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Becoming an Architect

Through legislation, each provincial and territorial professional regulatory association has both the authority and the responsibility to establish standards of admission and competence for candidates seeking to become licensed to practice architecture in their respective jurisdictions.

The Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC) have worked collectively to develop and adopt nationally recognized standards of Competence. These standards are embodied in the Canadian Standard of Competency for Architects, which establishes consistent criteria that candidates must meet regardless of their chosen path to licensure.

 


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Licensing Changes and Canadian Experience
Recently introduced amendments to the province’s fair registration practices legislation mean new rules that affect the path to becoming licensed as an architect in Ontario.
Paths to Licensure

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Internship in Architecture Program (IAP)

Find out more information on becoming a licensed architect in Ontario after following a path of education, experience, and examination in the province.

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RAIC Syllabus Program

Discover how to become an architect through the apprenticeship Syllabus Program offered by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC).

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International Credentials & Mobility
International Credentials & Mobility

Information for internationally trained professionals who have been licensed as architects in a jurisdiction outside of Canada.

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Paths to Licensure

Within Canada, the required professional competence is normally obtained and demonstrated through a combination of formal education, supervised experience, and professional examinations. The provincial and territorial regulators have collectively agreed to endorse a variety of pathways to licensure in order to allow broad yet comprehensive and robust access to the profession for candidates from diverse circumstances. These include options for domestic candidates and foreign candidates, and are included in the linked Licence diagrams. 

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Each pathway to licensure was developed by ROAC. Candidates to the profession typically progress through the Domestic Professional Education Pathway. The other pathways to the profession are the Syllabus Work/Study Program and options for candidates with Foreign Professional Education. In some cases, ROAC has empowered an agent to administer components of the pathway on its behalf. However, all registration and licensing authority rests with the provincial and territorial regulatory associations. 

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Learn More About Architects

Information on individuals who are licensed to use the title “architect” and practise architecture in Ontario.

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Learn More About Intern Architects

The Internship in Architecture Program (IAP) is the path to licensure as an architect in Canada. Learn more about what this entails in the province of Ontario.

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Learn More About Student Associates

Those currently studying architecture can join the OAA for free to stay informed about the requirements for licensure in Ontario.

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Meet The OAA Video

On October 12, 2023, the OAA Interns Committee hosted the third Meet the OAA event over Zoom, helping introduce the Association (and its role as regulator of Ontario’s architecture profession) to students, while also sharing more information about the path to licensure in the province. It is now available for on-demand viewing below and on the OAA's You Tube channel.




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Vocational associations
6. Every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to membership in any trade union, trade or occupational association or self-governing profession without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status or disability.

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IAP Contacts


General Enquiries
iap@oaa.on.ca 

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OAA Contract Suite

Did you know the OAA offers free contracts for its members and the general public? These downloadable standardized contracts make it easier for all to enter into fair, balanced business relationships.

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BLOAAG

Check out the OAA BLOAAg, an inclusive space for member engagement and OAA features.

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Events Calendar

Check out our events calendar for a wide array of online and in-person events. Also submit an event using our new online form.

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