Representatives from the architectural regulatory authorities of United States, Canada, and Mexico have announced a major agreement to mutually recognize architect credentials in the three countries, making it possible for architects to work across North American borders.
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) in the United States, in conjunction with the Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA) and the Federacion de Colegios de Arquitectos de la Republica Mexicana (FCARM), announced the final implementation of the Tri-National Mutual Recognition Agreement for the International Practice of Architecture among the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The agreement represents over a decade of negotiations, bringing cross-border recognition of professional credentials from concept to reality in the spirit of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Qualified architects, from each country, who satisfy the requirements of the agreement, will be granted a credential that will lead to a license to practice architecture in the host country.
Informally known as the Tri-National Agreement, the pact outlines specific requirements that architects must satisfy when pursuing mutual recognition. These include education and work qualifications, as well as submitting documentation to confirm the individual’s credentials. A few of the basic eligibility requirements include:
• Completion of a professional degree in architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB/CCCA), Acreditadora Nacional de Programas de Arquitectura y Disciplinas del Espacio Habitable (ANPADEH), or recognized equivalent.
• A minimum of 10 years of post-licensure experience in the architect’s home jurisdiction.
• Proof of “Good Standing” in the home jurisdiction, as verified by the local regulatory authority.
• Knowledge of the codes, laws, and other matters applicable to the practice of architecture in the host country.
• Submission of a dossier of work to satisfy the specific competencies outlined in the agreement related to “responsible control and comprehensive practice.”
• Completion of an interview before a review panel in the host country, conducted in the language of the host country.
The agreement, along with similar programs, opens doors to qualified architects as the world and architectural practices become more globally connected. Architects interested in pursuing the opportunity for licensure outside of their home country should review the eligibility requirements and program information in greater detail as posted on the NCARB website. Additional details and standard application forms can be obtained by contacting the regulatory authority in the architect’s home country.
The path to the Tri-National Agreement has its origins in the passage of NAFTA in 1994, which spurred a discussion between leaders and regulators of the architecture profession in the United State, Canada, and Mexico to consider ways to facilitate the mutual recognition of licensure credentials among all three countries.
The initial agreement, signed in 2005 by the leaders of the profession in all three countries, marked what many considered to be one of the first professional services recognition programs under NAFTA. The study of the path to licensure in each country, the subsequent negotiations, the pilot program, and the final mechanisms for implementation continued over the following years, with support from volunteer leaders and staff from all three countries’ licensing authorities.
Throughout the process, the underlying goal has been to remove barriers and provide qualified architects the opportunity to offer professional services across borders while ensuring the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare. The agreement applies to architects from the United States, Canada, or Mexico who have not used other mutual recognition agreements for initial licensure in their home country.
Related Stories
Market Data | Jul 21, 2022
Despite deteriorating economic conditions, nonresidential construction spending projected to increase through 2023
Construction spending on buildings is projected to increase just over nine percent this year and another six percent in 2023, according to a new report from the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Mixed-Use | Jul 21, 2022
Former Los Angeles Macy’s store converted to mixed-use commercial space
Work to convert the former Westside Pavilion Macy's department store in West Los Angeles to a mixed-use commercial campus recently completed.
Building Team | Jul 20, 2022
San Francisco overtakes Tokyo as the world’s most expensive city for construction
San Francisco has overtaken Tokyo as the world’s most expensive city for construction, according to a new report from Turner & Townsend.
Libraries | Jul 20, 2022
Canada to open one of the world’s largest library and archive facilities
When it opens in 2026, Ādisōke is expected to be one of the largest library and archive facilities in the world.
Architects | Jul 19, 2022
Perkins Eastman Bolsters Its Dallas Studio with 5 Dynamic New Principals
Seasoned staff bring talent, experience, and enthusiasm to expand firm.
Energy-Efficient Design | Jul 19, 2022
All is not lost: 3 ways architects can respond to the Supreme Court’s EPA ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling to limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s power to regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from power plants dealt a significant blow to our ability to fight the climate crisis with federal policy.
Office Buildings | Jul 19, 2022
Austin adaptive reuse project transforms warehouse site into indoor-outdoor creative office building
Fifth and Tillery, an adaptive reuse project, has revitalized a post-industrial site in East Austin, Texas.
Women in Design+Construction | Jul 18, 2022
Registration is open for BD+C's 2022 Women in Design+Construction Conference
Join your AEC industry peers in Chicago, September 26-28, 2022, for the 7th annual Women in Design+Construction Conference, hosted by the BD+C editorial team and the 35-person WIDC Advisory Board.
Airports | Jul 18, 2022
FAA will award nearly $1 billion for airport projects
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award nearly $1 billion to 85 airports of all sizes across the country to improve terminals.
Building Team | Jul 18, 2022
Understanding the growing design-build market
FMI’s new analysis of the design-build market forecast for the next fives years shows that this delivery method will continue to grow, despite challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
