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

  • North Carolina District Completes New Elementary School

    The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) in Holly Springs, N.C., recently announced that construction on a new elementary school has finished, according to a news release. Rex Road Elementary School measures in at 133,000 square feet and is the fifteenth school that general contractor Balfour Beatty has completed for the district.

  • Kimball International Releases Curated Design Support Program

    Commercial furnishings company Kimball International recently announced the launch of a new end-to-end design support program, DesignSuite. According to a news release, its goal is to guide architecture & design professionals and dealer partners through the process from vision to specification.

  • T&T Construction Management Group Completes Pasco High School Expansion

    Pasco High School in Dade City, Fla., recently announced that it has completed an expansion project in partnership with T&T Construction Management Group, Inc., Harvard Jolly Architecture, and Williams Company.

  • Geometric abstract school illustration

    How Design Shapes Learning and Success

    Can the color of a wall, the curve of a chair, or the hum of fluorescent lights really affect how a student learns? More schools are beginning to think so.

Digital Edition