Washington, DC – The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) begins accepting applications for the mutual recognition agreement (MRA) with the U.K.’s Architects Registration Board (ARB) on April 25, 2023.
Signed on February 16, the MRA provides a streamlined path for reciprocal licensure for architects in the United States and the United Kingdom.
"The launch of the MRA is the beginning of an exciting new relationship with the United Kingdom, and NCARB looks forward to supporting NCARB Certificate holders in taking advantage of this opportunity,” said NCARB President Bayliss Ward, NCARB, AIA.
“This landmark agreement that ARB has signed with our U.S. counterparts means that from 25 April, U.K. architects and their firms can take advantage of a much simpler licensing process for UK-qualified architects in the United States, with fewer tests and a streamlined application process. US-qualified and licensed architects will also benefit from a quicker and simpler process to join the UK register in a way which maintains standards and upholds confidence,” said ARB Chief Executive and Registrar Hugh Simpson.
The agreement is based on an assessment of similarities in architect licensing standards as established by NCARB for utilization by its member jurisdictions, and the requirements for registration in the United Kingdom. Modeled after similar arrangements between NCARB and Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the agreement has three key requirements. To apply for a reciprocal license/registration in either country, architects must:
- Hold a valid license/registration in good standing from their home licensing authority (A jurisdiction within the United States or in the United Kingdom)
- Have lawful authorization to work in the locality in which they are seeking licensure/registration
- Hold an active and qualifying NCARB Certificate
“This agreement is a commitment to sustained investment in building trust between our two organizations and symbolizes a fresh start for NCARB’s relationship with the global community. NCARB will continue to add value to the NCARB Certificate program,” said NCARB CEO Michael Armstrong.
The previous week, NCARB and ARB celebrated this milestone agreement with a panel discussion at the British Embassy, followed by a reception at the British Ambassador’s Temporary Residence. Check out our recap blog for more details of the event.
To learn more about earning a license to practice architecture abroad, visit www.ncarb.org/international. Applicants from the U.K. should check with ARB for more information.
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 ARB
The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is an independent professional regulator, established by Parliament as a statutory body, through the Architects Act, in 1997. It is accountable to government. The law gives ARB a number of core functions:
- To ensure only those who are suitably competent are allowed to practice as architects. ARB does this by approving the qualifications required to join the UK Register of Architects.
- ARB maintains a publicly available Register of Architects so anyone using the services of an architect can be confident that they are suitably qualified and are fit to practice.
- ARB sets the standards of conduct and practice the profession must meet and take action when any architect falls below the required standards of conduct or competence.
- ARB protects the legally restricted title ‘architect.’