As part of our role as regulator, we set the UK educational standards required to join the Architects Register and become a UK architect. The Board’s focus during this time is on ensuring every prescribed qualification continues to provide a sufficient basis for registration as a UK architect.

The Board issued the first stage of its guidance on the delivery, assessment and examination processes of ARB prescribed qualifications during the coronavirus pandemic to education providers at the end of March.

As part of that guidance, the Board requested urgent written notice of any proposed adjustments that relate to a Part 3 level qualification. The Board subsequently agreed ways to expedite the consideration of these changes so institutions receive timely decisions and can progress delivery and associated examinations. The first of these adjustments have been prioritised and considered through the Board’s revised processes.

At its virtual meeting on 4 May, the Board formally confirmed its commitment to ensuring the standards of entry to the Register via the UK route are not compromised during the pandemic. It also agreed an approach for handling prescription submissions currently within the system. We will be engaging with relevant institutions and stakeholders accordingly.

For more information on our response to coronavirus in relation to prescribed qualifications, visit the guidance pages on our website for education providers and architecture students.