The UK’s Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the US’s National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) have signed an agreement making it easier for architects to join registers in either country
British and American architects will find it easier to join Registers and work in both countries after a new mutual recognition agreement (MRA) between the UK and USA has been signed today (Thursday 16 February).
This mutual recognition agreement is the first of its kind that UK’s Architects Registration Board has signed, meaning that eligible architects can more easily register to work in each country.
The agreement is part of ARB’s new approach to registering international architects
In both the UK and USA, architects Registers exist to ensure practitioners have the appropriate skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours.
The new agreement will open up professional registration by streamlining registration processes and reducing costs and examinations, whilst upholding and maintaining the high standards and safety that help to protect the public in both nations.
Hugh Simpson, chief executive and registrar, Architects Registration Board, said:
“Signing this MRA – creating a reciprocal arrangement whereby UK architects can register and practice in participating jurisdictions within the United States – is an exciting moment for the sector. The agreement helps to open up opportunities for cooperation between individuals and firms in the UK and United States in a way which upholds standards.”
Michael Armstrong, CEO, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, added:
“Through this agreement, NCARB celebrates a new relationship with the United Kingdom as it continues to enhance the value of the NCARB Certificate as a facilitator of domestic and international mobility for many U.S. licensed practitioners. We are pleased to sign this Mutual Recognition Agreement emphasizing a shared approach of appropriate rigor in guiding the licensure of architects, thus furthering our mutual desire to enhance the global health, safety and welfare of the public.”
Applications to join the architects’ Registers will open on 25 April 2023
As the ARB and NCARB finalise the procedures for architects to register in either country, ARB has created the UK Adaptation Assessment to review applicants’ understanding of the UK-specific context of practising architecture.
This will ensure that anyone who joins the Register meets the standard required to practise safely and effectively in the UK.
UK architects who would like to join a US Register can learn more about the procedure as soon as applications open on 25 April on ARB’s website at arb.org.uk/international-routes/.
Architects registered in the USA can learn more on NCARB’s website at ncarb.org/ncarb-certificate/international-practice.
