At NCARB’s 2024 Annual Business Meeting, a new resolution amending the language and some of the requirements for the Tri-National Mutual Recognition Agreement for International Practice with NCARB, the Comité Mexicano para la Práctica Internacional de la Arquitectura (COMPIAR), and the Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC) passed with a vote by our Member Boards.
The agreement has been signed by all participating parties and will go into effect on October 1, 2024.
The primary changes to the agreement include:
- To be eligible for reciprocity in Canada, Mexico, or the U.S., an applicant must have five years of professional experience as an architect post-licensure, with at least two years being in their home jurisdiction in responsible control. The remaining years may take place within Canada, Mexico, or the U.S. Previously, the agreement required 10 years of experience in the architect’s home jurisdiction
- Acceptance of architects who hold the NCARB Certificate through the Education Alternative or Foreign Architect pathways
- Operational updates to streamline the application process
Read the new Tri-National Agreement.
NCARB’s Licensing Requirements Tool has the current list of participating jurisdictions under the “Reciprocal Licensure” tab. NCARB will verify jurisdictions’ participation based on the updated agreement over the next few months. Before applying, be sure to check the tool to ensure the jurisdiction you are seeking licensure in is participating.
Read through the new eligibility requirements below.
U.S. Architect Requirements
- Be licensed and in good standing in a signatory jurisdiction
- Hold an active NCARB Certificate (U.S. architects)
- Hold a degree in architecture from an accredited architecture program or recognized equivalent accepted as satisfying the education component in the home country
- Have a minimum of five years of post-licensure experience (at least two of which must be earned in the U.S.)
If you have questions or need assistance, contact us.
