Requirements for Licence in Ontario
The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) is the organization that issues Licences to practice as an architect in Ontario. These requirements are set by legislation.
According to provincial legislation, applicants for a Licence must:
1. Be of good character - not have been found guilty of an offence that might prejudice his or her ability to practice architecture - for example, fraud
2. Be at least 18 years of age
3. 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.
To see a listing of Canadian and USA jurisdictions that have organizations of architects recognized by the OAA Council, click here.
The following links contain information on permanent resident status and citizenship:
- www.cic.gc.ca (Citizenship and Immigration Canada)
- www.settlement.org/site/IC/home.asp (Settlement.Org)
4. Have a degree in architecture from a post-secondary institution or have successfully completed the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Syllabus (education program);
5. Have a Certificate of Certification from
the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB);
CACB Certification information and forms are available at the CACB
Web site
6. Have successfully completed the Admission Course offered by the OAA
7. Have successfully completed a total of 5,600 hours of experience that meets the requirements of the Intern Architect Program as administered in Ontario by the OAA, with at least 940 hours of experience being in Ontario under the personal supervision and direction of an architect licensed to practice 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, and
8. Pass the Architect Registration Examination of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
Language Proficiency Assessment
The OAA does not require that applicants pass a language proficiency exam. However, the licensing process may involve interviews and exams that require excellent oral and written English language skills. If you feel uncomfortable participating in formal interviews, reading complex documents, and writing reports in English, you might consider upgrading your English skills before applying. See the Contacts and Resources section of this e-Career Map for information on where you can take English as a Second Language (ESL) courses in Ontario.