Section 1 – General Information
| Question | Answer |
| Sygnatura czasowa | 2/2/2021 16:25:42 |
| Name of organisation | Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) |
| Who is responsible for the supervision of the competent authority on architecture? (Ministry of Regional Development, Ministry of Culture) | N/D |
| Who is responsible for the supervision of the architectural profession? (Ministry of Regional Development, Ministry of Culture) | N/D |
| Please provide your e-mail address for contact if any clarification is needed | ARB = emmam@arb.org.uk/RIBA = emmanuelle.meunier@riba.org |
| Your additional / clarification notes on this section: | We have collated a joint response from ARB and RIBA in order to provide the fullest information possible. ARB was established by Parliament in 1997 to regulate the architects’ profession in the UK. 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 contained in the 1997 Architects Act, and cover six main areas: • Prescribing – or ‘recognising’ – the qualifications needed to become an architect • Keeping the UK Register of Architects • Ensuring that architects meet our standards for conduct and practice • Investigating complaints about an architect’s conduct or competence • Making sure that only people on our Register offer their services as an architect. • Acting as the UK’s regulatory authority for architects ARB’s work is overseen by a Board made up of 11 members all appointed by the Privy Council. This includes one independent, non-executive Chair and ten non-executive Board members made up of five members of the public and five architects. A Board member’s tenure cannot exceed 8 years (whether consecutive or not). The Royal Institute of British Architects is a global professional membership body driving excellence in architecture. The RIBA was founded in 1834 for “the general advancement of civil architecture”. Our purpose is to serve our members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. We rely on our members, supporters and charitable trading operations to make our work possible. We uphold the highest standards of professionalism and best practice. We value inclusion, collaboration, knowledge and progression, qualities that will enable our members to succeed, now and in the future. |
Section 2 – Education
| Question | Answer |
| Where: | ARB is responsible for accrediting qualifications in architecture for the purpose of entry on to the UK Architects Register. Through its validation process, the RIBA identifies courses and examinations which achieve the standards necessary to prepare students for professional practice as a Chartered Architect. |
| Is accreditation body: | N/D |
| What is the impact of a competent authority recognising the qualifications of architects on the education programme? | High |
| Please indicate (approximately) how many architecture schools follow the Bologna system | all |
| Please indicate (approximately %) how many schools of architecture from all existing are listed in Annex V.7.1 of the PQD | 60 |
| Is there an obligation to undergo professional practice (internship) during studies? | Yes |
| Are there universities in your country that are nationally accredited for 4 years of architectural studies and whose completion gives full access to the profession? | No |
| If so, please specify the number of such universities | N/A |
| Please specify the title that an architect receives after completing his Bachelor degree | N/A. The title ‘architect’ can only be used by individuals who have successfully joined the UK Architects Register (having successfully completed ARB-accredited Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 level qualifications). No other titles exist at the interim levels of education or training. |
| Please specify the title that an architect receives after completing his Master degree | N/A. The title ‘architect’ can only be used by individuals who have successfully joined the UK Architects Register (having successfully completed ARB-accredited Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 level qualifications). No other titles exist at the interim levels of education or training. |
| Can you get a Master’s Degree in Architecture after having previously obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in a field other than Architecture? | Yes |
| If so, please indicate the title that a person holding such a qualification will receive after graduation | Note: An individual can obtain a Bachelor’s degree in another field but it is unlikely they would be eligible for registration in the UK; individuals who hold qualifications in some allied disciplines may qualify for ARB’s Prescribed Examination at Part 1 level. ARB’s Prescribed Examination is a process by which ARB can test an individual’s qualifications for equivalence against the Part 1 standard. It is technically possible that an individual with a first cycle degree in an allied discipline may be eligible for the Prescribed Examination but in reality is it rare that this takes place. ARB’s Prescribed Examinations are not listed under the Directive. |
| Your additional / clarification notes on this section: | Question 6 – Accrediting Body ARB is the statutory regulatory body for architects in the UK, and is responsible for setting the standards for entry to the UK Register. It also prescribed qualifications and practical experience for this purpose.. Through its validation process, the RIBA identifies courses and examinations which achieve the standards necessary to prepare students for professional practice as a Chartered Architect. Question 9 – Number of Listed Qualifications/Schools ARB currently prescribed (recognises) qualifications in architecture at 60 institutions across the UK. The majority are listed under the February 2020 edition of the Annex, however the UK’s entry under the Annex is complex. Prior to 2008, the UK operated under a generic entry under the Annex, i.e., the UK did not list individual institutions/qualifications and it simply listed general references to degrees and diplomas etc. issued by universities and other schools of architecture together with a reference to the UK’s accompanying certificate issued by ARB. ARB would then verify whether an individual had achieved the appropriate qualifications at Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 levels required for registration in the UK. A number of institutions/qualifications continue to fall under the UK’s generic entry within the Annex. Since 2005, the UK has been listing qualifications which ARB has accredited for the first time or which have changed in terms of their award title or their content. Questions 15 – Other fields An individual can obtain a Bachelor’s degree in another field but it is unlikely they would be eligible for registration in the UK; individuals who hold qualifications in some allied disciplines may qualify for ARB’s Prescribed Examination at Part 1 level. ARB’s Prescribed Examination is a process by which ARB can test an individual’s qualifications for equivalence against the Part 1 standard. It is technically possible that an individual with a first cycle degree in an allied discipline may be eligible for the Prescribed Examination but in reality is it rare that this takes place. ARB’s Prescribed Examinations are not listed under the Directive. |
Section 3 – PPE (Professional Practice Experience)
| Question | Answer |
| Is there a requirement to undertake a period of compulsory practical training (PPE) in your country? | Yes |
| How long is the compulsory PPE? | 24 months |
| Is the time period defined in terms of months/years, or in the form of hours? | Our requirement is defined in months |
| If the time period is expressed in terms of months/years, how is part-time work reflected, does it count the same as full-time work or is the work expressed on a pro rata basis? | If an individual is working for less than 20 hours a week they will have to complete a correspondingly longer period of experience. The experience must also be ‘recent’ – i.e. 12 of the 24 months must be in the 2 years immediately preceding the Part 3 exam, so it is likely that only part of the period can be included. |
| Is training undertaken prior to graduation recognised as part of the training requirement? | Yes |
| Which authority determines the requirements (program) for the PPE? | N/D |
| Which authority control and supervise the PPE? | Educational |
| Is the traineeship supervised (overseen)? | Yes |
| If so, by whom? | The ARB Rule permits up to 12 months’ experience supervised by any professional working within the construction industry so if an individual is working for a multi-disciplinary practice or is employed by an organisation other than an architectural practice, provided the work the individual is doing is architectural in nature the supervisor may be any professional as defined above provided they have knowledge and experience of the area within which the individual is working. If the supervisor is not an architect, graduates may also find it helpful to seek guidance and support from an architect working in another practice. The remaining 12 months must be supervised by an architect Professional Studies Advisors employed by universities or course providers are responsible for approving the students’ experience prior to them taking the Part 3 examination. |
| Does the trainee have to register their PPE with the competent authority? | No |
| Are the quality requirements for the PPE defined? | Yes |
| What categories of work experience does the PPE include? | Project management, Office management, Design documentation, construction documents, contract administration, side supervision, knowledge of law, Others |
| Is the trainee required to complete compulsory CPD during the PPE? | N/D |
| Are specific supplementary courses organised? | Yes |
| How are PPE activities recorded (logbook, online register, etc.)? | Logbook/online/certificates of professional experience. Most UK students record their experience using the RIBA’s Professional Experience and Development Record (PEDR) website. |
| How many hours per month are required for the PPE? | 80 |
| Is the PPE undertaken abroad in another EU country, recognised / taken into account? | Yes |
| Is the PPE undertaken abroad outside EU, recognised / taken into account? | Yes |
| Can the trainee’s own projects be included in the PPE? | Partly |
| Is the trainee monitored? | Yes |
| Is the PPE remunerated? | Yes |
| Is there a compulsory Professional Practice examination? | Yes |
| What authorities organise and carry out the professional exam? | Educational |
| Please indicate (approximately%) how many architectural graduates complete the PPE? | N/D |
| Your additional / clarification notes on this section: | Question 22 – Training undertaken prior to graduation The ARB Rules states that at least 12 of the 24 months’ experience should have been undertaken within the 2 years immediately before taking your Part 3 exam and would, therefore, permit an individual to include up to 12 months of any experience undertaken before they started their Part 1. It will, however, be for the school to decide whether the experience is acceptable to them for the purposes of the professional practice examination and individuals are advised to discuss this with their professional studies advisers who work to deliver the Part 3 qualifications. Question 23 – Who determines requirements for PPE ARB determines the requirements for PPE for the purposes of entry to the UK Register. The criteria for Part 3 and PPE are shared between the ARB and the RIBA. Question 24 – Who controls and supervises PPE Practical experience requirements are tested through the Part 3 level qualifications. The RIBA and the ARB set the rules in relation to practical experience and the institutions administer them. The application of the rules is periodically checked within our process for prescribing qualifications. Question 27 – Registration of PPE No. In the UK, the majority of students record their PPE in the RIBA’ s online Professional Experience Development Record (PEDR) website although trainees do not have to use the PEDR. The professional studies adviser will sign the record of experience off and use it to help the individual plan their experience and guide the individual in deciding when they are ready to sit the Part 3 exam. An individual’s professional practice (Part 3) examiner will assess the content and quality of the experience as part of the professional practice exam. (ARB ensures that schools do this to a standard that meets its criteria as part of its prescription process). Question 28 – Quality requirements defined The practical experience can contribute to the meeting of ARB’s Part 3 level Criteria. Question 30 – trainee completing compulsory CPD ARB = N/A RIBA = The RIBA strongly encourages RIBA Chartered Practices to offer CPD to students carrying out PPE in their practices Question 33 PPE Hours per month Normal UK definition is minimum 20 hours per week, but this can be flexible depending on the student’s personal situation Question 34 – EU PPE ARB’s requirements state that up to 12 months can be undertaken anywhere in the world and the remaining 12 months can be undertaken in the EEA. However, ARB issues strong guidance to individuals which states that individuals are unlikely to successfully pass the Part 3 level qualification without UK experience. Questions 38 – Remuneration of PPE Yes – RIBA Chartered Practices are required to pay the minimum living wages to all their employees including those undertaking PPE Question 41 – Architectural Graduates In 2020 approximately 1400 Part 3 graduates joined the UK Architects Register |
Section 4 – Professional Practice
| Question | Answer |
| Please specify the professional title for an Architect in your country. | Architect |
| Are some or all of the functions usually carried out by architects regulated in your State? (please indicate if they are restricted to architects alone or to architects and other named professions) | N/A |
| Does the Architect have to register with the competent authority? | Yes |
| Please specify the registration body. | Architects Registration Board |
| Is the registration body: | Other |
| Which professions are regulated in your country? | architect |
| Is this registry entry renewed at a specified time? | No, the entry on the list of architects is one-time and unlimited in time. |
| Is there a Code of Conduct for Architects in your country? | Yes |
| Is it mandatory? | Yes |
| Please specify the name of the body that established the Code of Conduct: | ARB – Statutory Code of Conduct/RIBA – Professional Body Code of Conduct |
| Is this body: | N/D |
| Does the competent authority have its own judicial system? | No |
| Does your judicial system include public participation (non-architects within judges, public courts, etc.)? | No |
| What kind of sanction is applied for non- compliance with the Code of Conduct? (select) | N/D |
| Your additional / clarification notes on the Code of Conduct: | N/D |
| Does the competent authority (your organisation) have a document describing the scope (standard) of the architect’s services? | Yes |
| What sanctions are imposed on the architect for non-compliance with the standard of services? (select) | None |
| Does a system of CPD for architects exist in your country? | |
| If so, is it compulsory? | Yes |
| If so, is it encouraged? | Yes |
| If so, is it free? | No |
| If it is compulsory, is it required by law? | No |
| If it is compulsory, is it required by a Code of Conduct? | Yes |
| If it is regulated, who regulates the system – a professional body? | Yes |
| If it is regulated, who regulates the system – a governmental body? | No |
| If it is regulated, who regulates the system – a combination of the two bodies? | No |
| Is the CPD system structured / organised? | Yes |
| Who provides the CPD courses? | RIBA; other professional bodies; academia; other organisations; manufacturers; training companies; practices |
| What level of training is provided? | Microlearning; general awareness; detailed knowledge; deep knowledge; advanced skills |
| Are certain subjects mandatory? | Yes |
| What types of activities or provisions are accepted? | Any relevant structured or informal activity |
| Do you have any evaluation criteria for the CPD material? | Yes |
| Who recognises (accredits) the training? | The RIBA accredits its own training |
| What is the estimated number of courses per year? | 10000 |
| What is the estimated number of participants per year? | 50000 |
| What is the estimated number of lesson hours per year? | N/D |
| Is there a CPD requirement for architects? | Yes |
| Is this requirement validated or checked and if so, how? (select) | Others means (e.g. electronic monitoring)? |
| Is training (provision) delivered abroad accepted? | Yes |
| What kind of sanction is applied for non-compliance with the CPD requirement? (select) | Other |
| Do you have a database containing the contents of your CPD Programme? | Yes |
| Did you know that there is a CPD platform on the ACE website? | Yes |
| Your additional / clarification notes on CPD: | The RIBA provides both free and priced CPD. Non-compliance with CPD can lead to suspension or expulsion from the professional body. It is difficult to estimate how many CPD hours are done each year, and some clarification would be welcomed regarding whether you mean just RIBA CPD or more generally in the UK. The RIBA accredits its own CPD, and that of anyone who wishes to pay for the service. However, RIBA members can get CPD from any source, and the RIBA is unable to accredit third party content unless it is part of a commercial accreditation arrangement. Finally, CPD compliance is part of a wider RIBA competence framework, which will also include mandatory regular CPD and tests in health and life safety, climate literacy and ethical practice; and advanced skills and competence for specialisms. |
| Your additional / clarification notes on this section: | Question 49 – Registration Body ARB is an independent statutory regulatory body, established under legislation. Question 55 – Body ARB = Other RIBA = Professional Question 58 – Sanctions ARB = Reprimand, Expulsion from Register and Other. Architects are expected to practice in line with the ARB’s Code of Conduct. Architects found guilty of serious professional incompetence or unacceptable professional conduct can be fined, reprimanded, suspended or removed from the Register Question 63 – Compulsory CPD Under the ARB Code of Conduct, architects are expected to maintain their competence for the work they undertake. Architects can opt whether to be members of a professional body such as the RIBA. As members of the RIBA, undertaking CPD is mandatory. Question 65 – CPD required by lay Not currently. However the UK Government is currently in the process of considering whether ARB should be given the powers to require that competence is maintained and to monitor this. It is likely that new legislation will be developed in this area. Question 68 – Regulated CPD ARB is likely to be given the powers to regulate the maintenance of architects’ competence in the near future. All RIBA Chartered Members are required to undertake and record CPD each year, and the RIBA can audit our members’ CPD records via our CPD recording platform. Question 82 – Checking CPD The RIBA can audit its members’ CPD records via its CPD recording platform. ARB could given the powers to monitor competence in the near future |
Section 5 – Access to the Market
| Question | Answer |
| Is the architect, without any additional requirements, allowed to provide services normally provided by the professions: | landscape architect, urban planer, interior architect |
| Are only architects included in the list/register of the competent authority entitled to design and prepare documents for obtaining a building permit? | No |
| Are contracts for design works concluded by investors: | There is no rule, both models are acceptable |
| Do you have any certification system for architects or architectural firms that conditions the performance of specific design work? | No |
| Can only an architect registered on the list take part in public procurement for architectural designs? | No |
| Is the lowest price criterion (excluding quality criteria) used in the case of public procurement of architectural projects? | Yes |
| Is signing a contract with a public investor always preceded by a conceptual design of the building? | Never |
| Do you agree that the quality criterion is currently the main condition for selecting a bidder in the public procurement? | Disagree |
| Is insurance required to practice as an architect? | Yes |
| If so, what is the minimum amount of liability required? | ARB recommends that the minimum limit of indemnity provided by PII should be £250,000 for each and every claim. |
| Does public procurement recognise the insurance of any company or insurer with some sort of accreditation? | It doesn’t matter which company provides insurance |
| Which of the participants in the investment process must have compulsory insurance: | Architect, Civil Engineer, Construction company |
| Is the architect responsible for: | N/D |
| Does your organisation provide architects with recommended / model contracts? | N/D |
| Does your organisation provide architects with a recommended service fee scale? | No |
| Your additional / clarification notes on this section: | Question 89 – provision of services The title ‘landscape architect’ is exempt from control by ARB. The use of the title ‘interior architect’ would be unlawful unless the individual using it were registered with ARB. There is no reservation of function in relation to the first three professions. The Engineering Council regulates certain legally protected Engineering titles. Question 90 – Restriction of services Only the title architect is protected in the UK; anyone can provide services in this area Question 101 – Architects’ responsibilities This depends on the services and the procurement route. Architects have no statutory responsibilities on projects other than through health and safety legislation (CDM) for ‘designers’ duties. Question 102 – Model Contracts ARB – No RIBA – Yes General Architects have no statutory responsibilities on projects other than through health and safety legislation (CDM) for ‘designers’ duties. |
Section 6 – Tariffs and Rates
| Question | Answer |
| Please explain how the membership fee is calculated: | fixed fee set annually |
| What is the average annual membership fee? | Currently £119 (c.€130) for the ARB/459 euros for the RIBA |
| Is there an additional fee on first entry (i.e. admission fee)? | |
| If so, please specify them: | ARB – An additional £35.00 (c.€40) administration charge is required on first applications. |
| What is the fee in your country for the recognition of qualifications in the automatic system? | The UK is no longer operating under the automatic recognition regime. The current fee for new entrants under the interim UK route recognising qualifications in the ‘frozen’ version of Annex V.71. is a total of £154 (c. €175) |
| What is the fee in your country for the recognition of qualifications in the general system? | The UK no longer operates under the General System. The fee formerly charged was £1720 (c. €1950) |
| What is the fee in your country for the registration of cross border services? | The UK no longer operates a register for those providing cross border services. Under arrangements that formerly applied, no charge was made for this. For UK architects wishing to provide services or establish in other countries, we offer certificates in support of this for a fee of £40 (c. €45) |
| What is the cost of the minimum insurance fee (if mandatory) | Variable by situation |
| Your additional / clarification notes on this section: | Question 107 – Administration Fees An additional £35.00 (c.€40) administration charge is required on first applications |
Section 7 – Market Access for Foreign Architects
| Question | Answer |
| In the case of cross-border provision of services / temporary registration, please provide a contact address for submitting applications / information: | ARB = info@arb.org.uk RIBA – membership is not required for cross border services |
| In the case of cross-border provision of services / temporary registration, please specify the requirements / required documents: | This route to registration with ARB no longer operates. Formerly, evidence of identity, a competent authority certificate and qualifications were required in addition to an application form. |
| In case of cross-border provision of services / temporary registration, please describe the recognition procedure: | This route to registration with ARB no longer operates. Formerly, the documents listed above were considered by the Registrar, who if satisfied, would approve entry to the list of those providing services. Although this is not temporary registration – architect registered and practising outside the UK and the EU, can apply for RIBA Chartered Membership through the Membership Eligibility Assessment Panel (MEAP). |
| In case of cross-border provision of services / temporary registration, please specify the duration of the procedure. | This route to registration with ARB no longer operates. Formerly, annual renewals were required each year. |
| In the case of establishment / full registration, please provide a contact address for submitting applications / information: | Please see ARB’s online application portal: www.arb.org.uk |
| In the case of establishment / full registration, please specify the requirements / required documents: | For ARB registration applications under the UK interim route relying on the ‘frozen’ Annex V.7.1, evidence of identity, a competent authority certificate and copies of qualifications are required in addition to an application form. |
| In case of establishment / full registration, please describe the recognition procedure: | The documents listed above are considered by the ARB Registrar, who if satisfied, will approve entry to the Register of Architects. |
| In case of establishment / full registration, please specify the duration of the procedure. | Under statute, three months for straightforward ARB registration applications is permitted. Typically these take around two weeks unless traffic is high. |
| Your additional / clarification notes on this section: | N/D |