The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has released information containing guidelines for architects attempting to find work authorizations in the United Kingdom through the newly-signed Mutual Recognition Agreement between them and the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
The two systems now offer registered architects in each country the chance to obtain reciprocal licensure and pursue contracts after a four-year-long research and negotiation process determined their educational and professional work experience in both are compatible side-by-side.
Speaking in February, NCARB's CEO Michael Armstrong said the agreement will “enhance the value of the NCARB Certificate as a facilitator of domestic and international mobility for many U.S.-licensed practitioners.”
Under the new agreement, architects must hold a valid license in their home country, hold a work visa or other permissions in the location where they are operating, and either an NCARB or ARB certificate. U.S.-based architects will be required to have earned a degree from a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited architecture program, have completed NCARB’s AXP experience program, be covered by a participating jurisdiction, and have successfully passed the NCARB national licensing examination.
NCARB says architects granted the NCARB Certificate through the Foreign Architect Path or Education Alternative are not eligible for licensure under this agreement.
Fees for U.S. architects include a $450 Record Transmittal fee and an Adaptation Assessment fee of £2,950 ($3,574 USD). Their U.K. counterparts will be asked to pay £80 ($97) for their certificates. Another $3,500 fee will be assessed to establish a new NCARB Record, along with a $450 transmittal fee to be paid upfront to the relevant jurisdiction.
Architects in both countries should take the following steps to complete the application process:
This comes amidst a significant push for change to the U.K.’s professional licensure and education process. ARB had previously ended its reciprocity agreement with the EU as a result of Brexit policies. More information regarding eligibility and the application process can be found by reviewing the ARB guidelines.
15 Comments
I just completed this process. Now I'm liscenced in both countries, which is awesome! It's pretty seamless and quite easy procedure. It took almost 3 months start to finish.
Do you need to maintain an ongoing ARB membership or, rather, are there some kind of dues equivalent to the NCARB system?
Yes, once I received the certification, I was able to apply to join the ARB. Paid £127 online (incl. Application fees)
Thanks for the info. So what did the all in USD cost end up being?
About $4,000 including ARB registration and few kindle/ hardcover books for reference.
I am pursuing this opportunity as well. I am licensed in Texas and I want to have reciprocal licensure in the UK prior to moving to London. What resources did you use to prepare for the written portion and later the interview? The information is sparse. Did you use the study material that the ARB recommends to UK students studying for their exams? I appreciate any response.
Is Texas part of the UK recognition agreement? Last I knew there were a handful of states, surprisingly such as NY & FL, which are not.
Yes, to your point it looks like NY, FL, LA, and SD are not participants.
Awesome - now we get people who have no experience in either jursidiction, but are licensed in their home jurisdiction offering advice they have no business offering... UNLESS!!! this is purely to open up the market, and these people would partner up with locals who know the regulations better... either way... bullshit
Can't go tits up.
No, it's not BS. The codes are so close. It totally makes sense. In both countries, Architects go through some rigorous measures to get qualified. It used to take years and was an ambiguous process. Now it's just streamlined and more convenient.
Really? How many years of experience do you need in order to be eligible in the UK? how many exams? Codes? Does the UK use the IBC? how about zoning? How do you even advise a client in that jurisdiction without any experience in it even though you got your license there? So many questions.
International = I
$4000 after $4000 in test and fees for the ARE/AXP. Really feel this is just for the SOM/Fosters/ZHA sized firms to cross-pollinate stateside more easily.
Definitely not for everyone. I did because I'm married to a British citizen and living in the UK is definitely in the future plans.
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