Canada/United Kingdom Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)
The Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada / Regroupement des Ordres d’Architectes du Canada (ROAC) and the United Kingdom’s Architects Registration Board (ARB) signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), effective on May 14, 2025. The MRA states that the two parties will agree to recognise UK and Canadian qualifications which are in scope of the MRA for the purposes of registration. Registration for eligible architects will now be quicker and easier.
Read the full UK-Canada Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA): UK-Canada MRA
Read the Joint Announcement: UK and Canada Sign New agreement that Helps Eligible Architects Register Between Each Country
Eligibility
The basic eligibility requirements include meeting education, experience, and examination requirements. Applicants must also be currently registered and in good standing in their home jurisdictions.
Please note that there are different requirements depending on if you are a Canadian registered Architect applying to the UK, or a UK registered Architect applying to Canada. Both pathway requirements are outlined below:
Canada to UK
The process for eligible Canadian Architects applying for registration in the UK is as follows:
1. Check your Eligibility
Canada to UK applicants require a valid ROAC Certificate which confirms successful completion of the following requirements:
The Education Requirement
- Either a professional degree in architecture from a program accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB); or
- A professional degree or diploma in architecture from a non-accredited institution which has been assessed and certified by CACB as meeting the Canadian Educational Standard
The Experience Requirement
- The Internship in Architecture Program (‘IAP’), or its predecessor the Canadian Experience Record Book (CERB).
The Examination Requirement
- The Examination for Architects in Canada (‘ExAC’) or its equivalent.
Current Registration and Good Standing
You must have current registration as an Architect in a ROAC jurisdiction and be in good standing, which means that you are not subject to any current registration/licensing conditions, sanctions, or penalties arising out of disciplinary or conduct processes. Good standing must also be maintained in all ROAC jurisdictions that you are currently registered.
Other Requirements
Apart from the requirements for issuance of the ROAC Certificate described above you will also need to complete the ARB’s UK Adaptation Assessment (UKAA) assessment and its registration requirements.
Do not apply for the ROAC certificate until you are ready to apply for the ARB assessment as the ROAC certificate is only valid for one year (can be renewed subject to additional review and fees). Details about the ARB registration requirements can be found on their website.
2. Apply for ROAC Certificate
If you believe you are eligible and ready to start the registration process, complete the application below and send it to registration@aibc.ca. Please note that the application fee is $500 (with 5% GST – $525).
Upon receipt of your application and fees, ROAC will reach out to member regulatory bodies to confirm your eligibility. Qualifying applicants will then be issued a ROAC Certificate, which will be sent to you and the ARB. The processing time is between 2–5 weeks.
The Certificate expires one year from the date of issue or on the expiry date of current architect registration in any Canadian jurisdiction, whichever date comes first. If registered in multiple Canadian jurisdictions, the latest expiry date will apply.
ARB Assessment and Registration in the UK
With your ROAC certificate, proceed to the ARB website as the UK Adaptation Assessment (UKAA) must be passed before a registration application is possible. On the ARB website, you will find ARB specific requirements, instructions, application forms, fees and frequently asked questions.
As part of the ARB registration process, all Canada to UK architects must undertake and pass the UKAA in order to demonstrate the ability to practise safely and effectively in the UK.
Please note that applicants who have already obtained an ARB accredited Part 3 qualification will not be required to undertake the UK Adaptation Assessment and may proceed to apply for registration provided they have completed all of the Canadian licensing requirements necessary and have obtained a ROAC certificate confirming that they are in scope of the MRA.
Fee: £2950.00 (subject to change by the ARB)
Contact ARB: info@arb.org.uk
Having passed the UK Adaptation Assessment, you will then be eligible to make an application to join the UK Register of Architects. More information about registering for the first time in the UK can be found on the ARB website.
UK to Canada
1. Confirm Eligibility
Review the eligibility criteria on the ARB website
2. Apply for the ARB Certificate
Having checked that you meet the eligibility requirements, you can complete your ARB certificate application form on the ARB Portal.
ARB will review your application and qualifications. They will formally confirm that you are registered with ARB, are in good standing, and meet the relevant MRA requirements by issuing a certificate. Once ARB issues your certificate, you can begin the ROAC application process.
3. Complete Application Process with ROAC
Please submit your ARB Certificate along with a completed application form and submit to registration@aibc.ca. The application fee is $3,000 (with 5% GST – $3150).
After submitting your application and fee, you will be required to complete four online modules that focus on practice areas unique to Canada (e.g. seismic and climate code requirements). All four modules can be completed in less than 10 hours in total. There will be a brief knowledge check after each module. Comprehensive resource lists are also available in the modules for independent review and reference.
4. Apply for Registration as an Architect with the Intended Canadian Jurisdiction
ROAC will issue you a letter, with a copy to the architectural regulator of your intended Canadian jurisdiction, confirming completion of the requirements under this MRA.
Please note that you will need to submit an application form as required by the architectural regulator to complete your architect registration in that jurisdiction.
Application and registration fees are set by the architect regulator of each Canadian jurisdiction.
Application Forms
Architects in Canada
- Application Form: Application for a ROAC Certificate – Architects from Canada
- Fee: $500 (with 5% GST – $525)
Other Fees
UK Adaptation Assessment (UKAA) fee, and ARB’s usual registration fee when applying to join the Register. Fees vary according to the time of year in which the application is made and are published on the ARB website: arb.org.uk/architect-information/applying-for-registration-for-the-first-time/fees/.
Architects in the UK
- Application Form: Application for review by ROAC – Architects from the UK
- Fee: $3,000 (with 5% GST – $3150)
Other Fees
Application and registration fees are set by each architectural regulator from that Canadian province or territory. Please contact the appropriate architectural regulator for details.
ARB ROAC FAQs
Canada to UK
How long is the ROAC Certificate valid?
The expiry of the certificate will be December 31 or the expiry date of the applicant’s current architect registration in any Canadian jurisdiction, whichever date comes first. The Certificate may be renewed and may be subject to further fees.
What if I do not meet all the eligibility requirements?
The MRA accommodates only those who have fulfilled all the requirements to qualify for ROAC certification and does not provide for the ‘freestanding’ recognition of a Canadian professional degree in architecture. Individuals who have completed a Canadian professional degree will need to either fulfil the additional requirements necessary to secure a ROAC certificate, or apply for recognition through ARB’s Prescribed Examination route, and additionally undertake a UK Part 3 qualification through a UK school of architecture.
Is ARB able to assist with requirements relating to visas and work permits?
The ARB is unable to provide advice on these matters. Information and guidance can be found on the UK Government website: gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.
UK to Canada
I’m a UK architect and have completed the ROAC application process. What additional requirements should I expect upon application with the intended Canadian jurisdiction?
You will need to submit the required application form and fees. There will be no re-assessment of your architect competencies.
Is ROAC able to assist with requirements relating to visas and work permits etc.?
We are unable to provide advice on these matters. Please see the Canadian government’s website.
No nationality/citizenship requirements apply under the agreement, but it is the responsibility of applicants to obtain the relevant visas and/or work permits as are required in Canada.
What happens after my ARB Certificate expires?
If you have not completed the registration process in a Canadian jurisdiction, you will need to request an updated certificate for which a further fee will be payable and complete the Canadian Practice modules again.
If you have active registration in a Canadian jurisdiction, you can apply for registration in another jurisdiction through Canadian reciprocity.