb.org.uk/strategic-statement-climate-change-and-
sustainability.

Standard 6
• Architects are expected to carry out their professional work without undue delay and,
as far as is reasonably practicable, within agreed time scales and cost limits.
• Architects should keep their clients informed of progress; and of any issues that may
affect timings, quality or cost.

Standard 7
• Where an architect holds money for a client or other third party, this should be kept in
a client account that is separate to personal or business accounts, and only be
withdrawn in accordance with the client’s specific written instructions.
• Any interest accruing from a client account is to be paid to the client.

Standard 8
• Architects are expected to maintain a minimum level of PII cover, including run-off
cover, and ensure this remains adequate to meet a claim.

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• Under Standard 8, employed architects have a responsibility to ensure that
appropriate insurance is provided by their employer; and have adequate and
appropriate PII cover in place for any private work undertaken outside their main
practice or employment.

12
 The Architects Code continued

Standard 9: Maintaining the reputation of architects

You are expected to conduct yourself in a way which does not bring either yourself or the
profession into disrepute.
Standard 10: Deal with disputes or complaints appropriately
You are expected to have a written procedure for the handling of complaints which will be
in accordance with the Code and published guidance.
Standard 11: Co-operation with regulatory requirements and investigations
You are expected to co-operate fully and promptly with ARB, and within any specified
timescale, if it asks you to provide information which it need to carry out its statutory
duties, including evidence that your are complying with these Standards.
Standard 12: Respect for others
You should treat everyone fairly. You must act in compliance with your legal obligations.

www.arb.org.uk/code

Standard 9
• If an architect has conducted themselves in such a way that may reflect badly on
themselves or the profession, they are expected to report the matter to ARB; this
should be within 28 days in certain circumstances (including conviction of a criminal
offense, disqualification from acting as a company director, being the subject of a
bankruptcy order).
• Standard 9 also requires architects not to enter an agreement that would prevent any
party from reporting an apparent breach of the Code to ARB.

Standard 10
• Architects should have an appropriate complaints procedure in place, ensure that their
clients are aware of this, and deal with any complaint or dispute professionally and
courteously.
• Standard 10 also sets out time scales for the handling of complaints –
acknowledgement of the complaint within 10 working days of receipt; and response to
the issues raised within 30 working days.

Standard 11
• When ARB requests information as part of its statutory duties, architects are expected
to respond fully and promptly.
• Standard 11 also encompasses architects notifying ARB of any changes to the
information held about them on the Register – under the Act, if an architect doesn’t
tell ARB about a change to their contact details they may be removed from the
Register.

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Standard 12
• Architects are expected to treat people fairly and with respect.
• Architects must comply with their legal obligations and responsibilities with
regards to equality, and must not discriminate.

13
 Complaint process

Investigations Penalty
Panel
Complaint Public hearing

Charges Beyond remit

• Unacceptable professional conduct (UPC) • Copyright, employment grievances, fee
disputes, negligence, planning disputes
• Serious professional incompetence (SPI)
Penalties
• Reprimand, fine, suspension, erasure

www.arb.org.uk/complaints

In addition to regulating use of the title, the Architects Act gives ARB powers to investigate
and, if appropriate, discipline architects whose conduct or competence falls short of
expected standards.

Complaint process – www.arb.org.uk/complaints

• Is the complaint within ARB’s remit – is it about an architect? If so, ARB’s Professional
Standards Team will investigate and gather information for the Investigations Panel.
• Investigations Panel – considers the evidence and determines whether there’s a case to
answer; if so, it’s referred on to the PCC for a public hearing.
• Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) – PCC panels that hear cases always consist of a
solicitor (who chairs the panel), an architect and a lay member; a PCC hearing is a
formal public tribunal (not criminal, unlike misuse of title cases).
• The PCC will decide whether any/all of the allegations have been proven; and, if so,
whether the architect should be charged with unacceptable professional conduct (UPC),
serious professional incompetence (SPI) or both. The charges are equally serious.
• UPC – conduct that falls short of the standard required of a professional person.
• SPI – where there have been serious shortcomings in the quality and application
of an architect’s skills.
• Penalties the PCC can impose – no penalty (if no charge), a reprimand, a fine of up to
£2,500 per charge (fines go to the Treasury, not to ARB), suspension from the Register
for a period of up to two years, or erasure from the Register.

Details of previous PCC cases can be found at www.arb.org.uk/previous-pcc-decisions.

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 Avoiding trouble

Business Communication
Competency
(Standard 2) management (Standards 1, 3, 6,
(Standards 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 12) 10, 11, 12)

Contracts & Managing

CPD
insurance expectations

Sector Finance & Handling

knowledge client money complaints

Employees’ Regulators
HR
competence & bodies

www.arb.org.uk/architect-information

The Code is aspirational and embodies principles of good business; but what does it mean
in practice? These are just a few examples of areas where the Code comes into play;
some of which relate to issues that most commonly feature in complaints made to ARB:
• Inadequate terms of engagement (Standard 4);
• Failure to carry out work faithfully and conscientiously (Standard 6) – most often
allegations of undue delay; and failure to communicate adequately, especially in
relation to costs;
• Not managing a client’s expectations appropriately (Standard 1);
• Failure to deal with a complaint appropriately (Standard 10).

Competency – www.arb.org.uk/maintaining-competence
• Architects are expected to be competent to carry out their professional work, and
maintain and update their knowledge and skills throughout their career. Architects
also have a responsibility to ensure their employees are competent to undertake the
work they are delegated.
• Choose work carefully (what you’re competent to undertake) and delegate responsibly.
• You should be regularly engaged in continuing professional development (CPD), and
keeping a record of it.
• ARB is reviewing the competencies required before joining and once on the Register;
and the Building Safety Act published in June 2021 sets out powers for ARB to monitor
architects’ competence.

15
Business management
• Ensure written agreements are always in place (Standard 4.4 of the Code outlines
the minimum that should be covered), are clear and fully understood by the
client, and updated if anything changes during the process of a project. Abide by
and honour these terms.
• Be transparent about any conflicts (including potential conflicts) of interest.
• Have adequate and appropriate professional indemnity insurance (PII) in place,
including run-off cover – there is guidance on the ARB website at
www.arb.org.uk/professional-indemnity-insurance.
• Manage your business finances and clients’ money responsibly.
• Abide by HR regulations and best practice.

Communication
• Keep clients informed of progress and any changes (whether or not those changes
are in your control).
• Manage your clients’ expectations throughout.
• Have a complaints procedure in place, and ensure your clients know about it from
the outset and where to find it.
• Manage conflicts appropriately, and deal with any complaints promptly/before
they become a dispute.
• Co-operate with regulators and any relevant bodies.

www.arb.org.uk/architect-information

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 Further information

• Sign up for our free eBulletin at www.arb.org.uk/ebulletin

• Follow us – Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
• Prescribed exam – www.arb.org.uk/prescribed-exam
• EU exit FAQs – www.arb.org.uk/eu-exit
• Information on registration and for architects – www.arb.org.uk/architect-information
• Previous PCC cases – www.arb.org.uk/previous-pcc-decisions
• Information related to competence – www.arb.org.uk/maintaining-competence
• Relevant email addresses are included in the notes for the various slides above, and on
the website.

www.arb.org.uk

• eBulletin – www.arb.org.uk/ebulletin; free to sign up to, usually five editions a year;

provides updates on regulation, developments and other information relating to the
profession.
• Facebook – www.facebook.com/ARBUK1997
• LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/company/architects-registration-board
• Twitter – @ARBUK1997
• Prescribed exam – www.arb.org.uk/prescribed-exam
• EU exit FAQs – www.arb.org.uk/eu-exit
• Information on registration and for architects – www.arb.org.uk/architect-information
• Previous PCC cases – www.arb.org.uk/previous-pcc-decisions
• Information related to competence – www.arb.org.uk/maintaining-competence

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Accreditation Team
qualifications@arb.org.uk

www.arb.org.uk
020 7580 5861
info@arb.org.uk

8 Weymouth Street
London W1W 5BU

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 Routes to registration: UK study

12 months’ 12 months’
practical practical
Prescribed experience Prescribed experience Prescribed
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
qualification qualification qualification

www.arb.org.uk/registration

• This is the most common route in the UK and is generally recommended (though some
students take Parts 1 and 2 consecutively, followed by 24 months or more practical
experience and Part 3).
• You don’t necessarily need to take the Parts sequentially, though Part 2 and Part 3
providers’ entry requirements vary and some may specify completion of or eligibility
for particular Parts as a condition of entry.
• Once you have successfully completed all three Parts and the practical experience,
you’ll be eligible to register with ARB (registration is not automatic) – you’re advised do
so within two years of qualifying (if you leave it longer, your application to register will
need to be considered by ARB’s Competency Standards Group). N.B. You must have
received award certificates for all of your qualifications before you can apply for
registration (confirmation letters and/or transcripts aren’t accepted).

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 Routes to registration: EU study
24 months’
Five years study in practical Prescribed UK
an EU MS experience Part 3
(PQD compliance) qualification

Prescribed UK Prescribed UK
Part 2 Part 3
ARB Prescribed 24 months’
qualification qualification
Examination at practical
Part 1 experience

www.arb.org.uk/eu-exit

The information provided here relates to joining the UK Register, and is based on the
current interim arrangements; there may be changes in coming year and beyond. Any
updates regarding the recognition of EU qualifications will be posted online at
www.arb.org.uk/eu-exit when known – it’s advisable to check this page regularly for the
most up-to-date information.

Top row
• If you have completed at least five years of full-time study – equivalent to Part 1 and
Part 2 combined – on an eligible qualification (i.e. that was listed in Annex V of the PQD
as at 31 December 2020) in an EU Member State, obtain a statement from the
competent authority (ARB equivalent) in that EU Member State confirming compliance
of the qualification with the PQD.

Bottom row
• If you hold an EU architecture qualification at first degree level only, you’ll need to take
the ARB Prescribed Examination at Part 1 – www.arb.org.uk/prescribed-exam – as the
interim arrangements don’t allow for the recognition of EU qualifications at first degree
level only.
• If you hold a prescribed UK Part 1 qualification, then completed further study at Part 2
level in an EU Member State on an eligible qualification (i.e. that was listed in Annex V
of the PQD as at 31 December 2020), obtain a statement from the competent authority
(ARB equivalent) in that EU Member State confirming compliance of the qualification
with the PQD.

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Irish qualifications
• Please see the information online about the memorandum of understanding
between ARB and the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) regarding
recognition of qualifications from 1 January 2021 – www.arb.org.uk/registering-
with-irish-qualifications.

If you hold UK qualifications and wish to register in an EU or EEA Member State, you
should contact the competent authority in that Member State about the registration
process, and required qualifications and documentation.

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 Routes to registration: overseas study

Prescribed UK Prescribed
Part 2 / UK Part 3
ARB Prescribed ARB Prescribed 24 months’ qualification
Examination Examination at practical
at Part 1 Part 2 experience

www.arb.org.uk/find-my-registration-route

The above outlines the route to register in the UK – www.arb.org.uk/find-my-registration-

route. If you want to register elsewhere, you’ll need to make enquiries about the
requirements and registration process in the relevant country.

ARB only prescribes UK qualifications; and the only non-UK qualifications that can
currently be recognised are EU qualifications that were listed in Annex V of the Mutual
Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive (MRPQD, or PQD) as at 31 December
2020, and Irish qualifications that are covered under the memorandum of understanding
with the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI).

• If you took an overseas architecture qualification to first degree level (equivalent to

Part 1), you will need to take the ARB Prescribed Exam at Part 1 + prescribed UK Parts 2
and 3 qualifications with (min) two years’ practical experience.
• If you took overseas architecture qualifications to the equivalent of Part 2 level, you
will need to take the ARB Prescribed Exams at Parts 1 and 2 + prescribed UK Part 3
qualification with (min) two years’ practical experience.

ARB Prescribed Exams – www.arb.org.uk/prescribed-exam – are assessments of

equivalence to prescribed UK Parts 1 and 2 qualifications. Each Prescribed Exam involves
submission of a comparative matrix to demonstrate compliance with ARB’s Criteria for
Parts 1 and 2, a portfolio of work and supporting material, and an interview. See the
website for full details and eligibility criteria.

• To be eligible for the ARB Prescribed Examination at Part 1, your overseas qualification
must have been a three year full-time (or equivalent longer period if you studied part-
time) course of study at first degree level principally in architecture.

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• To be eligible for the ARB Prescribed Examination at Part 2, your overseas
qualification must have been a two year full-time (or equivalent longer period if
you studied part-time) course of study at second degree or diploma level (or
above) principally in architecture; and you must have a prescribed UK Part 1
award or passed the ARB Prescribed Examination at Part 1.

The information provided here is not exhaustive; and there may be changes to non-
UK prescribed routes in the coming year and beyond. Refer to the website regarding
how to join the UK Register of Architects – www.arb.org.uk/find-my-registration-
route – and contact ARB’s Registration Team with any queries (info@arb.org.uk).

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 Practical experience

What • Full range of activities typically undertaken by a practising architect

• Directly supervised by a professional in the construction industry

Where • At least 12 months in a relevant European territory

• Strongly recommend that spend 12 months in the UK

When • Recent – 12 of the 24 months in the two years before final Part 3
examination (ideally in the UK)

PSA • Professional Studies Adviser

• Advises on and monitors practical experience

www.arb.org.uk/practical-training

In addition to prescribed qualifications, ARB Rules require individuals to have ‘recently

completed a minimum of 24 months practical experience under the direct supervision of
a professional working in the construction industry; which should include at least 12
months working in a relevant European territory under the direct supervision of an
architect.’

PSA
• An expert on Part 3/practical experience (PE) requirements – they often teach
professional studies, are typically registered (though not always), and many are in
practice.
• PSAs are responsible for monitoring those undertaking PE (both post-Parts 1 and 2) to
check individuals are covering a suitable range of activity during their PE.
• Students/candidates need to have a PSA to sign off the record (see below) of any PE
they undertake.
• If your institution doesn’t have a PSA, check with your course leader whether
there’s an agreement with another institution that does have a PSA you can link
with (usually for a fee); or check with RIBA NW, or there are PSAs nationwide
any student can use (again, for a fee).

What
• You must gain experience of all areas of an architect’s work – seek advice from your
PSA if you feel the range of activity you’re undertaking may be too specialised, narrow
or limited.
• You must be supervised by a construction industry professional (generally in the
practice/company where you’re working) – an architect or other chartered professional

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 in the construction industry (usually registered with an appropriate professional
body – e.g. a chartered engineer/surveyor – but this can include qualified
professionals typically involved in procurement, design and management of the
built environment).
• You should be supervised by an architect for at least 12 months (ideally
the during the second 12 months).
• Your supervisor(s) should have responsibility for and control over the work
you’ve undertaken/are undertaking.
• You must record your PE and this record should be reviewed regularly by your PSA
(usually every three to six months) – the Part 3 examiner will look at this record as
part of your final assessment.
• There’s no ARB requirement as to the format of this record, but many use
RIBA’s PEDR (professional education development resource, there may be
a fee to use).
• Speak to your PSA about what can count towards PE.

Where
• At least 12 months must be in a relevant European territory – the British islands
(the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man), states in the European Economic Area
(EEA), Switzerland.
• It’s strongly recommended that at least 12 months experience is in the UK; ideally
the 12 months immediately before/during the Part 3, as Part 3 focuses on UK
practice and regulations.
• Other PE can be anywhere in the world (UK, EU, EEA, overseas); however, if you
wish to undertake some PE outside the UK it’s advisable that this is during the
first 12 of the 24 months; speak to your PSA for advice.

When
• 12 of the (minimum) 24 months must be undertaken in the two years prior to
taking your final Part 3 exam.
• Some Part 3 providers specify a minimum amount of recorded PE for entry to
their course – check the entry requirements for the particular Part 3 course(s)
you’re considering.

• N.B. RIBA’s PE requirements may differ slightly from the ARB Rules set out above
(ARB requirements must be satisfied for eligibility to join the UK Register).

www.arb.org.uk/practical-training

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