Alternative Qualifications

The eligibility criteria to enroll in the AIBC’s BEA Program is based on Section 37 of the Architects Act. Those who are interested in the program will need to demonstrate one of the following:

• 15 years of architectural work experience in an architectural firm or firms registered at the AIBC and holding a certificate of practice from the AIBC, or
• 15 years of architectural work experience in an architectural firm or firms outside of British Columbia, or
• 8 years practice as a qualified architect outside British Columbia.

It is not possible to combine any of these three experience categories – a person’s experience history must fall entirely within one category.

If you qualify for the Canadian Architectural Certification Board’s Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect Program (CACB BEFA) you will be directed to enroll in that program instead. In this case you will need to refer to that program for requirements.

Once enrolled in the program, a BEA applicant must successfully complete the following BEA Program requirements to the satisfaction of the Registration Board and its Qualifications Committee in order to be recommended for registration to council:

1. Successfully complete the Outcomes Based Assessment against the Canadian Competency Matrix, consisting of the following components:
   • Self-assessment on the forms provided by the AIBC;
   • Oral Assessment by three qualified interviewers of the Qualifications Committee; and
   • Supporting portfolio of architectural work experience.
2. Attend professional development courses, as per the Internship in Architecture Program.
3. Obtain and report local and current architectural work experience, consisting of six months of experience under the direct supervision of an Architect AIBC, on a project located in British Columbia within the last three years prior to submitting an application for registration.
4. Successfully complete the Oral Review, as per the Internship in Architecture Program.

• Application Form (PDF)
• Photo ID Form (PDF)
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV): to demonstrate history of architectural work experience. Indicate name of architectural firm, location, dates of employment including month and year, projects and role.
• Letters of Nomination: submit at least two and up to five letters of nomination from architects registered at the AIBC. Letters should indicate how the nominating architect knows the applicant and for how long, an understanding of applicant’s work experience and knowledge of the practice of architecture, and a recommendation that the applicant be considered for registration as an architect at the AIBC.
• Payment Remittance Form (PDF) for the BEA Application fee [see Bulletin 1: Fees, Fines and Charges and Bulletin 1 Appendix A: Application and Prorated Annual Fees for Registration as an Architect or Associate].

Broadly experienced applicants are required to pay annual fees. Fees are determined annually by the AIBC Council and provided in Bulletin 1: Fees, Fines and Charges (PDF).

As set in the Architects Act, February 1 is the annual deadline for renewal of registration and payment of fees. Find detailed information, including payment instructions, on the AIBC’s Annual Renewal page.

The eligibility criteria to enroll in the CACB BEFA Program are the following:

• Provide proof of formal architectural education and completed architectural degree.
• Provide proof of registration as an architect in a foreign jurisdiction.
• Provide a résumé or CV to demonstrate at least seven (7) years of post-registration/licensure experience in architecture within the last twelve (12) years.

Once enrolled in the BEFA program at the CACB, an applicant must successfully complete the following requirements:

1. Successfully complete the Outcomes Based Assessment against the Canadian Competency Matrix, consisting of the following components on the forms provided by the CACB:
   • Project Résumé, providing an overview of architectural career, highlighting major projects with direct involvement and to linked to the 12 required major competencies areas;
   • Self-Assessment using the CACB’s online tool;
   • Panel Interview by three qualified interviewers; and
   • Provide a supporting portfolio of architectural work experience.
2. Obtain at least six months of relevant Canadian architectural work experience, providing exposure to the practice and regulatory requirements of architecture in Canada, within three years before the date of the assessment interview. This experience must be gained under the personal supervision and direction of a registered architect within Canada.

Please contact the CACB directly for more information and to apply to this program.