Questions and Answers

I have received my certificate from the CACB; what is my next step to be able to practice as an architect in Ontario?

If you are certified by the CACB, this means you have completed the education requirement, which is Step 1 in the licensing process. Step 2 is to complete the work experience requirement. You must apply for appointment as an Intern Architect with the OAA and purchase the Canadian Handbook of Practice. All Intern Architects in Ontario must complete the Intern Architect Program (IAP) to fulfil the experience requirements of the OAA. To take part in the IAP, you must find an architect who agrees to be your mentor, and complete the Canadian Experience Record Book. All licensed members of the OAA are eligible to serve as mentors. .0 Step 3 involves completing the Architect Registration Examination, and Step 4, attending the OAA Admission Course.

Can I work in an architectural office in Ontario without being certified by the CACB or being appointed as an Intern Architect?

Yes. You may work in an architectural office in Ontario without having CACB certification or being appointed as an Intern Architect with the OAA, but only under the personal supervision and direction of an architect licensed to engage in the practice of architecture in Ontario. However, if you plan to use this work experience to fulfil the OAA experience requirements, you must find a mentor who is an architect, and submit the work experience for review by the OAA within the time frame outlined in the Intern Architect Program Manual. This experience must be recorded in the Canadian Experience Record Book.

How many hours of work experience must I have to fulfil the Intern Architect Program requirement?

You must complete 5,600 hours of experience. This must include 940 hours of experience in Ontario in an architectural practice under the personal supervision and direction of an architect licensed to engage in the practice of architecture in Ontario within three years of an Application for Licence, and at least 2,780 hours of experience under the personal supervision and direction of an architect licensed to engage in the practice of architecture in Ontario. You may be eligible for credit for up to 4600 hours of your international work experience.

Section 31.5 of Ontario Regulation 27 of The Architects Act states:

"The person must have completed a total of 5,600 hours of experience that meets the requirements of the Intern Architect Program published by the Association. The experience must include,

• "i. at least 940 hours of experience in Ontario under the personal supervision and direction of a person licensed to engage in the practice of architecture in Ontario, which must be completed within the three years before the date on which the person applies for the Licence, and
• "ii. at least 2,780 additional hours of experience under the personal supervision and direction of a person authorized to engage in the practice of architecture. O. Reg. 430/97, s. 1."

I have been working as an architect in my country. Does my experience outside of Canada or the United States count toward the experience requirements?

Record all international architectural experience in the Canadian Experience Record Book and submit this proof of your work experience in countries outside Canada and the USA to be considered towards the experience requirements. Your work experience will be reviewed by the OAA and may be considered for part of the Intern Architect Program requirements. You may be eligible for credit for up to 4660 hours of your international architectural work experience.