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

  • Texas Recruitment

    Texas Recruitment

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. The University of Texas at Austin's Texas Recruitment has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Grand Prize award in the category of Renovation.

  • Campus Safety Requires Using Every Resource Available

    Across the U.S., school and campus leaders are facing a security landscape that has changed dramatically over the past decade. Incidents on school property have increased in recent years, with several consecutive years setting record totals. According to analysis of data by CNN, dozens of shootings now occur on school grounds annually across K-12 and higher education environments.

  • Children walking along bright school corridor with motion blur

    How Next-Gen Design Is Reshaping the Student Experience

    The environments where students learn play a crucial role in shaping their growth in and out of the classroom. By centering design on well-being, flexibility, and purpose, districts can ensure their facilities remain vibrant community assets for many years to come.

  • 144-Year-Old High-School Campus Debuts New Academic Facility

    San Diego High School (SDHS) in San Diego, Calif., recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new student services and classroom building; the project is part of a larger SDHS Whole Site Modernization project that began in 2022.