The Architects Registration Board (ARB) has today announced its
next steps to overhaul routes to UK registration for
internationally-qualified architects, following a public
consultation on its proposals. The changes aim to align
international registration routes with ARB's new UK education and
training framework, while simplifying the process and removing
unnecessary barriers for those seeking to join the UK Register
from abroad.
The consultation ran from October 2024 to January 2025.
Respondents showed high levels of support for key
proposals:
- 88% supported a shift to a competence-based
assessment
- 80% backed the creation of a single point of entry to the UK
Register
- One in four respondents (27%) suggested that cost was the
biggest barrier to UK registration for overseas architects and
expressed views that exams should be kept affordable for
candidates
In response to the feedback, ARB will:
- Proceed with the introduction of competence-based assessments
in a modernised format, simplified eligibility criteria, and a
single point of entry to the Register.
- Outsource the exams through a contract model. Following a
mixed response to its proposal to move to an accreditation
approach (supported by 58%), ARB has decided to continue its
plans to outsource the exam, but through a procurement route with
a contract, rather than an accreditation model. This will allow
ARB to appoint providers directly to deliver exams under specific
service agreements, giving better control over cost and quality.
Initially, ARB will appoint a single provider, with the
appointment of further providers to be considered depending on
the success of the contract model.
- Launch a new route to registration for individuals with
partial UK qualifications (such as Part 2 and Part 3, but not
Part 1) that will be more proportionate and will not include a
formal examination.
ARB Chair Alan Kershaw said:
“Candidates who qualified outside the UK seeking registration
here have previously told us that the current assessment methods
are unnecessarily convoluted, time-consuming and confusing. We
have been determined to improve the system and our proposals for
change have been met with high levels of support. Some useful
feedback from people responding to the consultation has helped us
further refine the new approach. The changes we will implement
will create more modern and effective assessment methodologies to
ensure that competent architects, qualified outside the UK, will
have fairer access to the UK Register.”
The updated Prescribed Exam and UK Adaptation Assessment are
planned to be introduced in 2027, with a new route for
professionals with partial qualifications potentially launching
earlier, by the end of 2026. Under this route, professionals with
accredited Part 2 and Part 3 qualifications, but no Part 1, will
be able to apply for UK registration through a simpler route that
will not require candidates to sit a formal exam.
ARB will make formal announcements as implementation progresses.
In the meantime, those eligible under current routes are
encouraged to continue applying as normal.
ENDS
Notes to editors
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