Holders of licences or limited licences who want to maintain their active status with the Association, but will not be practising architecture, can apply for “non-practising” member status. This status allows members to continue to use their title in a restricted manner as explained below. It also conveys ongoing rights and responsibilities, such as the right to vote and the requirement for participation in the Continuing Education Program.
Recognition of this status and the associated fee remission is established in Section 40 of Regulation 27 (the regulations). Any holder of a licence or limited licence may be designated as a “non-practising member” if they meet the prescribed requirements. This involves submitting to the Office of the Registrar a completed form (as described below) stating they are not engaged in the practice of architecture. Fees for those designated as non-practising are established in Schedule A of the Association Bylaws.
It is the condition that every OAA member designated as non-practising shall not engage in the practice of architecture, and this condition prevails over any other term, condition, or limitation to which the holder’s licence or limited licence is subject. Upon request and approval for non-practising status, the member’s seal must be returned to the OAA (if applicable).
Those holding non-practising status are not eligible to personally supervise and direct the practice of architecture for a certificate of practice (CoP).
Procedure for Requesting the Status
A person who is the holder of a licence or a limited licence under the Architects Act that wishes to request status as a non-practising member must send the Office of the Registrar a written request, stating they are not engaged in the practice of architecture and the reason why. This is completed using the Non-Practising Declaration Form, which is then submitted with any other supporting documents or information required.
Upon approval, the member’s non-practising status will be recorded in the Register of the Association.
Having the Status Revoked
The Registrar shall revoke a member’s non-practising status if the member:
• gives to the Registrar notice in writing indicating the reason for the designation no longer exists and the date on which the reason ceased to exist; and
• pays any fees owing to the Association from the period during which they were designated as a non-practising member, as well as the applicable fees specified by the Bylaws.
The Registrar shall confirm the revocation of the designation and the date of the revocation by written notice to the holder of the licence or limited licence.
The lifting of the condition imposed on the holder’s licence or limited licence associated with non-practising status does not affect the application of any other term, condition, or limitation to which the holder’s licence or limited licence is subject.
Conditions
Any holder of a licence or limited licence designated as a non-practising member:
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may not apply for a certificate of practice;
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may not act as a Mentor under the Association’s Internship in Architecture Program (IAP) or OAA Technology Program (OTP);
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may not act as a Supervising Architect under the IAP or as a Supervising Professional under the OTP;
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may not be a member of the Practice Resource Committee or any Committee established under Section 9 of the Architects Act;
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is qualified to vote in an election of members of the Council, but is not eligible for election to the Council;
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may vote at the Annual General Meeting of the Members (AGM) of the Association;
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may use the title of “Architect” or “Architecte” as an occupational designation if a licence holder, but must not use a term, title, addition, or description that will lead to the belief they may engage in the practice of architecture;
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may use the title of “Licensed Technologist” or “Technologue Agréé” as an occupational designation if a limited licence holder, but must not use a term, title, addition, or description that will lead to the belief the person may engage in the practice of architecture;
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will be subject to the following requirements under the Association’s program of Continuing Education for members:
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total requirement for a reporting period will be 35 hours, all of which may be Unstructured Learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The OAA governs the practice of architecture in Ontario. You can hold practice rights in another jurisdiction while having non-practising status with the OAA. However, maintaining practice rights with another provincial, territorial, or other architecture regulator does not entitle you to practise architecture in Ontario.
Non-practising members can only participate in business or community matters if, while doing so, they do not engage in the practice of architecture regardless of whether they are compensated or not.
Yes. The regulations under the Architects Act establish every member with Non-Practising status shall successfully complete, in each cycle, 35 Learning hours that meet the requirements of the program specified for such members and meet any other Continuing Education requirements included in the program.
If you wish your non-practising status revoked, you will be required to submit written notice to the Registrar indicating the reason for the designation no longer exists and the date on which it ceased to exist, demonstrate you are compliant with the Continuing Education requirements, and pay any applicable fees as set out in the regulations and OAA Bylaws.
As established in the regulations, non-practising members cannot act as validators for experience competencies. However, you can act as a validator for experience competencies from a prior time when you had practice rights.
No. Changing your status will not affect any active investigation or disciplinary matter and will not stop an investigation or discipline arising from the time when you had practice rights.
Non-practising members who engage in the practice of architecture may be found in contravention of the regulations and are subject to potential investigation and discipline.
No, non-practising status is only available to current holders of a licence or limited licence of the OAA. It is not available to any prescribed classes of persons whose interests are related to those of the Association.
Yes, your name will continue to appear on OAA’s online Directory, with an indication that you hold non-practising status.
No. Non-practising members must return their OAA seal. Digital authentication methods should be updated to recognize the surrender of the seal.
Yes. Members should familiarize themselves with the OAA Council Policy
Use of Designation OAA. Non-practising members must not use any term, title, addition, or description that will lead to the belief they may engage in the practice of architecture.
Yes, you will still receive publications and communications from the OAA; you continue to have full access to the OAA Website.
A non-practising member is not eligible for appointment to the Practice Resource Committee or any Committee established under the Architect Act.
Yes. Members holding non-practising status may still attend and vote at the AGM.
Non-practising status is not intended for members seeking leave. Regarding the OAA’s Leave Policy, more information can be found here.
As a non-practising member, you will declare your status annually when you complete the annual renewal; Continuing Education compliance and other requirements will flow from this annual declaration.
There are currently no fees to revoke your non-practising status. However, this is subject change if the OAA Bylaws are amended to include such a fee.