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  • Inter-Recognition Agreement
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Inter-Recognition Agreement (Canada/USA)

The Inter-Recognition Agreement between the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and the Committee of Canadian Architectural Councils (CCAC) was signed on July 1, 1994.

In accordance with the Agreement, applicants who have obtained NCARB Certification will be granted registration to practice architecture in the participating jurisdictions in the USA, without any further demonstration of qualifications, other than familiarity with local laws, conditions, and practice requirements.

The Agreement applies only to those architects who have obtained NCARB Certification and whose principal place of practice is located within a jurisdiction that is a participant to the Agreement.

NCARB Certification Requirements for Canadian Architects under the Inter-Recognition Agreement

1. Good Character

As verified by employers and the member's provincial association.

2. Education

Satisfaction of educational requirements as evidenced by certification from the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) or National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Note: Individuals who were registered prior to July 1, 1976 by a provincial association are eligible for certification of academic qualifications by the CACB under a grandfathering clause.

3. Training

Satisfaction of the three-year training requirement of the Canadian Experience Record Book (CERB), or the Internship in Architecture Program, or the NCARB Training Requirement for certification of architects in the USA.

4. Examination

Satisfaction of the ARE or the Canadian Architectural Practice Examination (CAPE) plus ARE Divisions A, B and D through I. In lieu of the ARE or CAPE, NCARB will accept any of the following:

• Written professional practice examinations together with the oral examination administered by the AIBC from 1977 through 1986.
• Written professional practice examinations administered by the OAA from 1974 through 1986.
• Written professional practice examinations administered by the OAQ since 1977.
• Professional practice examinations and/or oral examinations administered in any Canadian province up to 1987 together with five years practice as a principal as defined by NCARB.*

*NCARB defines a principal as (a) a registered architect and (b) the person in charge of the organization's architectural practice, either alone or with other registered architects. The phrase "in charge of the organization's architectural practice" means a reasonable level of involvement and control over projects undertaken by the firm, and does not refer to financial interest or ownership of the firm.

5. Registration

Current registered membership in a Canadian provincial association (all 10 provinces are participants to the Agreement) and principal place of practice within the jurisdiction of a provincial association or in the USA.

6. Alternate

In lieu of education, training and examination requirements:

• 10 years experience in practice as a principal (as defined by NCARB).
• Certification by a Canadian provincial association that education, training and/or examination achieved is equivalent to current NCARB requirements.

7. General

NCARB may, prior to certification, require the quality and character of the experience to be substantiated, even if the technical requirements have been met.

Important Notes on the Certification Process

The NCARB certification requires considerable processing time and fees will be charged for the compilation of the initial Council Record, issuance of certification, annual certification renewals and transmittal of the Council Record to any regulatory body (as part of the application process for licensing in a specific jurisdiction).

For further information regarding NCARB certification:

http://www.ncarb.org/Certification/canadacert.html

Application For Licensing/Registration

Once NCARB certification has been established, application for registration can then be made to the various jurisdictions which are participants to the Inter-Recognition Agreement. A list of these jurisdictions is available on the NCARB website. Most jurisdictions in the list have links to further information and/or application forms.

• Links to Participating Jurisdictions

Note: Certain jurisdictions in the USA have been permitted to sign onto the Agreement based on a Letter of Undertaking which varies from the standard Letter required until 2000. It appears that certain jurisdictions may not be prepared to fully honour the terms of the Agreement. Members who hold NCARB Certification should not be subjected to any requirements beyond a "demonstration of familiarity with local laws, conditions and practice requirements," which applies to all applicants. Members should contact the MAA office if advised that additional requirements such as interviews, oral exams, etc. are required to obtain a license if NCARB exams are not taken.