Architecture in canada

Rules for practising architects

Submitted by,
Princy
senthil
 1. The architect profession is
regulated in Canada. Provincial and
territorial regulatory bodies of
architects set the entry standards
into the profession and issue
licenses to those who meet the
qualifications.
2. By law, you can only practice as an
architect in Canada, or use the title
“architect,” if you have been
licensed as a full member from the
provincial or territorial regulatory
body where you intend to
work. However, it is not necessary
to be registered or licensed to work
in an architectural firm if you are
working under the direction of an
architect.
3. The Royal Architectural Institute of
Canada (RAIC) is the national
association and the voice for
architecture and its practice in

Architecture in Canada. It represents over 4000

architects.

canada
 Before you
immigrate
There are steps that you can take before you immigrate to improve
your chances of practicing your profession in Canada:
• Research how your international qualifications may be viewed in
Canada and get a general sense of the Canadian labour market.
• Contact the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) and
the provincial or territorial regulatory body in the area where you
intend to settle and work. Find out the procedure to follow and the
potential costs and time required to obtain a permit. Ask what
steps in the licensing process that you can take before and after
you immigrate.
• To practice the profession, you need to have advanced English or
French (depending on your destination province) language
competency. Even if you speak fluent English or French, it’s helpful
to improve your language skills. Enroll in language classes while
you are in your home country and continue them after you move to
Canada.
• Assess your language skills by taking an online self-assessment on
the Canadian Language Benchmarks website.
• The CACB requires specific
educational documents such as
your degrees and original
transcripts to assess your
education against Canadian
standards. These documents
have to be sent directly by your
academic institution(s).
• Gather and organize your
official education, work and
identity documents while still in
your home country. When
contacting them, find out what
other documents you need to
bring for employment purposes,
or to continue education. Verify
what documents need to be
translated. You may need to use
a professional translation
service in Canada.
• Understand how the profession
of architect is practiced in
Canada and familiarize yourself
with the procedures, laws, and
legislation that govern your
profession in the province
where you will settle.
How to become an architect in
canada?
1 Study architecture at a college (or university) and obtain a bachelor's degree or master's
degree. Education is an important factor for becoming an architect. Make sure your chosen
program of study has been approved under the Canadian Architectural Certification Board
(CACB) before you enroll.

2 Gain 5,600 hours of work experience. Experience in architecture received from work done
outside of Canada may be considered to help fulfill this requirement.

3 Pass an examination to qualify for a license, either at the provincial or territorial

level. A new exam called the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC) has recently
been developed to test an architecture intern's competency.

4 Receive your license and certificate to practice architecture in a Canadian province or

territory.