DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE PROFESSIONAL
ARCHITECTURAL LICENSURE ASSESSMENT – 2026
ARCHITECTURE ORAL EXAMINATION – PART III
(VIVA VOCE)
Advanced Professional Competency Assessment in Architectural Practice,
Project Execution, and Ethical Responsibility
Examination Level: Final Professional Certification 2025/2026
Professional: ARB
(statutory body), established by and defined in 'A''s Act 1997. Set standards of education,
training + sets out a Code of Professional Conduct (CoPC) + maintain the register
(~37k)+safeguard consumer profession's reputation, handle complaints, advise profession. Part
of DCLG. competent authority for EU admin. Offences that could lead to disciplinary
proceedings: "Serious Professional Incompetence" + "Unacceptable Professional Conduct".
Board 8 lay-members, 7 'A's. Professional Conduct Committee deals with complaints (if not
dismissed or resulting in a formal warning, it can be passed into a PCC, composed of:
Independent chair, 1 ARB lay-member + 1 ARB 'A' member). The penalties can be formal
reprimand, fine<5k, suspend <2years or strike off >2years, no costs, appeal to High Court. The
'A''s record with disciplinary measure will be shown on public record for different lengths of
time depending on the penalty. The longest is 5 years after removal from the ARB register. CoPC
-12 standards (all members registered as an A under the 'A''s Act 1997): 1. Honesty + integrity 2.
Competence 3. Honest promotion of services 4. Competent management of business 5.
Consideration of wider impact 6. Technical and professional standards 7. Trustworthiness with
client's money 8. Insurance arrangements (must cover PII of over £250,000) 9. Maintaining the
reputation of the profession 10. Competent and prompt handling of disputes+ complaints 11.
Co-operation with regulation requirements 12. Respect for others.
1|Page
,Professional: TITLE PROTECTION
Registered prof. terms "'A'" + "'A's" role protected under Arch Act 1997 (ARB was created as
statutory regulatory body, before was ARCUK. It has a statutory requirement to protect the title.
Currently, in the UK, there are 38.000 registered 'A's) + service not. Only used by ARB registered
'A's. Firms/partnerships can use ''A'' in their business name, as long as a registered A is in direct
control. Exemptions: "Architecture/al", "software","systems", "landscape", "naval" + "golf
course". "Interior arch" must be reg. Is prosecution in public interest? Warning or fine <2.5k per
offence. RIBA suffix counts as use. EUROPE - European Recognition of Professional Qualifications
Directive 2005/36/EC sets out 11 points for the training of 'A's across member states (min
periods of training from Jan 2016). Freedom throughout Europe. Authority in UK is ARB. Once
trained all "equal". The Service Directive (2006/123/EC): creates points of single contact to aid
cross border provision of services & sets standards for consumer protection of service providers.
In the UK, the RIBA and ARB are working together to strengthen the position and influence of
the 'A's.
Professional: RIBA
(Prof. body), est. 1837. "Advance Architecture and promote excellence in prof." Personal +
practice memberships, must be registered. 2005 Code of Conduct should drive all services and
activities undertaken by 'A's, and should be always be implied/expressed din the contract terms
of an 'A''s appointment. Principles: • Integrity (Members shall act with honesty and integrity at
all times), • Competence (In the performance of their work, members shall act competently,
conscientiously and responsibly. Members must be able to provide the knowledge, the ability
and the financial and technical resources appropriate for their work), • Relationships (Members
shall respect the relevant rights and interests of others). Elected council & president. Work with
communities, schools, research, project competitions/exhibitions., clients, industry, JCT, lobby &
advise gov. Set CPD Validates courses. Along with the code of conduct, RIBA has established a
set of core values and 9 documents of guidance on how to ensure best understanding and
compliance with the code. If not complied with, RIBA also has disciplinary measures including
caution, reprimand, suspension and withdrawal of title 'charted 'A'' or use of RIBA at the end of
their name, which can impact an 'A''s ability to promote themselves in the industry.
Professional: RIBA CHARTERED PRACTICE
2|Page
,RIBA is the professional body for 'A's in the UK. In order for an Architecture practice to operate,
it does not need to be RIBA chartered, but needs to be registered with ARB. The RIBA
accreditation = well respected and considered as a matrix of high standard, professionalism and
quality among the industry. Any size practice. Min. 1 full time RIBA + ARB principal. All work-
supervised by RIBA + ARB member. 1 in 8 staff ARB, 1 in 10 RIBA. PII cover, quality management,
health and safety, employment policy, equality diversion + inclusion policy, CPD framework,
environmental management policy. Commit to living wage for all inc. students, fill out business
benchmarking survey. In return: Client focussed marketing, use of crest, access bespoke info.,
promoted on web + directories, legal advice, use of policies, CPD Club, business support service,
RIBA toolkits, benchmark report. If lack of compliance with its code, the practice or 'A' is liable
for negligence, professional serious incompetence and may face disciplinary punishment or lose
his membership and chartered title.
Professional: RIBA CODE OF PRACTICE FOR CHARTED PRACTICES
As part of their membership undertaking, CP are be bound by the RIBA Code of Practice for
Chartered Practices. It comprises: • Three principles of professional conduct and practice
(Honesty/Integrity, Competence, and Relationships) • Professional values that support those
principles. As part of the Code of Practice, practices are required to have in place a written
complaints handling procedure. RIBA Chartered Practices are the only Architecture practices
endorsed and promoted by the RIBA. This accreditation sends a strong signal to clients,
employees and the wider construction industry and shows that your business is committed to
excellence in design and service delivery.
Professional: CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)
All RIBA members are required to complete at least 35h of CPD /year (45min/week). RIBA offers
a wide range of free and paid for, face-to-face and online CPD seminars and courses, across all
Learning Levels, throughout the UK and Internationally. There are 10 Curriculum items (subject
to change later in 2017), which must cover at least 20 hours of total required: 1. Being safe
(H&S) 2. Climate (Sustainable Arch) 3. External Management (Clients, users and delivery of
services) 4. Internal Management (professionalism, practice, business and management) 5.
Compliance (legal, regulatory and statutory framework and processes) 6. Procurement and
contracts 7. Designing and building it (structural design, construction, technology and
3|Page
, engineering) 8. Where people live (communities, urban and rural design and planning process)
9. Context (the historic env and its settings) 10. Access for all (universal or inclusive design). At
least 100 learning points must be achieved by each individual through CPD activities,
representing the personal assessment of what was learned through those activities. Non-
structured learning activities are permitted, but at least half of the recorded CPD hours must
come from structural activities. The RIBA will provide CPD, information and resources. However,
CPD does not have to come from or be accredited by the RIBA to count. The RIBA regularly
audits member records to check compliance.
Professional: ACA
(Association of Consultant 'A's: national professional body represent Arhcitects in private
practice/consultant 'A's through the UK),
Professional: BBA
(British Board of Agreement: UK's major authority offering approval and certification services to
manufacturers & installers. It is recognised by Building Control, gov dep, arch, LA, specifiers, etc)
Professional: NHBC
(National House Buildings Council: non-profit distributing company. Primary purpose to raise
the construction standards for new homes in UK + to protect homeowners. Largest provider of
new home warranties and largest single Approved Insp for Building Regs + other activities:
energy rating, H&S, sustainability & training)
Professional: BRE
(Building Research Establishment: UK based organisation that provides info about what kind of
methods would best support the env protection & sustainable dev.)
4|Page
ARCHITECTURAL LICENSURE ASSESSMENT – 2026
ARCHITECTURE ORAL EXAMINATION – PART III
(VIVA VOCE)
Advanced Professional Competency Assessment in Architectural Practice,
Project Execution, and Ethical Responsibility
Examination Level: Final Professional Certification 2025/2026
Professional: ARB
(statutory body), established by and defined in 'A''s Act 1997. Set standards of education,
training + sets out a Code of Professional Conduct (CoPC) + maintain the register
(~37k)+safeguard consumer profession's reputation, handle complaints, advise profession. Part
of DCLG. competent authority for EU admin. Offences that could lead to disciplinary
proceedings: "Serious Professional Incompetence" + "Unacceptable Professional Conduct".
Board 8 lay-members, 7 'A's. Professional Conduct Committee deals with complaints (if not
dismissed or resulting in a formal warning, it can be passed into a PCC, composed of:
Independent chair, 1 ARB lay-member + 1 ARB 'A' member). The penalties can be formal
reprimand, fine<5k, suspend <2years or strike off >2years, no costs, appeal to High Court. The
'A''s record with disciplinary measure will be shown on public record for different lengths of
time depending on the penalty. The longest is 5 years after removal from the ARB register. CoPC
-12 standards (all members registered as an A under the 'A''s Act 1997): 1. Honesty + integrity 2.
Competence 3. Honest promotion of services 4. Competent management of business 5.
Consideration of wider impact 6. Technical and professional standards 7. Trustworthiness with
client's money 8. Insurance arrangements (must cover PII of over £250,000) 9. Maintaining the
reputation of the profession 10. Competent and prompt handling of disputes+ complaints 11.
Co-operation with regulation requirements 12. Respect for others.
1|Page
,Professional: TITLE PROTECTION
Registered prof. terms "'A'" + "'A's" role protected under Arch Act 1997 (ARB was created as
statutory regulatory body, before was ARCUK. It has a statutory requirement to protect the title.
Currently, in the UK, there are 38.000 registered 'A's) + service not. Only used by ARB registered
'A's. Firms/partnerships can use ''A'' in their business name, as long as a registered A is in direct
control. Exemptions: "Architecture/al", "software","systems", "landscape", "naval" + "golf
course". "Interior arch" must be reg. Is prosecution in public interest? Warning or fine <2.5k per
offence. RIBA suffix counts as use. EUROPE - European Recognition of Professional Qualifications
Directive 2005/36/EC sets out 11 points for the training of 'A's across member states (min
periods of training from Jan 2016). Freedom throughout Europe. Authority in UK is ARB. Once
trained all "equal". The Service Directive (2006/123/EC): creates points of single contact to aid
cross border provision of services & sets standards for consumer protection of service providers.
In the UK, the RIBA and ARB are working together to strengthen the position and influence of
the 'A's.
Professional: RIBA
(Prof. body), est. 1837. "Advance Architecture and promote excellence in prof." Personal +
practice memberships, must be registered. 2005 Code of Conduct should drive all services and
activities undertaken by 'A's, and should be always be implied/expressed din the contract terms
of an 'A''s appointment. Principles: • Integrity (Members shall act with honesty and integrity at
all times), • Competence (In the performance of their work, members shall act competently,
conscientiously and responsibly. Members must be able to provide the knowledge, the ability
and the financial and technical resources appropriate for their work), • Relationships (Members
shall respect the relevant rights and interests of others). Elected council & president. Work with
communities, schools, research, project competitions/exhibitions., clients, industry, JCT, lobby &
advise gov. Set CPD Validates courses. Along with the code of conduct, RIBA has established a
set of core values and 9 documents of guidance on how to ensure best understanding and
compliance with the code. If not complied with, RIBA also has disciplinary measures including
caution, reprimand, suspension and withdrawal of title 'charted 'A'' or use of RIBA at the end of
their name, which can impact an 'A''s ability to promote themselves in the industry.
Professional: RIBA CHARTERED PRACTICE
2|Page
,RIBA is the professional body for 'A's in the UK. In order for an Architecture practice to operate,
it does not need to be RIBA chartered, but needs to be registered with ARB. The RIBA
accreditation = well respected and considered as a matrix of high standard, professionalism and
quality among the industry. Any size practice. Min. 1 full time RIBA + ARB principal. All work-
supervised by RIBA + ARB member. 1 in 8 staff ARB, 1 in 10 RIBA. PII cover, quality management,
health and safety, employment policy, equality diversion + inclusion policy, CPD framework,
environmental management policy. Commit to living wage for all inc. students, fill out business
benchmarking survey. In return: Client focussed marketing, use of crest, access bespoke info.,
promoted on web + directories, legal advice, use of policies, CPD Club, business support service,
RIBA toolkits, benchmark report. If lack of compliance with its code, the practice or 'A' is liable
for negligence, professional serious incompetence and may face disciplinary punishment or lose
his membership and chartered title.
Professional: RIBA CODE OF PRACTICE FOR CHARTED PRACTICES
As part of their membership undertaking, CP are be bound by the RIBA Code of Practice for
Chartered Practices. It comprises: • Three principles of professional conduct and practice
(Honesty/Integrity, Competence, and Relationships) • Professional values that support those
principles. As part of the Code of Practice, practices are required to have in place a written
complaints handling procedure. RIBA Chartered Practices are the only Architecture practices
endorsed and promoted by the RIBA. This accreditation sends a strong signal to clients,
employees and the wider construction industry and shows that your business is committed to
excellence in design and service delivery.
Professional: CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)
All RIBA members are required to complete at least 35h of CPD /year (45min/week). RIBA offers
a wide range of free and paid for, face-to-face and online CPD seminars and courses, across all
Learning Levels, throughout the UK and Internationally. There are 10 Curriculum items (subject
to change later in 2017), which must cover at least 20 hours of total required: 1. Being safe
(H&S) 2. Climate (Sustainable Arch) 3. External Management (Clients, users and delivery of
services) 4. Internal Management (professionalism, practice, business and management) 5.
Compliance (legal, regulatory and statutory framework and processes) 6. Procurement and
contracts 7. Designing and building it (structural design, construction, technology and
3|Page
, engineering) 8. Where people live (communities, urban and rural design and planning process)
9. Context (the historic env and its settings) 10. Access for all (universal or inclusive design). At
least 100 learning points must be achieved by each individual through CPD activities,
representing the personal assessment of what was learned through those activities. Non-
structured learning activities are permitted, but at least half of the recorded CPD hours must
come from structural activities. The RIBA will provide CPD, information and resources. However,
CPD does not have to come from or be accredited by the RIBA to count. The RIBA regularly
audits member records to check compliance.
Professional: ACA
(Association of Consultant 'A's: national professional body represent Arhcitects in private
practice/consultant 'A's through the UK),
Professional: BBA
(British Board of Agreement: UK's major authority offering approval and certification services to
manufacturers & installers. It is recognised by Building Control, gov dep, arch, LA, specifiers, etc)
Professional: NHBC
(National House Buildings Council: non-profit distributing company. Primary purpose to raise
the construction standards for new homes in UK + to protect homeowners. Largest provider of
new home warranties and largest single Approved Insp for Building Regs + other activities:
energy rating, H&S, sustainability & training)
Professional: BRE
(Building Research Establishment: UK based organisation that provides info about what kind of
methods would best support the env protection & sustainable dev.)
4|Page
