Study of Registration Practices of the
ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF ARCHITECTS, 2007
- 1. INTRODUCTION
- 2. BACKGROUND OF THE REGULATORY BODY
- 3. REGISTRATION PRACTICES
- a. Registration Requirements and Application Process
- b. Documentation Required from Internationally Trained Individuals
- c. Credential Assessment (Third Party and/or Internal)
- d. Academic/Program Requirements
- e. Work Experience Requirements
- f. Examinations
- g. Language Requirements
- h. Fees
- i. Third Parties
- j. Typical Length of the Registration Process
- k. Accredited Programs
- l. Internal Review/Appeal Process
- 4. BRIDGING PROGRAMS
- 5. MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENTS
- 6. APPLICANTS’ INTERACTIONS WITH REGULATORY BODY
- 7. CHANGES SINCE THE 2005 SURVEY
- 8. REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND STATISTICS
- 9. SOURCES
ISBN 978-1-4249-6486-4 [HTML English version]
1. INTRODUCTION
The Office of the Fairness Commissioner (OFC) undertook a study of registration practices of Ontario's regulated professions during the fall and winter of 2007–2008. The purpose of the study was to understand each regulated profession's 2007 registration practices and to establish baseline data and information to enable the OFC to measure progress as it fulfills its mandate under the Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act, 2006.
This report reflects the registration practices of the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) as of December 31, 2007. Information in this report was gathered from:
face-to-face meetings with registration staff of the regulatory body
additional documentation provided by the regulatory body
relevant websites
career maps for the profession posted on the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration's website (where applicable).
The Ontario Association of Architects also provided registration information and statistics for 2005, 2006 and 2007 through a standard spreadsheet designed by the OFC.
An analysis and summary of the findings for all of the regulated professions is contained in the OFC's Ontario’s Regulated Professions: Report on the 2007 Study of Registration Practices.
2. BACKGROUND OF THE REGULATORY BODY
a. Legislation
The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) is governed by the Architects Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.A.26 and Ontario Regulation 27 under the Architects Act.
b. Protected Titles
The OAA regulates architects in Ontario. To use the title “architect” or offer the services of an architect in Ontario, an individual must have:
a licence as an architect, issued by the OAA
a certificate of practice, issued by the OAA.
c. Definition of the Profession
Architecture is the designing of, and the providing of aesthetic and technical advice on, built objects in public and private landscapes.
d. Labour Market/Economic Trends
Approximately 2,600 architects are employed in Ontario, mostly in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa. About 50 per cent of these architects are self-employed as principals in firms of one or two architects. There are approximately 1,300 architecture offices in Ontario — one-half being sole proprietorships with small staff. Other architects work for architectural firms, government, real estate developers or large corporations, or teach. Most licensed architects work full-time.
Architects may specialize in housing or renovations, or institutional, industrial or commercial buildings. They often lead teams of specialists including structural, mechanical and electrical engineers, and must therefore have strong project and contract management abilities.
There is no constant customer base for architecture. In addition, the business is vulnerable to economic downturns, especially in the construction business. As a result, the business can be erratic and difficult to sustain for any firm.
Architects’ salaries vary according to their levels of experience.
e. New Developments Within the Profession
The OAA is developing a new examination for interns in Canada. The Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC) is a practice-based examination designed to test the knowledge of interns after they have obtained at least 2,800 of the required hours of experience. This examination is for interns enrolled in the Intern Architect Program (IAP) only and may replace or provide an alternative option to the existing Architect Registration Examination (ARE). The OAA expects that the ExAC will be in place in late 2008.
f. Staffing
The OAA Office of the Registrar has seven full-time employees. All seven of these employees are involved with some aspects of the registration process.
3. REGISTRATION PRACTICES
a. Registration Requirements and Application Process
The Architects Act and Regulation 27 set the requirements for the issuing of a licence as an architect in Ontario. According to the legislation, applicants for a licence must:
Be of good character
Be at least 18 years of age
Be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, or be a member of an organization of architects that is recognized by the OAA Council and that has objects, standards of practice and requirements for membership similar to those of the OAA
Have a degree in architecture from a post-secondary institution or have successfully completed the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada syllabus
Have a Certificate of Certification from the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB)
Successfully complete the Admission Course offered by the OAA
Successfully complete a total of 5,600 hours of experience that meets the requirements of the national Intern Architect Program (IAP). Of these 5,600 hours:
At least 2,780 hours must be under an architect.
At least 940 hours must be in Ontario on projects physically located in Ontario, in an architectural practice under the personal supervision and direction of an architect. This experience must be completed within three years of an Application for Licence. This 940 hours may be counted as part of the 2,780 hours mentioned in the previous point.
Pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
b. Documentation Required from Internationally Trained Individuals
i. Standard Documentation
All applicants must apply for certification of their academic qualifications through the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). The following information must be submitted directly to the CACB:
A completed application
An official Transcript of Record (or notarized copy) of all studies relevant to the architecture degree (and certified copies of translated transcripts, if the original is not in French or English)
Notarized copies of degrees or diplomas in the original language (and a notarized copy of the translation of the degree or diploma, if the original is not in French or English)
Course descriptions for the program in architecture (or a translation of course descriptions, if the originals are not in French or English)
An academic portfolio of studio work
An application fee of $1,300 plus Goods and Services Tax (GST), payable in Canadian currency only. Credit cards are not accepted. (Note: the fee is $110 for graduates of an accredited school of architecture in Canada or the United States.)
ii. Options for Applicants with Unavailable/Destroyed Documents
Applicants must contact the CACB for all matters concerning their documents.
c. Credential Assessment (Third Party and/or Internal)
The CACB Assessment Committee reviews the documents the applicant submits and determines whether the education is equivalent to the Canadian Education Standard (CES). In some cases, applicants may be asked to attend an interview with the Assessment Committee.
The assessment process has three possible outcomes:
A CACB certificate is issued, if the academic qualifications meet the CES.
The applicant may be required to eliminate deficiencies in particular subject areas by successfully completing one or more courses recommended by the CACB.
The academic qualifications do not meet the requirements of the CES and the CACB.
d. Academic/Program Requirements
i. Academic Qualifications
Applicants require a degree in architecture from a post-secondary institution, or must have successfully completed the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada syllabus.
Applicants must apply for certification of their academic qualifications through the CACB.
ii. OAA Admission Course
Every applicant for a licence with the OAA must attend the Admission Course. The course is offered once a year in Toronto, usually during May or June. The Admission Course covers topics related to regulatory, legal, and practice issues specific to Ontario. It is designed to supplement the applicant's formal professional education and the practical experience gained during the period of internship. Familiarity with The Canadian Handbook of Practice is part of the Admission Course.
To be eligible for registration in the Admission Course, the applicant must:
Hold Intern Architect status with the OAA, with all current fees paid in full
Complete the Admission Course application form
Pay the Admission Course registration fee.
The content of the lectures for 2008 includes the following:
the Architects Act, regulation and by-laws, the profession and the OAA
legal aspects and contracts
planning and development approvals
the building code
the bid process
the Construction Lien Act
contract administration and general review.
e. Work Experience Requirements
Once the CACB has certified an individual’s credentials, he or she submits an application for appointment as an intern architect with the Intern Architect Program (IAP). The applicant must find a mentor with one of the ten provincial architectural associations. The OAA can provide a list of architects who are willing to serve as mentors.
Applicants must complete 5,600 hours of work experience to fulfill the experience requirement. This must include 940 hours of experience in Ontario (within the three years before an application for licence) on projects physically located in Ontario, under the personal supervision and direction of an architect licensed to engage in the practice of architecture in Ontario. Applicants may be eligible for credit for up to 4,660 hours of their international work experience.
Each applicant must satisfy the requirements of the Canadian Experience Record Book (CERB), and record all work experience in the CERB.
Work experience will be reviewed by the OAA and may be considered for part of the Intern Architect Program requirements. If an applicant’s international experience forms part of the 5,600 hours of required experience, he or she must attend an interview with the Experience Requirements Committee at the time of applying for a licence.
f. Examinations
The Architect Registration Examination (ARE) was developed by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and has been adopted by the Canadian provincial and territorial architectural associations as a requirement for licensing. The ARE is administered and graded by computers in test centres across Canada and the United States. Although the OAA sends eligibility information directly to the testing organization, intern architects are responsible for scheduling each division of the examination. (The different divisions of the exam are listed in section 3.h.)
An individual who fails a division must wait for six months before retaking that division. Results are sent directly to the OAA, and the OAA forwards the results to the intern architect.
g. Language Requirements
The OAA does not require any specific language abilities. However, as part of the academic assessment process by the CACB, an applicant may be required to attend an interview, in English or French, before the Assessment Committee for a detailed evaluation.
h. Fees
GST must be added to the costs listed here. Except for the Architect Registration Examination fees, all fees are shown in Canadian dollars. Payment must be made in Canadian funds and is non-refundable. Shipping costs may apply.
| Various Application Fees | |
|---|---|
|
Assessment of academic qualifications by the CACB for graduates of a foreign school of architecture |
$1,300 |
|
Assessment of academic qualifications by the CACB for graduates of an accredited school of architecture in Canada or the United States |
$110 |
|
OAA intern architect annual fee |
$145 |
|
Canadian Handbook of Practice |
$320 |
|
Mastering the Business of Architecture kit |
$160 |
|
Admission Course |
$375 |
|
Application fee for licence |
$275 |
|
Application fee for certificate of practice |
$250 |
| Architect Registration Examination Fees These fees are listed in US dollars. Canadian applicants must pay the exchange rate plus GST. Exam fees cannot be refunded once an appointment to write has been set. |
|
|
Pre-design |
$102 |
|
General structures |
$102 |
|
Lateral forces |
$102 |
|
Mechanical and electrical systems |
$102 |
|
Building design/Materials and methods |
$102 |
|
Construction documents and services |
$102 |
|
Site planning |
$153 |
|
Building planning |
$153 |
|
Building technology |
$153 |
| Licence Fee | |
|
Annual licence fee renewal |
$760 |
| Certificate of Practice Annual Fees | |
|
Annual certificate of practice renewal (1 architect) |
$390 |
|
Annual certificate of practice renewal (2–4 architects) |
$630 |
|
Annual certificate of practice renewal (5–10 architects) |
$1,295 |
|
Annual certificate of practice renewal (11 or more architects) |
$3,325 |
i. Third Parties
| Name of Third Party | Relationship to Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
|
Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) |
Assesses academic qualifications for both domestic and international applicants. |
|
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) |
Develops and facilitates the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) to assess candidates. |
j. Typical Length of the Registration Process
The registration process can require from one year to five years or more.
Currently, there is no limit to the length of time that individuals can remain as intern architects.
k. Accredited Programs
The OAA does not accredit university programs in architecture. The CACB manages this process.
Three Schools of Architecture in Ontario have professional architecture degree programs that are accredited by the CACB.
Carleton University, Ottawa
University of Toronto
University of Waterloo
The Architectural Science program at Ryerson University is a four-year degree program and is considered pre-professional studies. To pursue licensing from the OAA, individuals require further studies to attain a professional architecture degree.
The following schools in Canada outside of Ontario have CACB-accredited programs in architecture:
Dalhousie University, Halifax
McGill University, Montreal
University of British Columbia, Vancouver
University of Calgary
Université Laval, Quebec City
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg
University of Montreal
l. Internal Review/Appeal Process
If an applicant wishes to appeal a decision involving his or her application, the Registrar evaluates the applicant’s application package to ensure that all requirements have been met for the issuing of a licence.
If applicants have any issues regarding their work experience, they have the option of requesting an interview with the Experience Requirements Committee, which will make a determination that is binding on both the applicant and the Registrar.
The Registrar has never proposed to refuse an applicant a licence. However, if the Registrar were to propose to refuse a licence, the applicant may appeal to the Registration Committee. A tribunal (consisting only of architects) of the Registration Committee hears the appeal. If the tribunal agrees with the Registrar, the applicant may appeal the decision to the Ontario Divisional Court.
The Registration Committee is composed of:
at least two elected members of the OAA council appointed to the committee by the council
at least two members of the OAA who are not members of the council and who are appointed to the committee by the council.
4. BRIDGING PROGRAMS
The OAA has a pilot mentoring program with the Jewish Vocational Services (JVS) that helps internationally trained applicants integrate into the architectural profession in Ontario (for example, by providing job-hunting skills). The first phase of the program began in 2006 with 16 participants. By the spring of 2008, 61 people will have been mentored. There are no fees for this program. This pilot program ends March 31, 2008.
5. MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENTS
The OAA has a reciprocity agreement with all Canadian provincial and territorial licensing authorities with respect to the issuing of a licence. There is a separate reciprocity agreement with the United States for the issuing of a licence.
A reciprocal agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico is currently under development.
6. APPLICANTS’ INTERACTIONS WITH REGULATORY BODY
a. Nature and Frequency of Communication
Most of the OAA’s contact with applicants is by phone or e-mail or through personal visits. The frequency varies by applicant, and can be frequent.
b. Backlogs
There is no backlog for licence applications.
c. Complaints Regarding the Registration Process
The most frequent complaints from interns concern:
lack of employment
the existence of far too many websites with too much information for individuals to absorb, causing them to become confused, overwhelmed and frustrated.
With respect to employment, a number of interns state that they are unwilling to take entry-level positions when they are overqualified for the position.
7. CHANGES SINCE THE 2005 SURVEY
The Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration conducted a survey in 2005 to collect information about occupational regulatory bodies in Ontario.
A new examination, the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC), is under development and is intended to be implemented in late 2008.
8. REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND STATISTICS
Definitions used in these tables:
Alternative class of licence: a class of licence that enables its holder to practise with limitations; additional registration reqirements must be met in order to be fully licensed. The Ontario Association of Architects did not have an alternative class of licence in 2005 or 2006. Alternative classes of license granted by the Ontario Association of Architects since 2007 are specified under the tables below.
Applicant: a person who has applied to start the process for entry to the profession.
Applicant actively pursuing licensing: Intern architects (IAs) paying the IA annual fee plus applicants who have completed their internship and are applying to be licensed as architects (members).
Inactive applicant: a cancelled IA.
Intern Architect (IA): A person who is completing the requirements to obtain a licence as an architect. An IA is not permitted to call him/herself an architect or provide architectural services to the public.
Member: a person who is currently able to use the protected title or professional designation “architect.”
| Language | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|
| English |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| French |
No |
No |
No |
| Other(s) |
| Applications received | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largest number |
Iran |
India |
Iran |
| Second-largest number |
Romania |
China |
India |
| Third-largest number |
India |
Iran |
China |
| Fourth-largest number |
China, Colombia, Egypt |
Egypt |
Egypt, Iraq |
| Fifth-largest number |
Mexico |
Colombia, Iraq |
Ukraine |
| Number of staff | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Involved in registration process |
3 |
3 |
4 |
| Involved in appeals process |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
| Members | Ontario | Other Canadian Provinces | USA | Other International | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total members1 |
1,3922 |
477 |
311 |
366 |
2,546 |
| Non-practising members3 |
11 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
14 |
1 As of January 25, 2008.
2 The total number of members in Ontario includes 19 professional engineers grandfathered as architects.
3 The OAA category of non-practising member is an architect with terms, conditions and limitations who cannot be involved in the practice of architecture.
|
|
Jurisdiction where members were initially trained in architecture (before they were granted use of the protected title or professional designation in Ontario) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In 2005 (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31) | Ontario | Other Canadian Provinces | USA | Other International | TOTAL |
| New applications received1 |
87 |
19 |
12 |
65 |
183 |
| Applicants actively pursuing licensing |
560 |
112 |
106 |
279 |
1,057 |
| Inactive applicants |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
| Applicants who met all requirements and were authorized to become members but did not become members2 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
| Applicants who became members |
33 |
8 |
7 |
12 |
60 |
| Applicants who were authorized to receive an alternative class of licence but were not issued a licence |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
| Applicants who were issued an alternative class of licence |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
1 Applications for IA status, plus applications to be licensed as architects (members) by applicants who have completed their internship.
2 This information not available until an Application for Licence is submitted.
|
|
Jurisdiction where members were initially trained in architecture (before they were granted use of the protected title or professional designation in Ontario) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In 2006 (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31) | Ontario | Other Canadian Provinces | USA | Other International | TOTAL |
| New applications received1 |
131 |
22 |
22 |
77 |
252 |
| Applicants actively pursuing licensing |
657 |
126 |
121 |
344 |
1,248 |
| Inactive applicants |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
| Applicants who met all requirements and were authorized to become members but did not become members2 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
| Applicants who became members |
49 |
7 |
7 |
12 |
75 |
| Applicants who were authorized to receive an alternative class of licence but were not issued a licence |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
| Applicants who were issued an alternative class of licence |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
1 Applications for IA status, plus applications to be licensed as architects (members) by applicants who have completed their internship.
2 This information not available until an Application for Licence is submitted.
|
|
Jurisdiction where members were initially trained in architecture (before they were granted use of the protected title or professional designation in Ontario) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In 2007 (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31) | Ontario | Other Canadian Provinces | USA | Other International | TOTAL |
| New applications received1 |
118 |
9 |
12 |
71 |
210 |
| Applicants actively pursuing licensing |
725 |
153 |
131 |
403 |
1,412 |
| Inactive applicants |
238 |
55 |
38 |
115 |
446 |
| Applicants who met all requirements and were authorized to become members but did not become members2 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
| Applicants who became members |
42 |
9 |
7 |
10 |
68 |
| Applicants who were authorized to receive an alternative class of licence3 but were not issued a licence |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Applicants who were issued an alternative class of licence3 |
11 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
14 |
1 Applications for IA status, plus applications to be licensed as architects (members) by applicants who have completed their internship.
2 This information not available until an Application for Licence is submitted.
3 Non-practising membership: a class of licence that does not enable its holder to practise architecture.
9. SOURCES
Ontario Association of Architects and Settlement.Org, “Your Path to Becoming an Architect in Ontario: A partnership between OAA and Settlement.Org.” http://www.settlement.org/site/ecareermaps/arch/ontario/oaa.html. Last accessed: May 29, 2008.
Ontario Association of Architects website. http://www.oaa.on.ca. Last accessed: January 29, 2008.
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration website, “Access to the Profession of Architecture in Ontario.” http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/working/career/professions/architects.shtml. Last accessed: January 29, 2008.
Representatives of the Ontario Association of Architects met with staff of the Office of the Fairness Commissioner on October 1, 2007, to provide further information for this study.