PATHWAY 8: FOR ARCHITECTS LICENSED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
On this page:
— Introduction
— UK-registered
— NZ-registered
— Architectural graduates
— Eligibility certificate
— Apply to NZ Register
— Apply to UK Register
— FAQs
— Contact us
Introduction
The Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between the UK's Architects Registration Board (ARB), the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB), and the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), facilitates the registration process for architects across these countries. Effective from 25 May 2023, this Agreement streamlines the process for architects applying for licensure in the UK, New Zealand, and Australia.
UK-registered architects can apply for registration in New Zealand by providing evidence of their recognised and accredited qualifications and registration status. This initiative enhances mobility and professional opportunities for architects, allowing them to practise more easily across the participating countries.
The citizenship eligibility requirement from the terms of the initial Agreement has been removed, which means this application route is now open to the holder of any passport and not restricted to just UK / Australian / New Zealand citizens or those with permanent residency status to remain in these countries.
Eligible applicants can apply for mutual recognition either as a registered architect or an architectural graduate.
To check eligibility and specific requirements, refer to the information below.
I am UK-registered wanting to practise in New Zealand
Only accredited UK qualifications and accredited qualifications issued in NZ and Australia are in scope. Individuals who have joined the UK Register through the EU route to registration are outside the scope of the agreement.
UK to NZ applicants will need to have secured ARB-prescribed qualifications at Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 level and be registered and in good standing with ARB, which will be confirmed by ARB on a certificate of eligibility. UK architects will then need to apply to NZRAB for registration and meet any additional requirements set by the NZRAB.
An architect is also an eligible UK to NZ architect if they have:
— secured accredited NZ or Australian qualifications issued by schools of architecture in either of these countries, and have secured equivalence at UK Part 1 and Part 2 level, having undertaken assessment by ARB (such as the Prescribed Examination);
— and secured an ARB-prescribed qualification issued by a school of architecture in the UK at Part 3 level;
— and successfully completed any additional requirements set by the NZRAB.
or
— secured UK-prescribed qualifications at Part 1 and Part 2;
— and successfully completed any additional requirements set by the NZRAB.
I am NZ-registered wanting to practise in the UK
NZ to UK applicants will require an NZRAB-certificate confirming eligibility, including successful completion of an accredited architecture qualification from a school of architecture in NZ or Australia, together with current NZRAB registration.
NZ to UK architects will also need to pass ARB’s UK Adaptation Assessment (UKAA) before being admitted to the UK Register.
There is a dedicated UKAA webpage on the ARB’s website to assist ‘full-package’ NZRAB and other MRA applicants, who are seeking to register in the UK. The suite of documents available on the UKAA webpage are examples of typical scenarios and scenario-based questions that candidates will need to respond to as part of their application, together with suggested topics that responses might cover. The aim for providing this info is to give applicants more insight into what will be required during the process.
An architect is also an eligible NZ to UK architect if they have:
— secured ARB-prescribed qualifications issued by schools of architecture in the UK at Part 1 and Part 2 level;
— and are currently registered by the NZRAB, and have passed ARB’s UK Adaptation Assessment.
I am a NZ-trained architectural graduate wanting to practise in the UK
The MRA provides for the ‘freestanding’ recognition of NZRAB-accredited Master’s-level qualifications issued in NZ. The NZRAB will issue a certificate of eligibility to confirm that accredited qualifications are within scope of the agreement, which will enable ARB to confirm that the qualifications have been accepted. Applicants will then be able to complete a UK Part 3 qualification to qualify for entry to the UK Register.
There is no provision for the ‘freestanding’ recognition of only undergraduate degree qualifications issued in NZ under the MRA. If such graduates elect to study Part 2 and Part 3 qualifications in the UK, Part 1 requirements will need to be satisfied by making an application through the Prescribed Examination route before an application for registration is possible.
For a list of recognised and accredited qualifications, click here.
To obtain a NZ certificate of eligibility confirming that the accredited qualification held is in scope of the agreement, refer to the information below
Email info@nzrab.org.nz with your full legal name (include previous names, if relevant), date of birth, your nationality and citizenship status, your NZ Registration number (if relevant), and details about your architectural qualification such as degree held and any Class of Honours, Merit or Distinction, year completed / awarded, and the tertiary provider / institution that awarded the degree.
Include a copy of either your degree certificate(s) or transcript of academic record. For proof of identity purposes, please also attach a copy of either your passport or driver's license.
Once your request for a NZ certificate of eligibility has been submitted to the NZRAB, you should expect a response within seven (7) working days; this could take longer during periods of high demand. Ensure that you leave sufficient time for your request to be processed. A copy of the certificate will be sent to you as well as the UK ARB. There is no fee associated with this service request.
To apply to the NZ Register as a UK Architect, refer to the information below
1. Review the criteria to confirm eligibility;
2. Having checked that you meet the elibility requirements, you can complete your ARB certificate application form on the ARB portal; there is a fee of £120 payable to the ARB for provision of a certificate;
3. Having reviewed your certificate request, the UK ARB will confirm you meet the requirements of the MRA and will then issue a certificate to the NZRAB on your behalf;
4. NZRAB will contact you once your certificate has been received to advise on next steps for registration;
5. Complete a Pathway 8 UK to NZ MRA Architects Application Form.
To apply to the UK Register as a NZ Architect, refer to the information below
1. Review the criteria to confirm eligibility;
2. Request a certificate of eligibility from the NZRAB; there is no fee for provision of a NZRAB-issued certificate;
3. NZRAB will confirm you meet the requirements of the MRA and will then issue a certificate to the UK ARB on your behalf;
4. UK ARB will contact you to let you know the additional requirements, which must be satisfied, including the UK Adaptation Assessment, which you must successfully pass to demonstrate you are able to practise competently in the UK context and can be admitted to the UK Register;
5. Having passed the UK Adaptation Assessment, you will then be eligible to make an application to join the UK Register. Applicants will be provided with information on how to proceed by the UK ARB.
Click here for further information and to go to the ARB’s website.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
— What does the NZRAB do?
The New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB) was established under the Registered Architects Act 2005 and is responsible for registering architects and assessing whether they meet the standard for continuing registration, maintaining the NZ Architects Register, and disciplining architects where a breach has occurred.
— What does the UK ARB do?
The Architects Registration Board of the United Kingdom (ARB) has statutory responsibility in the UK for prescribing the qualifications and experience required for the purposes of entering the UK Register of Architects, for maintaining the Register in the UK, and disciplining all architects in the UK.
— What does the AACA do?
The Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation set-up by the statutory State and Territory Architect Registration Boards in the 1970s, and supports registration of architects in Australia.
— What NZ qualifications are within scope of the Mutual Recognition Agreement?
For a list of recognised and accredited qualifications granted by NZ schools of architecture, click here.
— How much does making an application to the ARB under the MRA cost for NZ architects?
Applicants initially need to apply to the NZRAB for a certificate of eligibility, for which there is no service provision fee. The fee for the ARB UK Adaptation Assessment is £2950.00.
Successful applicants will then need to pay 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 published on the ARB’s website.
— How much does it cost for a UK architect to seek recognition with the NZRAB?
The ARB will issue a certificate of eligibility to UK architects seeking recognition, which will cost £120 and payable to the ARB. The additional application fees required by an UK architect seeking to enter the NZ Register is NZ$724.50.
— Is NZRAB able to assist with visa and work permit requirements?
The NZRAB is unable to provide advice relating to immigration matters. Please see the information available on the NZ Government’s website here.
— I joined the UK Register through the ARB’s EU route to Registration. Can I make use of the MRA?
The MRA does not accommodate UK architects, who have joined the UK Register through another reciprocal agreement, such as that operated for EU applicants, so you will not be eligible to make use of the MRA.
— Where can I see the full text of the Mutual Recognition Agreement?
The full text of the MRA can be downloaded here.
Contact us
For further assistance and one-on-one support, please email info@nzrab.org.nz.