The AIBC provides two alternative paths to registration as an architect for those who do not qualify under reciprocity or mutual recognition agreements, or the Internship in Architecture Program. These programs are the Broadly Experienced Applicant (BEA) Program administered by the AIBC, and the Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect (BEFA) Program administered nationally by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). These programs assess a candidate’s experience and acquired competencies against the Canadian Competency Matrix. The eligibility requirements for these two programs differ. The following chart may assist you to determine your best option for registration: Paths to Architectural Registration in the Province of B.C. (PDF)
Broadly Experienced Applicant (BEA) Program
Administered by the AIBC, the Broadly Experienced Applicant (BEA) Program recognizes persons working in the profession who either have not met the usual requirements for registration through education, experience and examination, or who have done so in jurisdictions not recognized in British Columbia under a Mutual Recognition Agreement. Through the BEA Program the AIBC can assess for equivalency and register individuals who can demonstrate they meet admission standards through alternative qualifications.
Eligibility Criteria
Program Requirements
Program Application
Annual Fees for Broadly Experienced Applicants
Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect (BEFA) Program
The Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect (BEFA) Program is a national initiative to facilitate the registration process for internationally-trained architects seeking work as architects in Canada. Administered by the Canadian Architecture Certification Board (CACB), the BEFA Program streamlines the licensing of internationally-trained architects through a standardized three-step process that includes a review of eligibility, an online assessment and an interview with registered architects. The BEFA Program was developed and piloted in British Columbia through the AIBC and is now in place for all 11 provincial and territorial architectural licensing authorities in Canada. Detailed information can be found on the CACB website.
Eligibility Criteria
Program Requirements
Application for Registration as an Architect AIBC
Once a candidate has completed either the BEFA or BEA programs, they may submit an application for registration as an architect at the AIBC.
- Registration application for BEA candidates (PDF)
- Registration application for BEFA applicants (PDF)
When submitting an application candidates must pay an application fee plus the prorated annual fee, which is dependent on the date your application is submitted. Use the following table to determine your fees:
Application Submission Deadlines
Complete and eligible applications will be submitted to the next AIBC Council meeting for review and approval. Applications which are missing components or require additional documentation to demonstrate eligibility may require additional time for review. Applications received after the deadline, or are delayed for other reasons, may be submitted to the subsequent meeting. Applicants will be notified of application approved approval within 24 hours of Council approval by email.
Note the below dates are guidelines only. During periods with high volumes of requests, the AIBC may not be able to process all applications within these timelines.
Application for Registration Submission Deadline Dates
*Earliest possible approval date. The actual approval date may differ.
Fees Due upon Application by Way of Alternative Qualifications
2021 | 1st Quarter (Jan 1-Mar 31) | 2nd Quarter (Apr 1-Jun 30) | 3rd Quarter (Jul 1-Sep 30) | 4th Quarter (Oct 1-Dec 31) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Annual Fee, Pro-Rated | $999.00 | $749.25 | $499.50 | $249.75 |
5% GST | $49.95 | $37.46 | $24.98 | $12.49 |
Subtotal Annual Fees | $1,048.95 | $786.71 | $524.48 | $262.24 |
Non-Refundable Application Fee ($339 + 5% GST) | $359.10 | $359.10 | $359.10 | $359.10 |
Total Due | $1,408.05 | $1,145.81 | $883.58 | $621.34 |
For more information about fees due upon application to the AIBC, please refer to:
- Bulletin 1: Fees, Fines and Charges
- Bulletin 1 Appendix A: Application and Prorated Annual Fees for Registration as an Architect or Associate
AIBC Contact
Please contact the Registration & Licensing department at registration@aibc.ca for more information.