1.1.4 Admission to the Profession

Transcription

1 1.1 The Architectural Profession Admission to the Profession Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects

2 Introduction Education Role of the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) Canadian Education Standard Professional Degree Programs in Architecture Accreditation of Professional Degree Programs RAIC Syllabus (RAIC Center for Architecture at Athabasca University) Experience Intern or Intern Architect Program Role of Employers Role of Mentors Experience Categories Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC) and the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) Licensing/Registration Procedure Reciprocity Agreement Between Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities Inter-Recognition Agreement Between the NCARB and the former CCAC Mutual Recognition Agreements Continuing Education / Professional Development Definitions References List: Canadian University Schools of Architecture with Accredited Programs

3 Admission to the Profession Chapter Volume 1 Admission to the Profession Introduction Canada s provincial governments have jurisdiction over professional practice. This responsibility is entrusted by legislation to various provincial professional associations, which regulate members of their respective professions for the protection of the public. Provincial and territorial associations of architects, sometimes referred to as the licensing authorities, have established admission requirements and standards to ensure that candidates are competent to practise architecture. The ten provincial associations of architects and the Northwest Territories Association of Architects have adopted common admission standards, which involve: education or training in architecture; experience, or workplace internship; examination. These three components may overlap, to the benefit of the student or intern. For example, internship experience acquired during an academic program enables students to better appreciate and understand the concepts being taught. Writing certain sections of the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC) or the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) permits the intern to apply or demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired during internship. Education Role of the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) The provincial and territorial associations of architects have entrusted the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) to: certify the academic qualifications of candidates; accredit programs offered by Canadian university schools of architecture. The CACB is a not-for-profit organization representing both licensing authorities and architectural educators. Canadian Education Standard The associations of architects have developed Conditions and Procedures for the Certification of Educational Qualifications required for Admission (Registration or Licensing) to Provincial and Territorial Architectural Associations in Canada. This document prescribes various educational requirements in detail including the length, structure and content of courses which must be fulfilled to receive a professional degree in architecture. Individuals can satisfy the requirements of the Canadian Education Standard in four ways: Pathway to the Profession The Three E s Education Experience Examination Architectural Licence/ Registration Continuing Education (Professional Development) 1. CACB Accredited Professional Degree or 2. CACB Certification of Education or 3. Grandfathering of education or 4. RAIC Syllabus Program Complete Intern Architect Program Pass (ExAC or ARE) Examinations Issued by provincial or territorial architectural association Comply with requirements of the provincial or territorial architectural association Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects January 009 1

4 Volume 1 Chapter Admission to the Profession Accredited Degree by obtaining a professional degree (master s degree in Canada) from an architecture program accredited by the CACB or its U.S. counterpart organization, the National Architectural Accrediting Board, Inc. (NAAB); Certification of Education by submitting the academic record of a nonaccredited degree for evaluation according to the education requirements outlined in the Canadian Education Standard (candidates who have completed all or part of their post-secondary studies outside Canada must provide a statement regarding the equivalency of the courses; candidates whose records do not meet the requirements may upgrade their training by taking appropriate courses or workshops); Grandfathering through registration or licensing by a provincial association of architects prior to July 1, 1976; or, for the province of Québec, registration/ licensing by the Ordre des architectes du Québec prior to 1992; or, for the province of Alberta, certification by the Universities Co-ordinating Council; RAIC Syllabus (RAIC Centre for Architecture at Athabasca University) by obtaining a diploma from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Syllabus Program (a workplace program, supplemented by courses and examinations). Professional Degree Programs in Architecture University programs in architecture provide training which includes critical analysis and integration of knowledge. Analytical study (theoretical courses) provides general knowledge required to undertake the design and construction phases involved in the development of the built environment. Subject areas include: history; behavioural psychology; socio-cultural studies; programming; building sciences; construction; regulations; safety; structures; electrical and mechanical services; quantity surveying; environmental assessment. Integration (design studios) enables students to develop their creativity and gain the necessary self-reliance to make responsible architectural decisions. Students learn to generate outcomes by putting together the various, and sometimes conflicting, requirements that are unique to each project. Canadian programs are currently offered at both the bachelor level (B.Arch.) and the master s level (M.Arch.); however, the professional degree is being granted only at the master s level. Programs may last from five to seven years. Accreditation of Professional Degree Programs To obtain accreditation from the CACB, all professional degree programs must demonstrate, through an Architecture Program Report (APR), that they follow certain procedures and meet certain criteria, including the student performance criteria. A CACB Visiting Team travels to each school to verify the accuracy of the APR. The team also assesses examples of students work against the student performance criteria and recommends whether to accredit the program. Programs may be granted accreditation for two, three or five years depending on the fulfilment of CACB conditions. RAIC Syllabus (RAIC Centre for Architecture at Athabasca University) The RAIC Syllabus program was recently restructured and this work-study program will now be delivered and administered through Athabasca University, a university that specializes in distance education. The renewed Syllabus Program at Athabasca University provides an alternative path for those individuals who cannot undertake a full-time university program. The program offers a B.Sc. (Architecture) and a professional diploma - the Graduate Diploma in Architecture. January 2009 Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects

5 Admission to the Profession Chapter Volume 1 The RAIC Syllabus new mission is to provide an inclusive and accessible professional architectural education according to rigorous standards of excellence that lead to Canadian professional certification. The bilingual program is to be made available nationally according to a financially sustainable model, through varied study opportunities exploiting available technologies and managed work experience. Experience Intern or Intern Architect Program The objective of internship prior to licensing/ registration is to ensure that the candidate gains enough experience to: meet generally recognized standards of practical skill; practise architecture in a way that protects the health and safety of the public. The provincial and territorial associations of architects established the Internship in Architecture Architect Program (IAP). The IAP is a standardized, national system for periodic documentation and evaluation of internship activities. It provides a structured transition between formal education and registration/ licensing. In addition, the program encourages experienced practitioners to become more involved in the development of their future colleagues. Candidates are advised to register for the IAP with their provincial or territorial architectural association as soon as they are eligible. Eligibility occurs after candidates have completed: at least 50% of an accredited professional architecture degree program; Part 1 of the RAIC Syllabus or 50% of the graduate diploma in architecture. Procedures are described in the IAP Manual which includes: guidelines; forms; sample letters; the Canadian Experience Record Book, a requirement for recording work experience. On application, candidates must complete the appropriate form to confirm the names of employers (or the equivalent) and mentors. The Canadian Experience Record Book is also available on the RAIC website as an interactive form to be completed and printed for submission to the licensing authorities by interns. Role of Employers Employers direct and supervise interns on a daily basis, assess the quality of their work, and certify the intern s documentation of work experience. Architects usually serve as employers, but other professionals involved in the built environment are sometimes permitted to perform this supervisory role. Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects January 2009

6 Volume 1 Chapter Admission to the Profession Role of Mentors The mentor is an architect selected by the intern. The mentor meets with the intern to regularly review the progress of the intern s experience and to discuss his or her career goals and broad professional issues. Experience Categories The Intern Architect Program requires interns to complete a total of 5,600 hours of experience (over a minimum of two and a half years) in the following categories: Categories Design and Construction Documents 2,800 Construction Administration 560 Management 280 Categories Minimum required hours Total hours permitted Related Activities 80 Discretionary 1,880 The licensing authorities or provincial and territorial associations are currently reviewing these requirements. Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC) and the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) Over the years, some provincial associations of architects have used various admission examinations to determine whether candidates were competent to be licensed. Recently, the licensing authorities have developed a new Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC) to test the minimum standards of competency acquired by an Intern during the Internship period, to ensure both public safety and the professional and skilled delivery of architectural services. The ExAC, which is composed of four sections, covers the following topic areas as set out in the Internship in Architecture Program: Programming Site and Environmental Analysis Cost Management Coordinating Engineering Systems Schematic Design Design Development Final Project Bidding and Contract Negotiations Construction Phase Office Construction Phase Site Project Management Code Research The principal sources of the examination content are the: Internship in Architecture Program (IAP) Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects (CHOP) National Building Code 2005 edition Nevertheless, the provincial and territorial associations will continue to recognize the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), administered by the U.S. National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) to ensure that reciprocal licensing for architects is possible throughout North America. The ARE, which is administered in computer format only, is sub-divided into seven divisions which may be written in any order and at any time at various testing centres in Canada and the United States. Interns must obtain both of the following from their association of architects: Authorization to Test (the necessary permission to write the examinations); examination results. Licensing/Registration Procedure After successfully completing the three common admission requirements (education, experience, and examination), interns may apply for professional licensing/registration to the architectural association of the province or territory in which they intend to practise. The intern will be granted a licence, renewable on payment of annual dues, providing that the architect complies with the association s bylaws and code of ethics. 4 January 2009 Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects

7 Admission to the Profession Chapter Volume 1 Some provincial associations have additional requirements such as attendance at admission courses and/or an oral examination. These additional prerequisites to licensing/registration are available from the provincial or territorial association of architects. In Québec, French is the official language by virtue of the Charter of the French Language and it is the language used by the Ordre des architectes du Québec (OAQ) in all communications. However, a member may request the OAQ to correspond in English. Whoever becomes a member of the OAQ must demonstrate working knowledge of the French language; therefore, a written or oral examination administered by the Office de la langue française may be required. [Note: Most licensing authorities, distinguish between the terms registered (licensed) architect and Certificate of Practice. The Certificate of Practice is an additional permit required before providing or offering architectural services to the public.] Reciprocity Agreement between Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities All provinces and the Northwest Territories have adopted common admission standards. The Canadian Education Standard, the Internship in Architecture Program, and the generalized use of the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC) or the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) have made admission to the profession virtually identical across Canada. This resulted in a reciprocity agreement between the Canadian provincial and territorial associations of architects, which facilitates mobility from one jurisdiction to another. Specific requirements, mainly related to the unique circumstances of a province, must still be fulfilled (for example, the use of French in Québec, or knowledge of Philosophy of Seismic Design in British Columbia). Inter-Recognition Agreement Between the NCARB and the former CCAC The Canadian architectural profession was the first profession to negotiate an agreement with its counterparts in the United States under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The accord is called the Inter-Recognition Agreement Between the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and the former Committee of Canadian Architectural Councils (CCAC). The common admission standards in both countries were contributing factors in reaching this agreement. The commonalities are as follows: The CACB s accreditation conditions and procedures are similar to those of the U.S. National Architectural Accrediting Board, Inc. (NAAB). Both organizations recognize programs accredited by each other. Certain details related to Canadian political and demographic features are different. The Internship in Architecture Program s objectives, procedures, and duration are similar to those of the Intern Development Program in the United States. The Architect Registration Examination (ARE) is identical. The CCAC and the NCARB signed the Inter- Recognition Agreement. However, each Canadian provincial architectural association and each U.S. Member Board was required to ratify the agreement, forward a Letter of Undertaking, and append specific local requirements, where necessary. Mutual Recognition Agreements A mutual recognition agreement is an agreement between two international licensing authorities whereby each authority agrees to recognize and accept the credentials of professionals from the other authority. Over the years there has been considerable work on the part of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and provincial and territorial associations of architects in negotiating mutual recognition agreements with other international architectural organizations. To date there is an agreement between architectural licensing authorities from Mexico, United States and Canada. Discussions continue with the Architects Council of Europe (ACE) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Architect Project. Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects January 2009

8 Volume 1 Chapter Admission to the Profession Continuing Education / Professional Development All provincial and territorial licensing authorities have adopted mandatory Continuing Education programs and all architects must participate in order to maintain their licence or registration. [Note: Continuing education is also called professional development and the Union internationale des architectes (UIA) uses the term continuing professional development or CPD]. Continuing education assists in fulfilling the primary mandate of the associations in the protection of the public by ensuring architects remain competent and current in new technologies and new design developments. Furthermore, these programs enable architects to develop new markets and to improve their practices. Each provincial and territorial association has slightly different continuing education requirements and each association has its own system for recording continuing education credits or transcripts; however, the RAIC has developed a national system and electronic database which several associations have adopted. Also, the RAIC has facilitated the standardization and harmonization of the various provincial continuing education programs across Canada. This work resulted in the production of document entitled, Quality Assurance for Continuing Education Activities for the Architecture Profession in Canada which has been adopted by all associations. Learning activities, as described in the Quality Assurance document, are divided into two categories: Core Learning Activities and Self- Directed Learning Activities. January 2009 Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects

9 Admission to the Profession Chapter Volume 1 Definitions Accreditation: The process that establishes that an educational program meets an established standard of achievement. Its purpose is to assure the maintenance and enhancement of an appropriate educational foundation. The process is generally done by regular, external monitoring using validated criteria and procedures. Certification: The official or legal recognition of an individual s qualifications. Core Learning Activities: are educational opportunities that provide a fundamental level of knowledge relevant to the practice of Architecture throughout Canada. Self-Directed Learning Activities: are educational opportunities that have been selected by an individual. These activities must relate to the practice of architecture or business and must be relevant to the architect s specific situation. References Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). Ottawa, Ont. A Canadian Education Standard for Admission to Provincial Architecture Associations in Canada. January 1992 (revised June 1993) Conditions and Procedures for Accreditation. July Guide to Student Performance Criteria for Faculty and Students of Professional Degree Programme in Architecture. July Canadian Architectural Students Association (CASA). Guide to Canadian Graduate Schools of Architecture. First Edition Committee of Canadian Architectural Councils (CCAC). IAP Manual. Ottawa, Ont.: CCAC, Second Edition Examination for Architects in Canada National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). Architect Registration Examination. Washington, D.C.: NCARB, Quality Assurance for Continuing Education Activities for the Architecture Profession in Canada Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Syllabus. Valence, Jean R., Architect s Essentials of Professional Development. American Institute of Architects. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects January 2009

10 Admission to the Profession Chapter Volume 1 List: Canadian University Schools of Architecture with Accredited Programs University of British Columbia School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture University of British Columbia Memorial Road Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2 Website: Université de Montréal École d'architecture Université de Montréal C.P. 6128, succ. Centre-ville Montréal (Québec) H3C 3J7 archi@ame.umontreal.ca Website: University of Calgary Faculty of Environmental Design Professional Faculties Building, Room 2182 University of Calgary 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4 evdsinfo@ucalgary.ca Website: University of Manitoba Architecture, City Planning, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture 201 Russell Building University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2 visevicr@cc.umanitoba.ca Website: architecture/37.htm Université Laval Faculté d aménagement, d architecture et des arts visuels École d architecture Édifice du Vieux-Séminaire de Québec 1, côte de la Fabrique - bureau 3210 Université Laval Québec (Québec) G1R 3V6 arc@arc.ulaval.ca Website: McGill University School of Architecture Macdonald-Harrington Building 815 Sherbrooke Street West Montréal (Québec) H3A 2K6 profdegree.architecture@mcgill.ca Website: Carleton University School of Architecture 202 Architecture Building 1125 Colonel By Drive Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6 architecture@carleton.ca Website: Dalhousie University Faculty of Architecture and Planning P.O. Box 1000 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2X4 arch.office@dal.ca Website: index.shtml Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects January 2009 CH-1 1 1

11 Volume 1 Chapter Admission to the Profession University of Toronto Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design 230 College Street Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R2 enquiry.ald@utoronto.ca Website: University of Waterloo School of Architecture 7 Melville Street South Cambridge, Ontario N1S 2H4 info@architecture.uwaterloo.ca Website: Ryerson University (as of December 31, 2008 pending accreditation by CACB) Architectural Science 350 Victoria Street Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3 archsci@acs.ryerson.ca Website: CH-1 2 January 2009 Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects