EU qualified architects
Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications came into force from October 2007.
Under the provisions of the EC Architects' Directive/EEA Agreement, your architectural qualification may be accepted in the United Kingdom by the
Architects Registration Board (ARB)|.
Architects qualified via the EU Directive need not sit the Part 3 Professional Practice Examination in order to register. However, the RIBA recommends that EU Architects do still undertake Part 3 as a useful introduction to UK building legislation and contracts.
EU qualified architects may
join the RIBA| after a period of five year's approved professional practice in the European Union, as documented by a comprehensive curriculum vitae. However, in order to reduce this required period of professional experience, EU qualified architects who undertake and pass a recognised UK Part 3 examination may join RIBA immediately afterwards.
Non-EU qualified architects
Architects qualified outside of the European Union must undertake assessment with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) to gain equivalence to Parts 1 and 2 and complete a minimum of 24 months experience (including 12 months in the UK) before they can undertake Part 3 and join the ARB register.
For more information on the assessment process, known as the ARB Prescribed Examination, see the ARB| website.