How to Become an Architect in British Columbia
Do you need a licence?
Licence required
You must be registered with the Architectural Institute of BC to work as an architect in British Columbia or to use a protected title.
- Protected titles
- architect, Architect AIBC
Show the source
“the word “architect” and the professional title “Architect AIBC” are reserved for architects: those applicants who meet the education, experience and examination requirements for engaging in the full range of activities defined as the practice of architecture in the province of British Columbia.”
From aibc.ca/registration/architects, checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Licence required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 7 steps
- Licensed in another province: 3 steps
- Trained outside Canada: 4 steps
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Architectural Institute of BC
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 7 done
- 7 steps without a listed fee
-
Get academic certification from the Canadian Architectural Certification Board confirming your qualifications meet the Canadian Education Standard in Architecture.
Source
“Certification by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) confirms that your academic qualifications comply with the Canadian Education Standard in Architecture for entry to the profession.”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/internship-in-archite... -
Find a mentor and gather the required application documents, including diplomas, CACB certification, and signed letters from your mentor and supervising architect if employed.
Source
“Copy of CACB certification (letter and/or certificate) ... Confirmation of Mentor letter (PDF), signed by your mentor.”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/internship-in-archite... -
Submit your completed application package by email to the AIBC.
Source
“Please submit your application package by email to [email protected]. The hard copy does not need to be mailed.”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/internship-in-archite... -
When submitting the application, pay an application fee plus a prorated annual fee that depends on the approval date.
Source
“When submitting an application you must pay an application fee plus the prorated annual fee, which is dependent on the date your application is approved.”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/internship-in-archite... -
As an intern architect, complete the Examination for Architects in Canada.
Source
“Intern Architects AIBC are required to complete the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC).”
aibc.ca/registration/intern-architects/registrant-resources -
Successfully complete the AIBC oral exam before applying for registration as an architect.
Source
“Before you can apply for registration as an architect, you must successfully complete the AIBC oral exam.”
aibc.ca/registration/intern-architects/registrant-resources -
After completing national and provincial requirements, submit the application for registration as an Architect AIBC with payment information for application and annual fees.
Source
“Upon successful completion of national and provincial requirements, intern architects are eligible to apply for registration as an architect.”
aibc.ca/registration/intern-architects/registrant-resources
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Architectural Institute of BC
7 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Licensed in another province
0 of 3 done
- 3 steps without a listed fee
-
Ask your home jurisdiction regulator to send a Confirmation of Registration document directly to the AIBC; a nominal fee may apply.
Source
“You will need your “home” jurisdiction to provide a Confirmation of Registration. Please contact your architectural regulator to forward the confirmation document directly to the AIBC. A nominal fee may apply.”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/mutual-recognition-ag... -
Submit the Application for Canadian Reciprocity to the AIBC.
Source
“You will also need to submit the following: Application for Canadian Reciprocity (PDF)”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/mutual-recognition-ag... -
When submitting the application, pay an application fee plus a prorated annual fee based on the approval date.
Source
“When submitting an application you must pay an application fee plus the prorated annual fee, which is dependent on the date your application is approved.”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/mutual-recognition-ag...
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Architectural Institute of BC
3 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Trained outside Canada
0 of 4 done
- 4 steps without a listed fee
-
Source
“Please contact the CACB directly for more information and to apply to this program.”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/alternative-qualifica... -
Complete the Outcomes Based Assessment, which includes a project résumé, a self-assessment using the CACB online tool, a panel interview, and a supporting portfolio.
Source
“Successfully complete the Outcomes Based Assessment against the Canadian Competency Matrix, consisting of the following components on the forms provided by the CACB”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/alternative-qualifica... -
Obtain at least six months of relevant Canadian architectural work experience under the supervision of a registered architect within three years before the assessment interview.
Source
“Obtain at least six months of relevant Canadian architectural work experience, providing exposure to the practice and regulatory requirements of architecture in Canada, within three years before the date of the assessment interview.”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/alternative-qualifica... -
Once the BEFA or BEA program is completed, submit an application for registration as an architect at the AIBC.
Source
“Once a candidate has completed either the BEFA or BEA programs, they may submit an application for registration as an architect at the AIBC.”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/alternative-qualifica...
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Architectural Institute of BC
4 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Requirements
Education
BEFA applicants must provide proof of formal architectural education and a completed architectural degree.
Source
“Provide proof of formal architectural education and completed architectural degree.”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/alternative-qualifica...IAP applicants must obtain CACB certification confirming their academic qualifications comply with the Canadian Education Standard in Architecture.
Source
“Certification by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) confirms that your academic qualifications comply with the Canadian Education Standard in Architecture for entry to the profession.”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/internship-in-archite...
Experience
BEFA applicants must demonstrate at least seven years of post-registration architectural experience within the last twelve years.
Source
“Provide a résumé or CV to demonstrate at least seven (7) years of post-registration/licensure experience in architecture within the last twelve (12) years.”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/alternative-qualifica...BEA applicants must have six months of local and current architectural work experience under the direct supervision of an architect on a project in British Columbia within the last three years before applying for registration.
Source
“Six months of local and current architectural work experience under the Direct Supervision of an Architect, on a project located in British Columbia within the last three years prior to submitting an application for registration as an Architect.”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/alternative-qualifica...
Other
BEFA applicants must provide proof of registration as an architect in a foreign jurisdiction.
Source
“Provide proof of registration as an architect in a foreign jurisdiction.”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/alternative-qualifica...Applicants under Canadian reciprocity must be currently registered in good standing with another architectural regulator in Canada.
Source
“Applicants currently registered in good standing with another architectural regulator in Canada may seek registration with the AIBC under the Canadian Reciprocity Agreement.”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/mutual-recognition-ag...
Already licensed in another province?
Direct transfer
Architects registered in good standing in another Canadian province or territory can register with the AIBC under the Canadian Reciprocity Agreement by submitting an application and a Confirmation of Registration, with no additional exam or competence assessment stated. Source
“Applicants currently registered in good standing with another architectural regulator in Canada may seek registration with the AIBC under the Canadian Reciprocity Agreement.”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/mutual-recognition-ag...
Obtain Confirmation of Registration
Source
“You will need your “home” jurisdiction to provide a Confirmation of Registration. Please contact your architectural regulator to forward the confirmation document directly to the AIBC. A nominal fee may apply.”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/mutual-recognition-ag...Submit reciprocity application
Source
“You will also need to submit the following: Application for Canadian Reciprocity (PDF)”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/mutual-recognition-ag...
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Architectural Institute of BC
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Architectural Institute of BC
Exams
-
Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC)
Source
“Intern Architects AIBC are required to complete the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC).”
aibc.ca/registration/intern-architects/registrant-resources -
AIBC oral exam
Source
“Before you can apply for registration as an architect, you must successfully complete the AIBC oral exam.”
aibc.ca/registration/intern-architects/registrant-resources -
Oral Assessment
Source
“Oral Assessment by three qualified panel members of the Qualifications Advisory Group”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/alternative-qualifica... -
Outcomes Based Assessment
Source
“Successfully complete the Outcomes Based Assessment against the Canadian Competency Matrix, consisting of the following components on the forms provided by the CACB”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/alternative-qualifica...
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Architectural Institute of BC
Canadian experience
The AIBC can require six months of Canadian work experience as part of the BEFA Program under an exemption from the International Credentials Recognition Act. Source
“The AIBC can continue to require six months of Canadian work experience as part of the BEFA Program.”
aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/alternative-qualifica...
Supervised practice
Required
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | $29.07 | $45.14 | $69.80 | Limited (2 of 5) |
| Canada | $26.44 | $38.94 | $74.52 | — |
Architects in other provinces and territories
- Alberta Licence required
- Saskatchewan Licence required
- Manitoba Licence required
- Ontario Licence required
- Quebec Licence required
- New Brunswick Licence required
- Nova Scotia Licence required
- Prince Edward Island Licence required
- Newfoundland and Labrador Licence required
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Licence required
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Sources checked
- Architects aibc.ca/registration/architects · fetched October 10, 2026
- Internship in Architecture Program aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/internship-in-archite... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Registrant Resources aibc.ca/registration/intern-architects/registrant-resources · fetched October 10, 2026
- Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/mutual-recognition-ag... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Alternative Qualifications aibc.ca/registration/become-an-architect-aibc/alternative-qualifica... · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as an architect in British Columbia?
Yes. Registration with the Architectural Institute of BC is required to practise in British Columbia, and to use the title architect or Architect AIBC.
Which exams are required?
Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC), AIBC oral exam, Oral Assessment, Outcomes Based Assessment.
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