The Architects Registration Board (ARB) has announced its next steps to overhaul routes to UK registration for internationally-qualified architects, following a public consultation on its proposals.
The changes aim to align international registration routes with ARB’s new UK education and training framework, while simplifying the process and removing unnecessary barriers for those seeking to join the UK Register from abroad.
The consultation ran from October 2024 to January 2025. Respondents showed high levels of support for key proposals:
- 88% supported a shift to a competence-based assessment
- 80% backed the creation of a single point of entry to the UK Register
- One in four respondents (27%) suggested that cost was the biggest barrier to UK registration for overseas architects and expressed views that exams should be kept affordable for candidates
In response to the feedback, ARB will:
- Proceed with the introduction of competence-based assessments in a modernised format, simplified eligibility criteria, and a single point of entry to the Register.
- Outsource the exams through a contract model. Following a mixed response to its proposal to move to an accreditation approach (supported by 58%), ARB has decided to continue its plans to outsource the exam, but through a procurement route with a contract, rather than an accreditation model. This will allow ARB to appoint providers directly to deliver exams under specific service agreements, giving better control over cost and quality. Initially, ARB will appoint a single provider, with the appointment of further providers to be considered depending on the success of the contract model.
- Launch a new route to registration for individuals with partial UK qualifications (such as Part 2 and Part 3, but not Part 1) that will be more proportionate and will not include a formal examination.
ARB Chair Alan Kershaw said: “Candidates who qualified outside the UK seeking registration here have previously told us that the current assessment methods are unnecessarily convoluted, time-consuming and confusing. We have been determined to improve the system and our proposals for change have been met with high levels of support. Some useful feedback from people responding to the consultation has helped us further refine the new approach. The changes we will implement will create more modern and effective assessment methodologies to ensure that competent architects, qualified outside the UK, will have fairer access to the UK Register.”
The updated Prescribed Exam and UK Adaptation Assessment are planned to be introduced in 2027, with a new route for professionals with partial qualifications potentially launching earlier, by the end of 2026. Under this route, professionals with accredited Part 2 and Part 3 qualifications, but no Part 1, will be able to apply for UK registration through a simpler route that will not require candidates to sit a formal exam.
ARB will make formal announcements as implementation progresses. In the meantime, those eligible under current routes are encouraged to continue applying as normal.
