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US, Canada, and Mexico to Recognize Architect Credentials

  • 1.  US, Canada, and Mexico to Recognize Architect Credentials

    Posted 12-08-2014 10:21 AM
    From ArchDaily

    http://www.archdaily.com/574615/us-canada-and-mexico-agree-to-recognize-architect-credentials/

    US, Canada, and Mexico to Recognize Architect Credentials 

    A tri-national agreement between the  and Mexico will now allow architects to work across borders in North America. As reported by the US National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), in conjunction with the Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA) and the Federacion de Colegios de Arquitectos de la Republica Mexicana (FCARM), representatives from the architectural regulatory authorities in all three countries have agreed to mutually recognize architect credentials.

    "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)," stated NCARB in a press release. "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."

    In order to take advantage of this new agreement, architects must satisfy specific education and work qualifications, including:

    • 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.

    You can review the eligibility requirements and program information in greater detail here on the NCARB website.


    Derek Washam
    Manager, Federal & International Programs
    The American Institute of Architects
    Washington DC
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  • 2.  RE: US, Canada, and Mexico to Recognize Architect Credentials

    Posted 12-19-2014 05:49 PM
    For more information on the Tri-National Agreement and resources for practicing in Canada and Mexico, please refer to the following links:

    NCARB Resources:

    Practice in Mexico and Canada:

    Additional Resources:



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    Theresa Palma
    Director, International Relations
    The American Institute of Architects
    Washington DC
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  • 3.  RE: US, Canada, and Mexico to Recognize Architect Credentials

    Posted 12-22-2014 09:22 PM
    In the USA the decision to recognize registrations from other countries, and even from other states is decided by each state, individually. Neither the AIA nor the NCARB has no authority to make such an agreement on behalf of the states.

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    Charles Graham AIA
    Architect
    O'Neal, Inc.
    Greenville SC
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  • 4.  RE: US, Canada, and Mexico to Recognize Architect Credentials

    Posted 12-23-2014 10:11 PM
    @Charles

    you need to understand that this is an agreement, to open doors to foreign architects, this does not secure that they will be recognized or they are going to have projects or jobs in USA....the NCARB statement clearly say "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."; no one is saying they will have open doors to practice, even NCARB establishes a few requirements like:
    • 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.
    this are enough requirements and limits. 


    -------------------------------------------
    Rodrigo Godoy Alcarraz
    Intl. Assoc. AIA
    Associate NZIA
    partner - architect
    EcoDiseño Sustentable
    Santiago, Chile
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  • 5.  RE: US, Canada, and Mexico to Recognize Architect Credentials

    Posted 12-24-2014 11:10 PM
    Alcaraz, you missed the point. The NCARB has no authority over the states when deciding whom to accept for registration. The NCARB is out of line in making such negotiations.

    -------------------------------------------
    Charles Graham AIA
    Architect
    O'Neal, Inc.
    Greenville SC
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  • 6.  RE: US, Canada, and Mexico to Recognize Architect Credentials

    Posted 12-25-2014 06:20 PM
    A number of US state registration boards have reciprocity agreements with Canadian provinces. They may also have reciprocity agreements with others. Typically, a certified or active NCARB Record (Blue Cover) is sent to the respective registration board, Canadian province, or foreign registration authority upon request and payment. Sometimes a registration board has requirements that differ from those required for an NCARB Certificate. You should reconfirm. While NCARB may not have the authority over registration, NCARB certification tends to be the major requirement for state registration. I can only assume that any such public announcement by NCARB is made after consultations with state boards. ------------------------------------------- Hassan Gardezi AIA, OAA Principal, NBBJ Columbus, OH -------------------------------------------


  • 7.  RE: US, Canada, and Mexico to Recognize Architect Credentials

    Posted 12-28-2014 07:44 PM
    Dear Charles

    I fully understand your point and agree with you that NCARB has no power to decide or to compel a state regarding who should or should not be recognized or registered, basically considering that you are a country that has many climatic and geological areas requiring specificity in knowledge, which until now has worked well and there is no reason to innovate with professionals who surely are unfamiliar with this local reality. I am not opposed to your position, I only say that if there is qualified Architects, should open them opportunities to apply and get jobs or projects in USA.

    -------------------------------------------
    Rodrigo Godoy Alcarraz
    Intl. Assoc. AIA
    Associate NZIA
    partner - architect
    EcoDiseño Sustentable
    Santiago, Chile
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  • 8.  RE:US, Canada, and Mexico to Recognize Architect Credentials

    Posted 12-30-2014 01:59 AM
    Excuse me, Mr. Graham, but I believe you are way off base in criticizing the news of Sr. Godoy Alcarraz or the reported actions of NCARB. I think you need to visit NCARB.org and refresh your understanding of what the organization is and who its members are. NCARB represents the registration boards of all 50 states as well as the U.S. Territories. In the past, NCARB may not have been so important, but for my generation and moving into the present, NCARB has more national influence and its actions have more consequence. I think this is a significant and positive step for the practice of architecture in the Americas. In case you haven't noticed, our's is a global profession and has been for some considerable time. Reducing barriers to encourage the best designers and practices to contribute their services should be seen as a good thing, not dismissed or berated.

    -------------------------------------------
    Jeffrey Ouellette, Assoc. AIA, IES
    AIA TAP KC 2015 Chair
    BIM & Architect Product Specialist
    Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc.
    Austin, TX
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  • 9.  RE: US, Canada, and Mexico to Recognize Architect Credentials

    Posted 12-31-2014 08:06 PM
    O Come, people, do you seriously think that NY or California or half a dozen other jurisdictions I can think of are going to allow someone to just waltz in from elseplaces and set up a practise?  Hell, they don't even let other Americans do it!  And if the newcomer can pass the extra exams and qualifications that the more restrictive states have, well by all means welcome!

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    Jon Edelbaum AIA
    Sole Proprietor
    Jon F. Edelbaum, Architect
    Santa Cruz CA
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  • 10.  RE: US, Canada, and Mexico to Recognize Architect Credentials

    Posted 01-01-2015 11:27 PM
    This entire line of communication has become tedious.

    Please all, stop and look at the positive aspects of what has transpired. This is truly a Global economy, and a Global profession. Opportunities abound for Architects across the globe to create great places, and yes that includes the USA. Nothing in what NCARB has agreed to overrides the requirements of each individual State regarding licensing. You meet their requirements, pass their exams, you can become a licensed Architect in that State. NCARB does not license an Architect, individual State Licensing Boards license us to practice in their State.

    What has transpired is a more Global attitude towards licensing of Architects. A very positive step forward. Nothing to fear.

    RNL has worked in numerous countries across the World. We always partner with local Architects/Engineers. We believe that the prudent approach of an Architect is to partner with a local licensed Architect in the area of the project in order to best understand local codes, local construction techniques, local permitting and approval processes.

    Open your minds to a Global profession.

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    Patrick McKelvey AIA, PQP
    Regional Director
    RNL
    Los Angeles CA
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  • 11.  RE: US, Canada, and Mexico to Recognize Architect Credentials

    Posted 01-02-2015 05:47 PM
    You missed the point. The point is that NCARB cannot speak or make deals for sovereign state agencies.

    -------------------------------------------
    Charles Graham AIA
    Architect
    O'Neal, Inc.
    Greenville SC
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  • 12.  RE: US, Canada, and Mexico to Recognize Architect Credentials

    Posted 12-31-2014 09:29 PM
    Mr. Ouellette, please read the message from C. Bevins, who reinforces my statement. Also notice that his statements do not agree with the statement that started this thread. The NCARB represents only NCARB. You need to understand that NCARB has no authority here, nor abroad for architectural licensure anywhere in the USA. That is the way the American form of government is set up. All authority that is not specifically assigned to the federal government resides with individual states, independent of each other. Licensure is granted by the individual state, not by the NCARB.

    If Mr. Bevins is correct, and his statements surely make sense, then the original poster of this thread owes us all an apology, and needs to reword the statements accordingly.

    -------------------------------------------
    Charles Graham AIA
    Architect
    O'Neal, Inc.
    Greenville SC
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  • 13.  RE: US, Canada, and Mexico to Recognize Architect Credentials

    Posted 12-30-2014 09:58 AM
    To all of you who have responded to the US, Canada, Mexico agreement press release, I hope I can help clear up a few of your concerns, and perhaps misunderstandings.  I was the 2002 President of NCARB and actively involved in these negotiations for the better part of 6 years.  Some of the credentials required by the 3 organizations are in fact ideas that I developed during those early years.  So much for my credentials.
    NCARB can only issue an NCARB certificate, nothing more, nothing less.  From my read of the press release NCARB has reached an agreement with Canada and Mexico that would qualify individuals who meet the agreed upon criteria to hold an NCARB certificate.  With the certificate those individuals can apply for licensure in any US state or jurisdiction, and it is up to the licensing board to determine if their individual laws will allow a license to be issued  - nothing different from what US architects have to do now.  Some licensing boards have it in their laws that the NCARB certificate is all that is required for reciprocity, others had additional requirements in addition to the certificate.
    Is this a big deal - yes.  But it does not open the doors to anyone who wants to come to the US, Canada, or Mexico and practice architecture.  I was a strong proponent that someone who was interested in international practice should be an experienced person who understood that there were not only laws that governed our profession, but ethical issues as well.  From what I see of the credentials required I think I am satisfied that the "international architect" meets my criteria.  


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    C. Bevins FAIA
    Architect
    Atraix Group
    Charlotte NC
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  • 14.  RE: US, Canada, and Mexico to Recognize Architect Credentials

    Posted 12-29-2014 06:51 PM
    Charles, I'm with you on this one.
    NCARB way over stepped by stating "...will be granted a credential that will lead to a license to practice architecture...". It claims authority over the states as though their 'credential' overrides the states licensing boards. This could not be further from the truth. In fact NCARB has been loosing ground in the states as of late. There are now fourteen (14) states (AK FL HI ID IL ME MN MS NJ NV NY OK PA SD) that won't even accept the NCARB Certificate under the NCARB/ CALA Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA).
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    Joshua Stephens Assoc. AIA
    Design Professional II
    Fentress Architects
    CO
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  • 15.  RE: US, Canada, and Mexico to Recognize Architect Credentials

    Posted 12-30-2014 02:11 AM
    14 wrongs don't make a right. ------------------------------------------- Jeffrey Ouellette, Assoc. AIA, IES BIM & Architect Product Specialist Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc. Austin, TX -------------------------------------------


  • 16.  RE: US, Canada, and Mexico to Recognize Architect Credentials

    Posted 12-30-2014 05:34 PM
    Hello everyone,

    I am an architect who practices extensively outside the US, and I am the founding chair of the Boston Society of Architects' Global Practice Network. Having navigated the complex waters of overseas practice, I think it is incredibly important for foreign (that is, non-US) architects to understand the complexities of providing professional services in the US. It appears that the NCARB announcement is poorly worded and could be misleading, at least in terms of non-US architects having reciprocity to practice in the US. However, it also appears that the intent of this "agreement" is to pave the way for US architects to provide services in Canada and Mexico, along the lines of NAFTA. I can imagine that US architects would be interested in understanding how to navigate these markets, given the increasingly competitive US market and the role that international markets can play in helping to buffer the effects of a stagnant economy at home. Unfortunately, it seems (to me at least) that this discussion thread has been overly focused on "they can't do that here." As the International Committee of the AIA, I would have expected a broader and more inclusive discussion about how US architects can provide value to clients in Canada and Mexico AND vice-versa.

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    Mark Careaga AIA
    Associate Principal
    Payette Associates, Inc.
    Boston MA
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