Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the remaining AIBC courses scheduled for 2020 are being cancelled – the health, safety and well-being of AIBC registrants, volunteers and staff is of utmost importance.
Intern Architects AIBC and Broadly Experience Applicants (BEAs) are required to complete the following four mandatory courses as part of their registration requirements: Architect & the Law, BC Building Code, Construction Administration, and Ethics, Act & Bylaws. Recognizing that the cancellation of these courses may impact individuals nearing the end of their registration process, we are pleased to share the following announcements:
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Online courses are coming
In 2019, the AIBC was awarded a grant from the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development & Competitiveness to adapt all four of the mandatory courses to an online and on-demand platform. Part of this project involves ensuring the same level of engagement is maintained in an online learning environment, as in-person. This would reflect the recent extensive redesign of the mandatory courses, which focused on increasing activity-based learning strategies. The project is already well underway, with online courses anticipated to launch Summer 2021.
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Temporary relaxation of Intern Architect AIBC/BEA/AT registration requirements
Completion of mandatory courses prior to the Oral Review will not be required as long as Intern Architects AIBC have satisfied the 2,800 requisite hours and BEAs have successfully completed their Oral Assessment. Architectural Technologist (AT) applicants who have met the AT education and experience requirements can sit the AT Exam prior to completing the Ethics, Act & Bylaws course. Once all other requirements have been met, an application for registration may be made with an undertaking that all outstanding course must be completed within one year of the courses becoming available.
The AIBC’s decision to cancel in-person courses and relax the requirements for registration were carefully examined and supported by both AIBC Council and Registration Board.
Course Refunds
Full refunds will automatically be given to all scheduled course participants via the original payment method if payment was received after mid-December 2019. Course registrants who paid before mid-December 2019 will be contacted for additional information before refunds can be processed.
At this time, we are unable to determine when in-person courses will resume; however, the AIBC will continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation and will resume in-person courses when it is safe to do so, following the guidance of the appropriate health advisory organizations.
Questions and Answers Document Available
To assist registrants, the AIBC has developed a Questions and Answers document regarding the temporary relaxation on registration requirements, including impacts on the Oral Review and Architectural Technologist Exam. We encourage you review the FAQs for more information.
AIBC Contact
If after reviewing the FAQ document you have further questions relating to registration, please email iap@aibc.ca. Questions relating to the delivery of courses or refunds can be sent to professionaldevelopment@aibc.ca