Alternative Qualifications

The eligibility criteria to enroll in the BEA Program is based on Schedule K: Broadly Experienced Applicant Program Requirements, found in the AIBC Bylaws (PDF).

Applicants will need to demonstrate that they meet the following experience requirement:

• 15 years of architectural experience in Canada over the past 25 years, with at least 10 years of experience in British Columbia, gained under supervision of an architect(s) in an architectural firm(s)
• The five most recent years of experience must have been obtained in British Columbia

If you qualify for the Canadian Architectural Certification Board’s Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect Program (CACB BEFA), you will be directed to enrol in that program instead.

Once enrolled in the program, a BEA applicant must successfully complete the following BEA program requirements to apply for registration as an Architect AIBC.

1. An outcomes-based assessment against the Canadian Standard of Competency for Architects, consisting of the following components:

• • Self-assessment on the forms provided by the AIBC;
  • Oral Assessment by three qualified panel members of the Qualifications Advisory Group; and
  • Remedial action if required by the panel following the oral assessment.

2. The four required AIBC courses. https://aibc.ca/professional-development/courses/

• • Architects & the Law
  • BC Building Code
  • Construction Administration
  • Professional Practice Standards & Ethics

3. Six months of local and current architectural work experience under the Direct Supervision of an Architect, on a project located in British Columbia within the last three years prior to submitting an application for registration as an Architect.

4. The oral examination – an AIBC requirement that assesses an individual’s ability to synthesize their knowledge, experience, and professional judgement into competent architectural practice in B.C. Oral Exam Candidate Guidebook (PDF)

1. Confirm your eligibility by emailing your resume to registration@aibc.ca. Format it with the firm name, province of the firm, job title, name(s) of supervising architect(s), and start and end dates specified by month and year for each position. Make note of any experience that was completed on contract or as a consultant.

2. Once your eligibility has been confirmed, prepare the application package and submit it to registration@aibc.ca. For a checklist of required items, please refer to the first page of the application.

• • BEA Program: Application for Enrolment (PDF)
  • BEA Program: Nomination Letter Form (PDF)

Broadly experienced applicants are required to pay annual fees. Fees are determined annually by the AIBC Board and provided in Schedule B: Fees (PDF).

As set in the AIBC Bylaws, all fees must be paid by February 1. For more information, including payment instructions, please refer to the 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.