Qualification recognition
What it takes to have your qualification recognised and work in another country.
Architecture in 9 countries Tap a country to see how to qualify there
3 United Kingdom Exams or bridging Some demand
You can work in UK practices, but calling yourself an architect needs ARB registration via its exams.
- Recognition
- 3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
- Time to practise
- Work immediately on a visa; 1-3 years to full ARB registration
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- ARB Prescribed Examination for Part 1 and/or Part 2, charged per part. There is no Part 3 examination: Part 3 must be a UK Part 3 qualification from a UK school of architecture.
- Language test
- English (no test for SA graduates)
- Rough cost
- Not published. ARB charges a fee per examination part plus an annual registration fee.
- Regulator
- Architects Registration Board (ARB)
Worth knowing: South Africa has no mutual recognition agreement with ARB, and the UK is not a Canberra Accord signatory.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 5 steps
- Work in a UK practice as an architectural designer or assistant - only the title 'architect' is protected, not the work itself.
- To register, sit ARB's Examination for Equivalence to Prescribed Qualifications (the Prescribed Examination) for Part 1 and/or Part 2, as needed.
- Then obtain a UK Part 3 qualification from a UK school of architecture; Part 3 also requires documented practical experience, part of it under a registered architect - check ARB's current rules.
- Enter the ARB register, then optionally apply for RIBA chartered membership.
- Note ARB is changing these routes: applications to sit the Part 1 or Part 2 Prescribed Examination under the current route closed on 31 August 2026, with final exams in October 2026. From spring 2027, Route P lets people with accredited Part 2 and Part 3 qualifications but no Part 1 register; check ARB for the route that applies to overseas qualifications.
Evidence and sources (4)
Demand evidence: Architects (2451) are visa-eligible but not on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List (only 3120 architectural technicians are listed). (source)
4 Ireland Exams or bridging High demand
'Architect' is a protected title in Ireland; non-EU graduates register through RIAI Route B2 or C2.
- Recognition
- 3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
- Time to practise
- 1-4 years, driven mainly by the Irish experience requirement
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- RIAI-accredited professional practice examination if you do not already hold a recognised post-graduate licensing exam.
- Language test
- English (no test for SA graduates)
- Rough cost
- Not published. RIAI publishes registration and technical assessment fees.
Worth knowing: Both routes require time working in Ireland first, so plan on a spell as an architectural graduate or assistant before registering.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 5 steps
- You may work in an Irish practice, but the title 'architect' is reserved under the Building Control Act 2007.
- Route B2: non-EU degree plus your home professional licensing exam (SACAP), Irish practical experience and knowledge of Irish building law.
- Route C2: seven or more years of post-graduate practice, at least four of them in Ireland.
- If you cannot meet the experience rules, pass an RIAI-accredited professional practice examination first.
- Apply through MyRIAI; Routes B2 and C2 run on spring and autumn cycles each year.
Evidence and sources (2)
Demand evidence: Critical Skills Occupations List: Architect (2431); Architectural Technologist (2435) is also listed. (source)
3 Netherlands Exams or bridging Some demand
'Architect' is a protected title; third-country graduates need recognition plus a professional traineeship.
- Recognition
- 3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
- Time to practise
- 1-3 years including the traineeship
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- No general state exam; the Dutch professional traineeship includes assessed assignments and mentoring.
- Language test
- No formal Dutch test is stated, but Dutch is needed in practice for building regulations and client work.
- Rough cost
- Not published. The register charges a fee for processing third-country recognition requests.
- Regulator
- Bureau Architectenregister
Worth knowing: The Netherlands is not a Canberra Accord signatory, so a SACAP-accredited degree carries no automatic recognition.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 4 steps
- Apply to Bureau Architectenregister for recognition of a third-country qualification in architecture.
- Supply a certificate of professional authority from SACAP; without one you must complete the Dutch professional traineeship.
- Complete the two-year professional experience period (about two years at 32+ hours a week; longer if part-time).
- Once entered on the register you may use the title 'architect' and practise independently.
Evidence and sources (2)
Demand evidence: No Dutch shortage list; architects can use the salary-based IND highly skilled migrant permit. No current UWV occupation data reachable. (limited evidence for this country) (source)
3 Germany Major requalification Some demand
Each state's Architektenkammer tests equivalence; expect two years' practice, German and possible extra tests.
- Recognition
- 2/5 Substantial re-study, long supervised practice, scarce posts or a hard language barrier.
- Time to practise
- 2-4 years, including the two-year practical experience requirement
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- Aptitude test or adaptation course where the equivalence assessment finds significant gaps.
- Language test
- German, in practice B2-C1; all building law, chamber business and client work is in German.
- Rough cost
- Not published. Each state chamber sets its own recognition and membership fees.
Worth knowing: Rules differ by federal state and Germany is not a Canberra Accord signatory, so nothing is recognised automatically.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 5 steps
- Apply to the Architektenkammer of the federal state where you will work - there is no single national register.
- The chamber runs an equivalence test of your SA qualification against the German reference qualification.
- Show at least two years of full-time practical work in core architectural tasks after graduating.
- If significant differences are found you must pass compensation measures: an aptitude test or an adaptation course.
- Reach working German; chamber membership, building law and client work are all conducted in German.
Evidence and sources (2)
Demand evidence: Architects are not named among Make it in Germany's professions in demand; the job is still open to the EU Blue Card / skilled worker visa. (source)
3 United States Exams or bridging Some demand
Canberra Accord speeds your education review, but EESA, AXP hours and six ARE exams still apply.
- Recognition
- 3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
- Time to practise
- 3-6 years
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- Architect Registration Examination (ARE), six divisions. EESA is an evaluation, not an exam.
- Language test
- English (no test for SA graduates)
- Rough cost
- EESA costs USD 2,500, or USD 1,250 for graduates of a programme recognised by the Canberra Accord (SACAP-accredited programmes completed after 2010, with eligibility confirmed by NAAB), plus ARE division fees and state licence fees
Worth knowing: NCARB states plainly that a Canberra Accord degree does not by itself satisfy the US education requirement.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 5 steps
- Have your SACAP-accredited degree evaluated through EESA, run by NAAB; Canberra Accord graduates get faster processing and some credits.
- Complete the Architectural Experience Program (AXP): documented hours across six practice areas.
- Pass the six divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
- Apply for a licence to the state board where you will practise; rules and reciprocity vary by state.
- Already-registered Pr Arch holders can instead pursue the NCARB International Architect Path, which skips EESA.
Evidence and sources (4)
Demand evidence: BLS OOH: architects (except landscape and naval) projected to grow as fast as average; not on DOL Schedule A. (source)
3 Canada Exams or bridging Some demand
Canada recognises SACAP-accredited degrees obtained from 1 January 2010 via the Canberra Accord; ExAC and logged experience follow.
- Recognition
- 3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
- Time to practise
- 2-5 years by the standard route; faster via BEFA if already licensed and very experienced
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC). BEFA applicants take an online assessment and an interview instead.
- Language test
- English or French, depending on the province
- Rough cost
- CACB academic certification CAD 980.85 (868.00 plus 13% HST) in the Canberra Accord category; provincial association and ExAC fees also apply
Worth knowing: Licensing is provincial, so confirm requirements with the association in the province you are moving to.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 5 steps
- Apply to CACB for academic certification: SACAP-accredited professional degrees obtained on or after 1 January 2010 are a named Canberra Accord category, still reviewed with your syllabus and project list (about 12 months).
- Register as an intern with a provincial architectural association and log experience under the Internship in Architecture Program.
- Pass the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC).
- Apply to the provincial regulator for your licence; the title and the practice are both restricted.
- Architects already licensed abroad may instead use the Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect (BEFA) programme.
Evidence and sources (4)
Demand evidence: Architects (21200) are in no Express Entry category; only Architecture and science managers (20011) appear, in the STEM category. (source)
3 Australia Exams or bridging Some demand
AACA assesses your degree (about AUD 5,000, about 7 weeks), then you sit the Architectural Practice Exam.
- Recognition
- 3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
- Time to practise
- 1-3 years
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- Architectural Practice Examination (APE), comprising a written paper and an examination interview.
- Language test
- English (no test for SA graduates; a test may be needed for the visa)
- Rough cost
- AACA Overseas Qualifications Assessment AUD 4,973.01 (Australian card) or AUD 5,042.10 (overseas card) for new applicants, plus APE and state registration fees
Worth knowing: Australia is not a Canberra Accord signatory, so your transcripts and portfolio are assessed from scratch.
Step by step 4 steps
- Apply for the AACA Overseas Qualifications Assessment - one combined assessment of qualifications and competency.
- A 'suitable' outcome also produces a Skilled Migration Assessment valid for three years for visa purposes.
- Build the required logbook of practical experience, then sit the Architectural Practice Examination (APE).
- Register with the architect registration board in your state or territory; the title 'architect' is protected.
Evidence and sources (2)
Demand evidence: JSA Occupation Shortage List 2025: Architect (241131) rated No Shortage nationally. (source)
3 New Zealand Exams or bridging Some demand
SA degrees are not pre-recognised by NZRAB; expect Pathway 2 or 3 plus a year of NZ experience.
- Recognition
- 3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
- Time to practise
- 1-3 years, including the New Zealand experience requirement
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- No written exam; NZRAB assesses a portfolio of evidence and holds an assessment interview.
- Language test
- English (no test for SA graduates)
- Rough cost
- Pathway 2 Stage 1 (qualifications and experience assessment) fee is NZD 700; Pathway 3 application fee is NZD 1,750 for a first attempt (NZD 875 for later attempts); other stages and pathways have their own fees
Worth knowing: Overseas-qualified architects usually need about 12 months of New Zealand practice before they can register.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 4 steps
- You can work in an NZ practice as a graduate, but 'registered architect' is a protected title controlled by NZRAB.
- SA qualifications are not on NZRAB's Pathway 1 recognised list, so apply under Pathway 2 (qualifications and experience assessment).
- Pathway 3 suits senior people: full overseas registration, seven years of post-graduate experience and 12 months of NZ experience.
- Complete NZRAB's assessment of competence, then register.
Evidence and sources (3)
Demand evidence: Architect is not on the Green List (only Naval Architect 233916); work is still possible on an Accredited Employer Work Visa. (source)
3 United Arab Emirates Exams or bridging Some demand
Architects register with the emirate as engineers; Dubai has required a local technical test since 2023.
- Recognition
- 3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
- Time to practise
- About 3-12 months (estimate), depending on recognition and test dates
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- Dubai Municipality technical test for architects (Dubai Building Code); DMT architecture engineering exam in Abu Dhabi
- Language test
- English is the usual working language; no English test found for registration
- Rough cost
- Degree verification AED 300 + 5% VAT (DataFlow); registration and test fees unknown
Worth knowing: SACAP registration is not recognised. Work visas end with the job and do not lead to citizenship; the 10-year Golden Visa (degree plus AED 30,000+ a month salary) is the long-term option.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 5 steps
- Get a job offer; the employer applies for your work permit and two-year renewable residence visa, so your right to stay is tied to that job.
- Have your full qualification (e.g. BAS plus master's) verified and recognised by the Ministry; how a 3-year BAS alone is treated is unconfirmed.
- In Dubai, register on the DEQ system and pass Dubai Municipality's technical test for architects on the Dubai Building Code and local regulations.
- In Abu Dhabi, register via TAMM; DMT runs an architecture engineering exam and grades from Intern to Expert Engineer, each needing exams and experience.
- Sign-off comes with your registered grade: design engineers must show their registration card on submitted plans.
Evidence and sources (5)
Demand evidence: Not named as a Golden Visa priority profession; architects are MOHRE level 2 professionals on an ordinary employer-sponsored work visa. (source)
- Dubai Municipality Circular 13-1-4 of 2023 - testing architects
- Abu Dhabi DMT - professional qualification exams for engineers (Sep 2024)
- Abu Dhabi Media Office - DMT engineer grades, Decision 113/2025 (Dec 2025)
- MoE / DataFlow applicant welcome kit (verification fees)
- Abu Dhabi City Municipality (DMT) - engineers' registration cards; design engineer must display the card on plans (16 Sep 2024)
General information, not immigration or legal advice. Confirm the rules with the regulator before you rely on them. Architecture overview