In 2020, the AIBC was awarded a grant from the provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs to improve the Oral Review process, a mandatory step for becoming a registered architect in B.C. through the Internship in Architecture Program and Broadly Experienced Applicant (BEA) pathways. This project included exploring the feasibility of administering the Oral Review online and in-person, as well as examining how to strengthen the principles of fairness, validity, and reliability, in both delivery methods. Over the past years, the AIBC analyzed quantitative and qualitative data, conducted pilot tests, collected feedback from Intern Architects AIBC and other stakeholders, and went through a thorough review of oral review questions, summary sheets, the rubric, and requirement guidelines. The AIBC is in its final phase of the project, with a scheduled completion date of spring 2022.
The result of the project will be a new and improved Oral Review process, which will be introduced in late 2022. It is important to note that the premise and purpose of the Oral Review remains the same: an oral exam to assess an individual’s ability to synthesize their knowledge, experience, and professional judgment into competent architectural practice in British Columbia. While the questions have been updated, they still cover similar subject areas as the current Oral Review.
Some enhancements and changes in the new Oral Review process include:
- Better flow and sequence of questions following the design/build process
- Refinement of the answer rubrics
- More robust feedback for candidates to address weak areas
- Focus on application-type of questions for candidates to demonstrate experience
- Updated candidate documentation and workshop to reflect Oral Review changes
Please note that Intern Architects AIBC and BEAs who are currently going through the Oral Review Process will not be impacted by this change. It is anticipated that the first cohort under the new Oral Review process will be those who partake in the Winter 2022 Oral Review.
Online Courses Update
In 2019, the AIBC was awarded a grant from the same ministry to reformat the redesigned AIBC Courses for online delivery, thereby making the curriculum more easily accessible to learners from across the province and around the world. These courses are required for Intern Architects AIBC and BEAs prior to registration as an architect with the AIBC.
The courses for online delivery include:
Mandatory
- Architect and the Law
- BC Building Code
- Construction Administration
- Ethics, Act and Bylaws
Optional
- Business Fundamentals
In September 2021, the AIBC completed in-person filming for the Online Courses. We are now in the process of incorporating them into the course activities and components. The Institute is on track to make the online courses available in early 2022, with Ethics, Act and Bylaws anticipated to be offered later next year to reflect changes resulting from transition to the Professional Governance Act.
In-person course delivery will resume for all the mandatory courses once it is safe to do so, in accordance with all public health orders.