Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

United States, Canada and Mexico Forge to Recognize Architect Credentials

  • 12/02/14

NCARB Is Part of Tri-National Agreement That Makes It Possible for Architects to Work across North American Borders.

Washington, D.C., — A new Tri-National Mutual Recognition Agreement made by the architectural regulatory authorities of the United States, Canada and Mexico makes it possible for architects to work across North American borders.

The agreement, announced today www.ncarb.org, was made by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), in conjunction with the Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA), and the Federación de Colegios de Arquitectos de la República Mexicana (FCARM).

“The agreement, in the spirit of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), makes cross-border recognition of an architect’s credentials a reality,” said NCARB CEO Michael Armstrong. “This opens the door to embracing more globally connected practices, while ensuring the protection of the public.” A qualified architect must satisfy the requirements of the agreement to be granted a credential to practice in a host country. Eligibility requirements include:

  • Completion of an architecture degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB/CCCA), Acreditadora Nacional de Programas de Arquitectura y Disciplinas del Espacio Habitable (ANPADEH), or a recognized equivalent.
  • A minimum of 10 years of post-licensure experience in the architect’s home jurisdiction.
  • Proof of “good standing” in the home jurisdiction, as verified by the home regulatory authority.
  • Knowledge of the codes, laws and applicable architecture practices in the host country.
  • Submission of a dossier of work to satisfy specific competencies outlined in the agreement.
  • Completion of an interview before a review panel in the host country, conducted in the language of the host country.

U.S. architects interested in learning more should review the eligibility requirements and program information posted on the NCARB website.

Featured

  • How a Portable Sink Helped an Art Classroom Run More Smoothly

    Classroom design decisions can have outsized effects on instructional time and safety at schools juggling mismatched infrastructure, strict budgets, and crowded schedules — particularly in the arts. Between spilled paint and dirty brushes, art classes run smoother with a sink in the studio. But many schools don’t have a sink in every art classroom.

  • Photo courtesy of Kraus-Anderson

    Minnesota District Completes $49.7M Addition, Renovation Project

    St. Paul Public Schools in St. Paul, Minn., recently announced the completion of a $49.7-million addition and remodeling project at two district schools, according to a news release.

  • KWK Architects Announces Full Transition to Lawrence Group Branding

    KWK Architects recently announced that it will complete its transition to the Lawrence Group brand effective July 1, according to a news release. The merger marks the end of a three-year strategic integration process that began in March 2023 to unite the firms.

  • Architectural Power for the Modern Campus Landscape

    For generations, an outdoor classroom only required a textbook and a patch of grass. Today, not only has the laptop replaced the printed pages, the rise of agile learning has turned campuses into study halls with students listening to lectures and researching topics from quads, gardens, and plazas. The challenge for architects and facility managers is to provide connectivity without cluttering the landscape with visual eyesores or creating safety hazards with extension cords.