Arb to use procurement model for internationally qualified architects’ exams

Arb is no longer planning to use an accreditation approach for exams for internationally qualified architects and will now use a procurement model as part of its shake up of architectural education.

The regulator has unveiled its next steps to overhaul routes to UK registration for internationally qualified architects following a public consultation on its proposals.

The changes aim to align international registration routes with ARB’s new UK education and training framework, while simplifying the process and removing unnecessary barriers for those seeking to join the UK Register from abroad. 

The consultation, which ran from October last year to January 2025, found a mixed response to its proposal for an accreditation approach for exams, with 58% of respondents supporting.

As a result of the response, Arb said it still intends to outsource the exam but through a procurement route with a contract rather than an accreditation model.

This will allow the regulator to appoint providers directly to deliver exams under specific service agreements. A single provider will be appointed initially, with more providers to be considered depending on the success of the model.

The changes, set to be introduced from late 2026, will also see the introduction of competence based assessments in a “modernised format”, simplified eligibility criteria and a single point of entry to the register.

A new route to registration for individuals with partial UK qualifications, such as Part 2 and Part 3, but not Part 1, will also be launched and will not include a formal examination. 

ARB Chair Alan Kershaw said: “Candidates who qualified outside the UK seeking registration here have previously told us that the current assessment methods are unnecessarily convoluted, time-consuming and confusing. 

“We have been determined to improve the system and our proposals for change have been met with high levels of support. Some useful feedback from people responding to the consultation has helped us further refine the new approach. 

“The changes we will implement will create more modern and effective assessment methodologies to ensure that competent architects, qualified outside the UK, will have fairer access to the UK Register.” 

The consultation found 88% of respondents supported a shift to competence-based assessment, with 80% backing the creation of a single point of entry to the UK register.

One in four respondents suggested that cost was the biggest barrier to UK registration for overseas architects and expressed views that exams should be kept affordable for candidates.