Architects
- Feb 19
- 6 min read
Licensing and Career Guide for Internationally Trained Architects in Canada
This guide outlines the process of becoming a licensed architect in Canada, highlighting the key certification bodies, steps to licensure, bridging programs, and employment preparation tools.
1. Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB)
Role: Academic Credential Assessment
The CACB is responsible for evaluating and certifying the academic qualifications of internationally educated architects who wish to practice in Canada.Before you can begin the internship or licensure process, your education must be assessed and certified by the CACB. www.cacb.ca
2. Ontario Association of Architects (OAA)
Role: Regulatory Body in Ontario
The OAA regulates the practice of architecture in Ontario. Once your education is approved by CACB, you must register with the OAA as an Intern Architect and complete the Internship in Architecture Program (IAP).After fulfilling the experience and exam requirements, the OAA grants you a license to practice as an Architect in Ontario. www.oaa.on.ca
3. Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC)
Role: National Licensing Exam
The ExAC is a national examination that tests your knowledge in architectural practice, building codes, construction documentation, and professional ethics.It is a required component of the licensing process across all provinces, including Ontario, and is typically written after completing a significant portion of your internship hours. www.calaexac.ca
Licensing Pathway for Architects in Ontario (via the Ontario Association of Architects – OAA)
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Academic Certification
Apply to CACB (Canadian Architectural Certification Board) for an academic evaluation of your degree.
Requirements:
Transcripts (original and English-translated)
Degree certificate
Course descriptions
Timeline: 3–6 months
Cost: ~$1300 CAD CACB Academic Certification Info
2. Internship in Architecture Program (IAP)
Once certified by CACB, register as an Intern Architect with OAA.
Complete 3,720 hours of structured experience under a licensed architect (supervisor).
Timeline: 2–3 years (depending on your work experience)
Cost: ~$735 for initial registration + ~$735 annual renewal OAA IAP Guide
3. Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC)
A national exam consisting of 4 sections covering construction, regulations, and professional practice.
Can be taken after completing 2,800 internship hours.
Timeline: Offered once a year in fall.
Cost: ~$1,000–$1,200 ExAC Website
4. Admission to OAA
After passing ExAC and completing internship, you can apply to become a licensed Architect in Ontario.
Additional requirements:
OAA Admission Course (~$200–$300)
Proof of legal status in Canada.
BEFA Program (Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect)
A pathway for internationally licensed architects with:
A minimum of 7 years of post-licensure experience (within the last 12 years)
At least 6 months of Canadian architectural experience
BEFA Steps:
Submit application and fees
Demonstrate 12 Canadian architectural competencies
Undergo panel interview
Estimated Timeline & Total Cost
Step | Timeline | Cost |
CACB Certification | 3–6 months | ~$2,150 CAD |
OAA Intern Registration | Ongoing (2–3 years) | ~$735/year |
ExAC Exam | After 2,800 hrs | ~$1,200 CAD |
Admission Course & Fee | Final stage | ~$300 CAD |
Total | ~3–4 years | >$6,000 CAD |
Bridging Programs for Internationally Trained Architects – Ontario
1. Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU, formerly Ryerson University)
Internationally Educated Professionals in Architecture (IEP Program)This is the primary and most recognized bridging program in Ontario for architects trained outside Canada.
Key features:
Orientation to the Canadian architectural profession
Understanding OAA requirements
Canadian building codes and construction standards
Studio courses and portfolio support
Job search and labour market integration
Networking opportunities with architects and firms
2. University of Toronto – Daniels Faculty
Architecture Bridging Workshops / Academic Bridging Courses(Not a formal “bridging program,” but accepted as one in the sector)
Supports internationally trained architects in:
Gaining Canadian architectural academic exposure
Strengthening portfolio and design skills
Meeting prerequisite gaps for licensing or graduate entry
Learning Canadian standards and design expectations
3. George Brown College – Building Code & Architectural Technology Bridging Courses
While not an architect-licensure bridging program, George Brown offers recognized bridging-style courses useful for internationally trained architects:
Ontario Building Code (OBC) courses
Revit, AutoCAD, BIM
Construction management courses
These help meet skill gaps identified during the OAA process.
4. Humber College – Canadian Architectural Practice Courses
These courses act as an informal bridging pathway, covering:
Architectural drawing standards used in Canada
Building technologies
Software skill upgrading
Workplace practices
5. OAA / RAIC – Internship in Architecture Program (IAP) Orientation Modules
While not branded as a "bridging program," these modules serve as a professional bridging requirement for internationally trained architects.
They cover:
OAA licensure pathways
Canadian practice guidelines
Construction documentation standards
Ethics and professional responsibilities
Building Up - For those looking at construction and project management pathways buildingup.ca
ACSESS & OACETT - If you're open to technologist or technician roles oacett.org
JVS Toronto Programs for International Architectural Professionals
Alternative Career Pathways (No License Required)
Many employers hire international architects in related roles that don’t require a Canadian license:
Job Titles:
Architectural Technologist / Technician
BIM Coordinator or Specialist
Urban Planner Assistant
Construction Project Coordinator
Interior Designer / Space Planner
Estimator or Technical Draftsperson
CAD/Revit Technician
Sustainability Consultant
Project Manager
Employers in Ottawa
Here’s a list of some architecture, design, and construction firms and organizations in this field:
Architecture & Design Firms
CSV Architects – Sustainable design and heritage projects csv.ca
Hobin Architecture – Residential and institutional projects hobinarc.com
Figurr Architects Collective figurr.ca
Moriyama & Teshima Architects
Engineering & Project Management Firms
Stantec
WSP
J.L. Richards & Associates Ltd.
GRC Architects
Public Sector / Government
City of Ottawa – Planning, Infrastructure, and Economic Development Department
National Capital Commission (NCC)
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)
Construction / Real Estate
EllisDon, PCL Constructors, Mattamy Homes, Claridge Homes, Richcraft Homes , HM homes, Minto, Urbandale, Mertic homes, Uniform Builder etc.
Summary: Steps to Become a Licensed Architect in Ontario
1. Academic Certification (CACB)– Submit your foreign credentials for evaluation– Timeline: 3–6 months | Cost: ~$1300 CAD
2. Register as an Intern Architect (OAA – IAP)– Begin your internship and start collecting experience hours (3,720 required)– Timeline: 2–3 years | Annual Cost: ~$735
3. Pass the ExAC (Examination for Architects in Canada)– Eligible after 2,800 internship hours– Timeline: 1–2 years | Cost: ~$1,200
4. Complete OAA Admission Course– Required before applying for licensure– Cost: $300-$400
5. Apply for Licensure (P.Eng Equivalent in Architecture)– Submit final application to OAA and become a licensed architect
Total Estimated Timeline: 3–4 years
Estimated Total Cost: > 6,000– CAD
1. Regulatory Bodies and Key Programs
Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB)
The CACB is the national organization that:
Certifies the academic qualifications of architecture graduates
Accredits professional architecture programs in Canada
Administers the BEFA (Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect) Program for internationally licensed professionals
2. Licensing Pathway
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Academic Certification (CACB)
o Submit transcripts, course descriptions, project lists, and degrees.
o Pay assessment fees.
o Receive academic certification upon successful review.
Learn more: CACB Academic Certification
2. Internship in Architecture Program (IAP)
Register with your provincial/territorial regulator (e.g., Ontario Association of Architects – OAA)
Complete the Internship in Architecture Program (IAP), which includes:
Supervised work experience (3,720 hours)
Exposure to all 12 Canadian Experience Record Book (CERB) categories
3. Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC)
Register for the ExAC after meeting the internship and eligibility criteria.
Successfully pass both sections of the exam to proceed toward licensure.
4. Apply for Licensure
Upon completing all requirements, apply for licensure through your respective provincial or territorial architectural regulator.
4. Recommended Preparation and Resources
Research and Goal Setting
Build Your Support System
Join study groups
Find a mentor
Use community organizations and professional networks
Career Readiness Training
Attend workshops at World Skills Employment Centre
Develop a strong resume and portfolio
Practice interviews
Communication & Professionalism
Improve English or French skills
Learn technical terminology
Practice presentation and email etiquette
Stay Informed
Subscribe to updates from CACB, OAA, and architectural organizations
Watch informative sessions and mentorship talks like those from Mehdi Zahed's YouTube Channel
5. Alternative or Complementary Certifications
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification: https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp
Short architectural software courses (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit)
Summary: Architectural Licensing Pathway at a Glance
Step | Action |
Evaluate | Academic Certification via CACB |
Intern | Register in IAP & complete internship hours |
Examine | Take and pass the ExAC |
License | Apply for provincial/territorial licensure (e.g., OAA) |
Alternative | Consider BEFA if already licensed abroad |
Prepare | Build resume, portfolio, language & professional communication skills |
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