Registration as an architect (ARB)

Legal or regulatory requirement

Registration as an architect (ARB)

ARB (Architects Registration Board)

You must be on the Architects Register to call yourself an architect (Architects Act 1997, section 20). Anyone, architect or not, can legally provide architectural services in the UK.

Awarding body

Architects Registration Board

Level

Statutory registration

Where it applies

UK

Exams

Set by your accredited qualifications (Part 3 is a final professional practice exam) — ARB does not set a separate exam for UK-qualified applicants

Entry

• Old framework: accredited Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 qualifications
• New framework: an ARB-accredited master's-level qualification and an ARB-accredited practice qualification
• Partial-qualifications route: Part 2 plus Part 3 (or a Practice Outcomes qualification)

Also required

• If your final qualification was more than two years ago, show relevant work in at least two of the last three years

Continuing development

Registered architects must keep their competence up to date under ARB's rules.

Outside this area

UK-wide. Separate routes exist for people with Irish, EU, Australian, New Zealand, US and other overseas qualifications.

Assessment and registration fees

• The first year's registration fee is reduced if you join later in the year. The 2027 fee had not been set when we checked.

Membership and subscriptions