- Frequently Asked Questions
- Academic Certification
- Eligibility
- Accredited Professional Degree
- Degree/Diploma not accredited by CACB
- Modes of Certification
- Registration prior to Certification Process
- Fee Schedule
- Apply for Academic Certification
ACADEMIC CERTIFICATION
Academic Certification is the first mandatory required step towards registration/licensure which consists of Academic Certification (Education), Internship (Experience) and Examination.
The CACB’s Certification confirms an individual’s academic qualifications compliance with the Canadian Education Standard (CES) in Architecture for entry into the profession.
CACB works on behalf of the Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC) to assess the educational qualifications of individuals holding professional degrees or diplomas in architecture against the Canadian Educational Standard requirements.
You will need your academic certification and certification number to register for the Internship in Architecture Program (IAP) within the jurisdiction where you would like to practice as a licensed architect.
- The CACB maintains a National Register of Certified Individuals.
- Academic Certification assessment results are sent via Canada Post regular mail (no tracking number is provided).
The Canadian Education Standard (CES) assesses academic qualifications against the following six subject areas:
- Design
- Culture and Communications
- Technical Knowledge
- Professional Practice
- General Education
- Electives
CANADIAN EDUCATION STANDARD
The Canadian Education Standard consists of standards and procedures for the assessment of both professional degrees accredited by the CACB and professional degrees or diplomas not accredited by the CACB. These standards and procedures have been chosen to ensure that the assessments are equitable in each case while accommodating the varied backgrounds and circumstances of the applicants. They are endorsed by all of the 11 Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC).
ELIGIBILITY
Only graduates of professional degrees in architecture, which may be a Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch) or a Master of Architecture (M. Arch) degree, are eligible to apply for CACB Certification.
The main types of professional degrees that are eligible for CACB certification are those consisting of:
⦁ a minimum of five years of post-secondary study culminating in a Master of Architecture degree, which follows a pre-professional bachelor’s degree, except in Quebec, where the minimum is four years of professional studies following two years of CEGEP;
⦁ a minimum of six years of post-secondary study culminating in a Master of Architecture degree, which follows a bachelor’s degree in any discipline and includes a minimum of three years of professional studies in architecture; or
⦁ a minimum of five years of post-secondary study culminating in a Bachelor of Architecture degree.
Certain variations from the types of degrees listed above may be considered as long as candidates submit proof that their degree meets the requirement for licensure in the country where the degree was granted.
Contact the Certification Coordinator at academiccertification@cacb.ca if you hold a professional degree in Architecture.
ACCREDITED DEGREE
You qualify for this mode of certification if you:
- graduated from a professional degree in architecture accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) ; or
- graduated from a professional degree in architecture accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)-USA.
ONLINE APPLICATION
It is important to provide all the required supporting documents to ensure timely processing of your application.
The submission must include the following supporting documents:
- Official transcripts or certified true copy of the record of completed courses of the Bachelor and the Master degree; and
- Payment of the Assessment Fee
It is strongly recommended that you consult and print the guide for online application.
Completing the application process takes approximately 2 hours for most candidates from accredited programs.
Before you get started, it is recommended to have handy the following information/documents:
- name of the program/diploma,
- years of studies and graduation, and
- transcript of your professional degree in Architecture.
All documents must be mailed out to our office in a hard copy format.
Scanned and e-mailed documents are not accepted.
When you are ready to apply, click below.
You can always save your application at any time and return to it later.
PAPER APPLICATION
DEGREE/DIPLOMA NOT ACCREDITED BY CACB
You qualify for this mode of certification if you:
– Graduated with a professional degree in architecture from a foreign country (except the USA) or one of the Canberra Accord Signatories since January 1, 2010.
– Graduated from one of the Canadian Schools of Architecture before the implementation of the CACB Accreditation System in 1991, which consisted of:
- University of British Columbia
- University of Calgary
- Carleton University
- Technical University of Nova Scotia (TUNS)-Currently, Dalhousie University
- Université Laval
- University of Manitoba
- McGill University
- Université de Montréal
- University of Toronto
- University of Waterloo
– Received a Diploma from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Syllabus of Studies Program
ONLINE APPLICATION
It is strongly recommended that you consult and print the guide for the online application.
The required time to complete your application depends on the mode of certification that applies to you and is expected to take between 2 and 5 hours.
It is recommended to have handy the following information/documents:
- Name of the program/diploma;
- Years of studies and graduation;
- Transcript of your professional degree in architecture;
- Official course calendar/ syllabus from the university including the description of the courses you have completed;
- Course names and course numbers or codes;
- Length of the academic semester in terms of weeks.
All document hard copies must be mailed to the CACB office. Scanned and emailed documents are not accepted.
The submission must include the following supporting documents:
- Official transcript of the record of completed courses or certified true copy thereof;
- Certified true copy of the official translation of the transcripts if the original documents are not in English or French;
- Certified true copy of all degrees;
- Certified true copy of the official translation of degrees if the original documents are not in English or French;
- Official university calendar describing the professional program in architecture or equivalent documentation (course syllabus), or certified true copy thereof. The university calendar must correspond to the years of your studies (see the note below about finding the Course Calendar);
- Certified true copy of the official translation of the university calendar if the original document is not in English or in French(translation of the program in architecture only);
- List of the academic design projects completed throughout the program in architecture, as well as a brief description of each project in a maximum of 4 pages;
- Portfolio of academic design is optional. While submitting a portfolio is not mandatory, it is recommended to submit as it may strengthen an application.
- Submission of Portfolio of academic design work requirements:
Portfolio of school work should be made of copies of individual work produced within the design studio of the Architectural program. It must include at least the final design project and/or two other projects produced in the last two years of the program. The required dimensions and format are as follows:
- Dimensions of submissions: 8½ X 11″ to 11″ X 17″ folded into 8½ X 11″
- Format: Softcover Paper Document; and
- Payment of the Assessment Fee
The CACB retains the right to request further documentation and/or information in support of a candidate’s application to fully comply with the CACB Academic Certification requirements.
We might already have your Course Calendar in our database!
If you graduated with a professional degree in architecture from a foreign country (except the USA) or one of the Canberra Accord Signatories since January 1, 2010, you might be interested in finding out if we currently have in our database your Course Calendar, which is part of the submission, to avoid extra costs of translation and true copy certification.
If your School Course Calendar/Syllabus:
- is available for the years you studied (appears on the drop-down menu), you will not be required to submit a certified copy as part of your application, but you should be ready to provide any additional information/clarifications if needed.
- is not available (does not appear on the drop-down menu or does not apply to the same years of your architecture studies), you will be required to submit the applicable official university calendar/syllabus as part of the documents package within your application.
Click here and follow the instructions carefully to find out if we have your Course Calendar
When you are ready to apply, click below.
You can save your application at any time and return to it later.
MODES OF CERTIFICATION
There are five ways to satisfy the CES requirements for admission to provincial architectural associations in Canada. Select the circumstances that describe your situation to determine your mode:
- You graduated from an accredited degree in architecture accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) or the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)-USA.
- You graduated in architecture from a degree or diploma not accredited by CACB from a foreign country (Except USA) or from one of the Canberra Accord Signatories since January 1, 2010.
- You graduated in architecture from a degree or diploma not accredited by CACB from one of the Canadian schools of architecture prior to the implementation of the CACB Accreditation System in 1991.
- You graduated in architecture from a degree or diploma not accredited by CACB from the RAIC Syllabus of Studies Program.
- You were, prior to the Certification Process, registered prior to July 1, 1976 by a provincial association, or by the Ordre des architectes du Québec prior to 1992, or your education was certified by the Universities Coordinating Council in Alberta prior to 1992, and are thus accepted as having an equivalent education to satisfy the Canadian Education Standard.
REGISTRATION PRIOR TO CERTIFICATION PROCESS
You qualify for this mode of certification if:
– you were registered prior to July 1, 1976 by a provincial association other than Québec;
– you were registered by the Ordre des architectes du Québec prior to 1992 or;
– your education was certified by the Universities Coordinating Council in Alberta prior to 1992, and are thus accepted as having an equivalent education to satisfy the Canadian Education Standard
ONLINE APPLICATION
It is important to provide all the required supporting documents to ensure timely processing of your application.
The submission must include the following supporting documents:
- Official letter (original copy) from the Provincial Association attesting your registration
Completing the application process takes less than 45 minutes.
Before you get started, it is recommended to have handy the following information/documents:
- name of the program/diploma,
- years of studies and graduation, and
All documents must be mailed out to our office in a hard copy format.
Scanned and e-mailed documents are not accepted.
When you are ready, click below.
You can always save your application at any time and return to it later.
PRINT APPLICATION
Fee Schedule
Application for certification for graduates of Professional Programs accredited by the CACB | $0 (No fee) |
Application for certification for graduates of Professional Programs accredited by the NAAB | $187.47 [165.90+HST (13%)] |
Application for certification for graduates of Canadian schools of architecture before the introduction of the CACB Accreditation Program in 1991 | $1,090.45 [$965.00+HST (13%)] |
Application for certification for graduates of foreign professional Degrees or Diplomas not accredited by CACB | $1,395.55 [$1,235.00+HST (13%)] |
Application for certification for Graduates of Canberra Accord Signatories since January 1, 2010. | $1,090.45 [$965.00+HST (13%)] |
Application for certification for Graduates of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Syllabus of Studies Program | $1,090.45 [$965.00+HST (13%)] |
Application for certification for Architects registered by a Provincial/Territorial association (non Québec) prior to July 1, 1976 | $0 (No fee) |
Application for certification for Architects registered by Order des Architectes du Québec prior to January 1, 1992 | $0 (No fee) |
Request for a Replacement Certificate | $146.90 [$130.00+HST (13%)] |
Request for a Letter of Confirmation | $72.32 [$64.00+HST (13%)] |
Reopening of an archived file | Full fee/Application Type |
Request for reactivation of Provisional Status | 15% of the Application Fee |
Appeal | $274.59 [$243.00+HST (13%)] |
Submission of a non-eligible application Applications will be returned after applying the 15% Admin Fees. |
15% of the Application Fee |
Default in providing missing documents after the 90 days delay. Applications will be returned after applying the 15% Admin Fees. |
15% of the Application Fee |
Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) | $75 |
IMPORTANT
- Your application must be submitted in one of the two official languages (English or French). Otherwise, you will need to provide in addition to the original documents, their certified translation to English or French.
- All application documents must be submitted in only one official language (the one you selected to apply), either English or French.
- The CACB retains the right to request further documentation and/or information in support of a candidate’s application to fully comply with the CACB Academic Certification requirements.
- Before applying, please review the eligibility for the program and ensure you have selected the appropriate mode of certification.
- It is essential to have at hand all the required supporting documents for your mode of certification.
- If you hold a degree or diploma not accredited by the CACB from a foreign country (Except the USA), or from one of the Canberra Accord Signatories since January 1, 2010, you might not need to submit your Institution’s Course Calendar if we have it in our database. Please click here and follow the instructions carefully.
If you are ready to apply, click below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need CACB Academic Certification?
Where do I need to register for Internship in Architecture Program and Exam?
How long does the assessment process take?
What types of degrees are eligible for Academic Certification?
I am a foreign graduate in architecture, what do I need to do before I apply?
I am a foreign graduate in architecture and my degree is listed among the accredited degrees of Canberra Accord Signatories, what do I need to do before I apply?
I am a graduate in architecture before 1999, from a Canadian Program, what do I need to do before I apply?
I am a graduate in architecture from a Canadian accredited Program, what do I need to do before I apply?
I am a graduate in architecture from a NAAB accredited Program, what do I need to do before I apply?
How should I mail my supporting documents?
What are the portfolio requirements?
How can I pay the Application fee?
What is a Course Calendar?
What is an official transcript? How do I obtain one?
What is a certified true copy?
Can I submit my application in any language?
What is a certified translator?
Should I include transcripts of my entire educational background with my request for assessment?
I took some courses at an institution from which I did not receive a degree. Should I include those courses on my application?
What if I did not complete an English or French course in University as part of my General Education courses?
I graduated 15 years ago. Will my professional experience count toward the assessment? Should I send references and/or a professional portfolio?
Should I send my application in a single package?
How much time do I have to complete my submission?
Will my documents be returned to me after the evaluation?
What is the Canadian Education Standard (CES)?
On what criteria of the Canadian Education Standards is equivalency based?
What is a Semester Hour (SH) of credit according to Canadian Education Standards (CES)?
What are electives? What types of courses are considered acceptable as electives?
I changed my name since I obtained my University degree. What name should I use to apply?
What are the possible outcomes of an application?
How will I be notified about the results of the assessment?
What is the delay of Provisional Certification and Further Studies?
Where can I register for the course/s if I have gap/s to fulfil in certain subject areas of the CES?
How do I obtain course approval to further my studies?
Can I appeal the Assessment Committee’s decision?
How are reassessment and appeal processes conducted?
What if I lose my certificate?
Academic Certification
ACADEMIC CERTIFICATION
Academic Certification is the first mandatory required step towards registration/licensure which consists of Academic Certification (Education), Internship (Experience) and Examination.
The CACB’s Certification confirms an individual’s academic qualifications compliance with the Canadian Education Standard (CES) in Architecture for entry into the profession.
CACB works on behalf of the Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC) to assess the educational qualifications of individuals holding professional degrees or diplomas in architecture against the Canadian Educational Standard requirements.
You will need your academic certification and certification number to register for the Internship in Architecture Program (IAP) within the jurisdiction where you would like to practice as a licensed architect.
- The CACB maintains a National Register of Certified Individuals.
- Academic Certification assessment results are sent via Canada Post regular mail (no tracking number is provided).
The Canadian Education Standard (CES) assesses academic qualifications against the following six subject areas:
- Design
- Culture and Communications
- Technical Knowledge
- Professional Practice
- General Education
- Electives
CANADIAN EDUCATION STANDARD
The Canadian Education Standard consists of standards and procedures for the assessment of both professional degrees accredited by the CACB and professional degrees or diplomas not accredited by the CACB. These standards and procedures have been chosen to ensure that the assessments are equitable in each case while accommodating the varied backgrounds and circumstances of the applicants. They are endorsed by all of the 11 Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC).
Eligibility
Eligibility
Only graduates of professional degrees in architecture, which may be a Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch) or a Master of Architecture (M. Arch) degree, are eligible to apply for CACB Certification.
The main types of professional degrees that are eligible for CACB certification are those consisting of:
⦁ a minimum of five years of post-secondary study culminating in a Master of Architecture degree, which follows a pre-professional bachelor’s degree, except in Quebec, where the minimum is four years of professional studies following two years of CEGEP;
⦁ a minimum of six years of post-secondary study culminating in a Master of Architecture degree, which follows a bachelor’s degree in any discipline and includes a minimum of three years of professional studies in architecture; or
⦁ a minimum of five years of post-secondary study culminating in a Bachelor of Architecture degree.
Certain variations from the types of degrees listed above may be considered as long as candidates submit proof that their degree meets the requirement for licensure in the country where the degree was granted.
Contact the Certification Coordinator at academiccertification@cacb.ca if you hold a professional degree in Architecture.
Modes of Certification
MODES OF CERTIFICATION
There are five ways to satisfy the CES requirements for admission to provincial architectural associations in Canada. Select the circumstances that describe your situation to determine your mode:
- You graduated from an accredited degree in architecture accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) or the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)-USA.
- You graduated in architecture from a degree or diploma not accredited by CACB from a foreign country (Except USA) or from one of the Canberra Accord Signatories since January 1, 2010.
- You graduated in architecture from a degree or diploma not accredited by CACB from one of the Canadian schools of architecture prior to the implementation of the CACB Accreditation System in 1991.
- You graduated in architecture from a degree or diploma not accredited by CACB from the RAIC Syllabus of Studies Program.
- You were, prior to the Certification Process, registered prior to July 1, 1976 by a provincial association, or by the Ordre des architectes du Québec prior to 1992, or your education was certified by the Universities Coordinating Council in Alberta prior to 1992, and are thus accepted as having an equivalent education to satisfy the Canadian Education Standard.
Accredited Degree
ACCREDITED DEGREE
You qualify for this mode of certification if you:
- graduated from a professional degree in architecture accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) ; or
- graduated from a professional degree in architecture accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)-USA.
ONLINE APPLICATION
It is important to provide all the required supporting documents to ensure timely processing of your application.
The submission must include the following supporting documents:
- Official transcripts or certified true copy of the record of completed courses of the Bachelor and the Master degree;
- List of projects; and
- Payment of the Assessment Fee
It is strongly recommended that you consult and print the guide for online application.
Completing the application process takes approximately 2 hours for most candidates from accredited programs.
Before you get started, it is recommended to have handy the following information/documents:
- name of the program/diploma,
- years of studies and graduation, and
- transcript of your professional degree in Architecture.
All documents must be mailed out to our office in a hard copy format.
Scanned and e-mailed documents are not accepted.
You can always save your application at any time and return to it later.
When you are ready to apply, click below.
Degree/Diploma not accredited by CACB
DEGREE/DIPLOMA NOT ACCREDITED BY CACB
You qualify for this mode of certification if you:
– Graduated with a professional degree in architecture from a foreign country (except the USA) or one of the Canberra Accord Signatories since January 1, 2010.
– Graduated from one of the Canadian Schools of Architecture before the implementation of the CACB Accreditation System in 1991, which consisted of:
- University of British Columbia
- University of Calgary
- Carleton University
- Technical University of Nova Scotia (TUNS)-Currently, Dalhousie University
- Université Laval
- University of Manitoba
- McGill University
- Université de Montréal
- University of Toronto
- University of Waterloo
– Received a Diploma from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Syllabus of Studies Program
ONLINE APPLICATION
It is strongly recommended that you consult and print the guide for the online application.
The required time to complete your application depends on the mode of certification that applies to you and is expected to take between 2 and 5 hours.
It is recommended to have handy the following information/documents:
- Name of the program/diploma;
- Years of studies and graduation;
- Transcript of your professional degree in architecture;
- Official course calendar/ syllabus from the university including the description of the courses you have completed;
- Course names and course numbers or codes;
- Length of the academic semester in terms of weeks.
All document hard copies must be mailed to the CACB office. Scanned and emailed documents are not accepted.
The submission must include the following supporting documents:
- Official transcript of the record of completed courses or certified true copy thereof;
- Certified true copy of the official translation of the transcripts if the original documents are not in English or French;
- Certified true copy of all degrees;
- Certified true copy of the official translation of degrees if the original documents are not in English or French;
- Official university calendar describing the professional program in architecture or equivalent documentation (course syllabus), or certified true copy thereof. The university calendar must correspond to the years of your studies (see the note below about finding the Course Calendar);
- Certified true copy of the official translation of the university calendar if the original document is not in English or in French(translation of the program in architecture only);
- List of the academic design projects completed throughout the program in architecture, as well as a brief description of each project in a maximum of 4 pages;
- Portfolio of academic design is optional. While submitting a portfolio is not mandatory, it is recommended to submit as it may strengthen an application.
- Submission of Portfolio of academic design work requirements:
Portfolio of school work should be made of copies of individual work produced within the design studio of the Architectural program. It must include at least the final design project and/or two other projects produced in the last two years of the program. The required dimensions and format are as follows:
- Dimensions of submissions: 8½ X 11″ to 11″ X 17″ folded into 8½ X 11″
- Format: Softcover Paper Document; and
- Payment of the Assessment Fee
The CACB retains the right to request further documentation and/or information in support of a candidate’s application to fully comply with the CACB Academic Certification requirements.
We might already have your Course Calendar in our database!
If you graduated with a professional degree in architecture from a foreign country (except the USA) or one of the Canberra Accord Signatories since January 1, 2010, you might be interested in finding out if we currently have in our database your Course Calendar, which is part of the submission, to avoid extra costs of translation and true copy certification.
If your School Course Calendar/Syllabus:
- is available for the years you studied (appears on the drop-down menu), you will not be required to submit a certified copy as part of your application, but you should be ready to provide any additional information/clarifications if needed.
- is not available (does not appear on the drop-down menu or does not apply to the same years of your architecture studies), you will be required to submit the applicable official university calendar/syllabus as part of the documents package within your application.
Click here and follow the instructions carefully to find out if we have your Course Calendar
When you are ready to apply, click below.
You can save your application at any time and return to it later.
Registration prior to Certification Process
Registration prior to Certification Process
You qualify for this mode of certification if:
– you were registered prior to July 1, 1976 by a provincial association other than Québec;
– you were registered by the Ordre des architectes du Québec prior to 1992 or;
– your education was certified by the Universities Coordinating Council in Alberta prior to 1992, and are thus accepted as having an equivalent education to satisfy the Canadian Education Standard
ONLINE APPLICATION
It is important to provide all the required supporting documents to ensure timely processing of your application.
The submission must include the following supporting documents:
- Official letter (original copy) from the Provincial Association attesting your registration
Completing the application process takes less than 45 minutes.
Before you get started, it is recommended to have handy the following information/documents:
- name of the program/diploma,
- years of studies and graduation, and
All documents must be mailed out to our office in a hard copy format. Scanned and e-mailed documents are not accepted.
When you are ready, click below.
You can always save your application at any time and return to it later.
Fee Schedule
FEE SCHEDULE
Fee Schedule
Application for certification for graduates of Professional Programs accredited by the CACB | $0 (No fee) |
Application for certification for graduates of Professional Programs accredited by the NAAB | $178.54 [$158.00+HST (13%)] |
Application for certification for graduates of Canadian schools of architecture prior to the introduction of the CACB Accreditation Program in 1991 | $1,213.62 [$1,074.00+HST (13%)] |
Application for certification for graduates of foreign professional Degree or Diploma not accredited by CACB | $1,555.44 [$1,376.50+HST (13%)] |
Application for certification for Graduates of Canberra Accord Signatories since January 1, 2010. | $1,213.62 [$1,074.00+HST (13%)] |
Application for certification for Graduates of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Syllabus of Studies Program | $1,213.62 [$1,074.00+HST (13%)] |
Application for certification for Architects registered by a Provincial/Territorial association (non Québec) prior to July 1, 1976 | $0 (No fee) |
Application for certification for Architects registered by Order des Architectes du Québec prior to January 1, 1992 | $0 (No fee) |
Request for a Replacement Certificate | $141.25 [$125.00+HST (13%)] |
Request for a Letter of Confirmation | $68.93 [$61.00+HST (13%)] |
Reopening of an archived file | Full fee/Application Type |
Request for reactivation of Provisional Status | 15% of the Application Fee |
Appeal | $264.42 [$234.00+HST (13%)] |
Submission of a non-eligible application Applications will be returned after applying the 15% Admin Fees. |
15% of the Application Fee |
Default in providing missing documents after the 90 days delay. Applications will be returned after applying the 15% Admin Fees. |
15% of the Application Fee |
Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) | $75 |
Apply for Academic Certification
IMPORTANT
- Your application must be submitted in one of the two official languages (English or French). Otherwise, you will need to provide in addition to the original documents, their certified translation to English or French.
- All application documents must be submitted in only one official language (the one you selected to apply), either English or French.
- The CACB retains the right to request further documentation and/or information in support of a candidate’s application to fully comply with the CACB Academic Certification requirements.
- Before applying, please review the eligibility for the program and ensure you have selected the appropriate mode of certification.
- It is essential to have at hand all the required supporting documents for your mode of certification.
- If you hold a degree or diploma not accredited by the CACB from a foreign country (Except the USA), or from one of the Canberra Accord Signatories since January 1, 2010, you might not need to submit your Institution’s Course Calendar if we have it in our database. Please click here and follow the instructions carefully.
If you are ready to apply, click below: