Introduction

Have you completed an architecture degree outside of Canada and are considering working in, and/or pursuing a career in Manitoba as an architect? The Manitoba Association of Architects (MAA) has established several pathways to establishing registration as an architect in our province, which vary depending on your level of education and experience, and whether you are already registered in another jurisdiction outside of Manitoba.

We welcome you to review the information below to familiarize yourself with the process of establishing registration as an architect in our province, as well as some of the essential pieces of information to know right away:

Use of the title "Architect"

Use of the title "Architect" is protected in Manitoba under The Architects Act. Individuals may not use the professional title of "Architect" or hold themselves out to be an architect in Manitoba unless they are licensed with the MAA.

Working at an architectural firm

Although The Architects Act in Manitoba restricts both title and a scope of practice, you are not required to be registered/licensed to be able to work in an architectural firm in the Province of Manitoba, provided that you are working under the direct supervision and responsibility of an architect licensed to practice in Manitoba.

Regulation of the Profession of Architecture in Canada

The Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC) represents the eleven provincial and territorial regulators of the profession of architecture in Canada; and these regulatory bodies are responsible for setting the standards for entry into the profession and for issuing registration/licenses to those who meet established standards of qualifications and practice.

These regulators individually regulate the practice of architecture so that the public interest is protected within their respective province or territory. However, through ROAC, the Canadian architectural regulators work collectively to develop and adopt nationally recognized standards and programs which meet their regulatory responsibilities as well as the needs of the architectural profession.

In Manitoba, the Manitoba Association of Architects is the professional regulatory body for architecture.

Pathways to licensure

There are a number of pathways to obtaining registered membership in the Manitoba Association of Architects and being authorized to practice architecture in the Province of Manitoba; all of which are based on the Canadian Standard of Competency for Architects, which is embodied in the Conditions for Licensure of Architects in Canada.

Mutual Recognition Agreements

There are five (5) Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) in place, to streamline the admission process for architects that are licensed in a jurisdiction outside Canada, who have certain credentials and qualifications; each of which has differing eligibility requirements and differing application processes.

If you believe that you may qualify for registered membership in Manitoba, based on the eligibility requirements outlined in one of the current MRAs, please visit the appropriate link on the ROAC website, to obtain further information.

Broadly Experience Foreign Architect Program (BEFA)

The Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect (BEFA) Program is a pathway to licensure for foreign licensed architects.

The program was developed by the Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC) and is administered by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). It assesses the broad professional experience of foreign-trained architects against the Canadian Standard of Competency for Architects.

Applicants who meet the Program eligibility requirements can apply for BEFA Certification through a process which consists of an online demonstration of competency and an interview with an assessment panel comprised of Canadian architects.

For information concerning the eligibility requirements and process, please visit: https://befa-aeve.ca

To apply for registered membership in the MAA, once BEFA Certification has been obtained:
/new-applicants

Internship in Architecture Program (IAP)

The Internship in Architecture Program is a standardized process adopted by the 11 regulatory bodies in Canada, for admission to the profession. Canadian standards which must be met, have been adopted for each of the three components:

Education
Experience; and
Examination.

Further information can be found on our IAP webpage.

*Note: It is recognized that some internationally educated individuals may need a significant amount of time to obtain CACB certification of academic qualifications, which must be achieved before being admitted to Intern membership. Accordingly, there are certain provisions to enable the submission of experience obtained prior to admission, which is relevant to practice in Manitoba/Canada.

Manitoba Association of Architects

International Credentials and Mobility