Aims and scope of the WG
Aim of the WG
- Promote the internationally established standards (5 years study plus 4 years practical experience) as the minimum standard of access to the architectural profession in Europe.
- Advocate for the needs of Professional Practice Experience (PPE) prior to establishment.
- Promote the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Main area of interest
- Transposition of the Professional Qualifications Directive (PQD)
- Initiatives to improve the EU Single Market (Single Market Strategy)
- Partial access of foreign architects
- Traineeships
- Life-Long Learning
- Accreditation/Notification for educational institutions, professional bodies, or training programs
- Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with 3rd countries
- Schools Programme
Planned focus and key activities
Professional Qualifications Directive (PQD)
- Promote the internationally established standard of 5 +2 (see above). Standards across Member States exceed the minimum, or lowest common denominator, set down in the Directive in a variety of ways and through various modes of regulation. Recognising and establishing how different approaches to regulation of the architectural profession achieve this goal, above and beyond the minimum terms set down in the Directive, is a current focus of the Working Group. In addition, the Working Group is currently reviewing and assessing the mechanisms in place at Member State level for the accreditation of courses prior to notification for inclusion in the Directive.
- Prepare for the next revision of the PQD.
Professional Practice Experience (PPE)
- Compare and contrast the duration of PPE across Member States with a view of preparing recommendations for the next PQD review.
Professional Practice Experience (PPE)
- Compare and contrast the duration of PPE across Member States with a view of preparing recommendations for the next PQD review. The majority of EU Member States have long required standards higher than the Minimum Standard set out in the Directive. Any race to the bottom in terms of standards, which can seem attractive in economically pressured times, is especially dangerous because it undermines consumer protection and confidence, hinders graduate and professional mobility and recognition on an international scale and negatively impacts on the markets for services within the Single Market.
Continuous Professional Development
- Enhance the understanding and support for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) across Member Organisations and EU Member States.
- Promote the ACE Quality Guide on CPD
Meetings: 2 meetings per annum
Membership: 62 participants
Meet the Chair!
-
Cornelia
HammerschlagAustria
Chair
