Our History
The Canadian Architectural Certification Board began its journey in 1976 as the national body—recognized by the profession—to evaluate and certify individuals’ academic credentials for entry into the architectural profession through its Academic Certification Program. Since then, its mandate has been progressively augmented to meet the evolving needs of the profession and uphold the highest standards in architectural education and certification.
Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence in Architectural Certification and Accreditation in Canada
The Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades as the national authority for architectural education certification and program accreditation in Canada. As the sole organization recognized by the profession, CACB plays a critical role in assessing academic qualifications, accrediting university programs, and supporting pathways to licensure for both Canadian and internationally trained architects.
This milestone reflects CACB’s enduring contribution to maintaining rigorous national standards and advancing the integrity of the architectural profession, while continuing to support future generations of architects across Canada
1976
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Certification Board becomes the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB)
1991
L’Ordre des architectes du Québec (OAQ) joins the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB)
1992
The CACB is established in Ottawa under new Terms of Reference and its mandate is extended to also administer a national Accreditation Program.
The Canadian Council of University Schools of Architecture (CCUSA) joined the Committee of Canadian Architectural Councils (CACC), current Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC) to partner in the Management and the Funding of the Accreditation Program.
2008
The CACB becomes an incorporated organization with a new By-law. By-law #1.
The Committee of Canadian Architectural Councils (CACC), became the Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA), the current Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC
2010
The CACB’s mandate was extended to collaborate and conduct research with national and international counterparts on quality assurance initiatives as they relate to architectural accreditation and academic certification.
2012
The CACB’s mandate was extended to administer the Broadly Experienced Foreign Architects (BEFA) Certification Program, by the agreement signed in Winnipeg, MB, by the Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA) and the Councils of Canadian University School of Architecture (CCUSA), on February 25, 2012.
2022
The members of the former Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA) have incorporated as a new not-for-profit group, the Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC).
2024
The CACB was designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Professional Organization authorized to issue ECAs for architects seeking to immigrate to Canada