Statement of Certification: In Canada, all provincial/territorial associations/institutes/orders recommend a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit Canadian professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes two types of accredited degrees: the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) and the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch). A program may be granted a six-year, three-year, or two-year term of accreditation, depending on its degree of conformance with established educational standards.
Master's degree programs may consist of a pre-professional undergraduate degree and a professional graduate degree, which, when earned sequentially, comprise an accredited professional education. However, the pre-professional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.
Professional Association: Requirements for architectural registration vary within jurisdictions. Applicants should confirm current requirements from the appropriate professional association. In general, the practice of architecture in Canada is governed by legislation enacted by the individual provinces / territorial associations. The right to practice architecture and accept responsibility is limited to those who are registered architects in the province / territorial association where the work is being completed.
In British Columbia, the practice of architecture is regulated by the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC). Students are encouraged to make contact with the profession by applying for admission to the AIBC as a Student Associate. Interested students should contact the AIBC directly.