Starting January 1, 2020, AIBC Elective Courses will no longer be offered.
In 2017, the AIBC conducted an extensive review and redesign of the courses offered through the Internship in Architecture Program. One of the primary objectives of the review was to ensure that entry-to-practice competencies for registration were being met by the curriculum. Based on the findings, the AIBC launched a refreshed program with four redesigned courses.
A transitionary track was put in place for those who were mid-stream in their course obligations, which included three cohorts. Participants who have already taken elective courses have the option to transition to the redesigned courses, or opt to complete the courses based on the previous system without missing out on significant content now covered under the redesign.
By 2020, the AIBC will have fully transitioned to the redesigned courses. This means that if you are on the former course track and do not complete your electives this year, you will have to (re)take all four mandatory courses as of 2020.
Transition Plan
Though the quality and interactive delivery of courses has been modernized, and the number of courses reduced, a number of Intern Architects AIBC and BEA candidates are impacted by the transition. To mitigate this impact, careful attention has been put towards a detailed plan, specific to each of the three cohorts of course participants. To view which cohort applies to you, please review the AIBC Courses page.
Course Equivalencies
The AIBC has completed a thorough environmental scan of external programs, courses and events which may qualify for equivalency for AIBC courses. Other AIBC-Delivered offerings were also considered during this review process. At this time, two AIBC courses have recognized equivalency options:
BC Building Code
- BC Building Code: Part 3 Introduction course (BLDG 1830) and Codes and Regulations (Building Law in Canada) course (BLDG 4500), offered by BCIT. Please note that while these courses cover most of the content contained under AIBC’s BC Building Code II, it does not cover “Letters of Assurance”.
- Advanced Code Knowledge course, offered jointly by the AIBC and EGBC.
- Certified Professional course, offered jointly by the AIBC and EGBC.
Management of the Project
- Project Management for Architects, offered by RAIC.
For more information on equivalencies, review AIBC Courses page and select a specific course.
Course Attendance Policy
Attending the entire duration of the course is for the learner’s benefit. During the redesign, the required number of mandatory courses has been reduced from six to four, which means that each course is packed with critical information, key concepts, and hands-on work. Due to the fast pace of each course with every hour covering significant content, attendance is tracked and each course participant is expected to attend the entire course day. Late arrivals or early departures will be marked as incomplete, and one may be required to make up the full course at the participant’s expense, at the discretion of the AIBC’s Manager of Professional Services.
Coming Soon: Your FAQs Answered
In early fall 2019, the AIBC will be posting answers to frequently asked questions that participants asked from each of the mandatory courses. They will be posted under each course on the AIBC Courses page.
AIBC Contact
The AIBC is committed to ensuring a seamless transition. If you have any questions, please email professionaldevelopment@aibc.ca with “Course Redesign” in the subject line.