Washington, DC—Effective November 6, 2024, the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB), and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) implemented a new Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) replacing the previous MRA between the three countries, adjusting language to further expand licensure access for international architects.
“The updated agreement is pivotal to NCARB’s effort to expand pathways to practice now recognizing all NCARB Certificate holders, including those who achieved licensure through non-traditional paths. I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to open the door to international practice for architects of all backgrounds,” said NCARB President Kenneth R. Van Tine, NCARB, AIA, LEED AP.
The new agreement recognizes the level of competency established through each country’s initial licensure processes and acknowledges the value of the various pathways to licensure within each country. By doing so, NCARB, AACA, and NZRAB are reducing unnecessary barriers to reciprocal licensure without removing the level of rigor needed to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
“These updates to the agreement are a testament to our collective commitment to the vision of a more interconnected architectural community—one that reflects the evolving needs of a global profession committed to addressing worldwide challenges through innovation, creativity, and exemplary design. By removing barriers, it opens doors for global participation and paves the way for a more inclusive and dynamic architectural profession”, said Dr Giorgio Marfella, President of AACA.
Eligibility Criteria
The updated eligibility requirements addressed common barriers for interested architects, including:
- Eliminating the existing requirement that architects must have 6,000 hours of post-licensure/registration experience, expanding eligibility to newly licensed architects
- Accepting architects who obtained their license/registration through various routes, including alternative qualifications and international architect pathways
By reducing common barriers to eligibility––such as extended experience requirements and limited paths to licensure/registration and reciprocity––the agreement will allow more qualified architects the opportunity to venture into an increasingly global marketplace. In turn, NCARB, AACA, and NZRAB, hope to foster increased knowledge exchange and collaboration between architecture professionals across these countries.
“The MRA will make it easier for registered architects to work in Australia and the United States. Working globally enables New Zealand architects to learn from world leading practitioners and demonstrates that New Zealand is becoming an epicenter for design excellence” says NZRAB Acting Chief Executive Judith Taylor, PPNZIA
Representatives from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States originally signed a mutual recognition agreement for architects in 2016. The original agreement—and the 2024 update—was based on an assessment of similarities in architecture licensing/registration standards established by NCARB for its member jurisdictions and the requirements for registration in Australia and New Zealand.
For more information about the Mutual Recognition Agreement between Australia, the United States, and New Zealand, please visit ncarb.org/international, aaca.org.au, or https://www.nzrab.nz/c/Pathway-7.
About NCARB
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ membership is made up of the architectural licensing boards of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCARB, in collaboration with these boards, facilitates the licensure and credentialing of architects to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
To achieve these goals, NCARB works with its Member Boards and volunteers to develop and facilitate standards for licensure, including the national examination and experience program. NCARB also recommends regulatory guidelines for licensing boards and helps architects expand their professional reach through the NCARB Certificate. Connect with NCARB on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
About AACA
The Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) is the national organization responsible for establishing and coordinating national standards in architecture education and practice. The AACA, a not-for-profit organization, was established in the 1970s by the Australian Architect Registration Boards in response to the need for a nationally consistent approach to eligibility for registration and the recognition of overseas qualifications in architecture.
The AACA owns the National Standard of Competency for Architects, which underpins all assessment processes, including the accreditation of architecture programs leading to registration as an architect in Australia.
About NZRAB
The New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB) is a statutory entity tasked with registering, monitoring and disciplining architects. This role is to protect the public, which in turn protects the reputation of the architectural profession. The NZRAB was established under the Registered Architects Act 2005.