News
CALA program welcomes foreign-trained architects

Sept. 21, 2012 – The 11 provincial and territorial Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities, are pleased to announce the launch of a program called the Broadly Experienced Foreign Architects Program. This program offers experienced foreign-trained architects an alternative path to registration and licensing in Canada.

Sept. 21, 2012 – The 11 provincial and territorial Canadian Architectural
Licensing Authorities , are pleased to announce the launch a program
called the new Broadly Experienced Foreign Architects Program. This
program offers experienced foreign-trained architects an alternative path to
registration and licensing in Canada.
 
The architectural profession recognized, several years ago, that it did not
have an effective national program in place to assess the qualifications of
internationally trained and licensed architects.
 
“The architectural community sees great benefits from having internationally
trained foreign architects licensed as professionals in Canada. With it come
new connections, ideas and perspectives that can only enrich our profession. On
behalf of the eleven licensing authorities we would like to thank Minister
Finley and her officials at Human Resources and Skill Development Canada for
their financial support in the creation of the BEFA program." stated
Sheena Sharp, President, Ontario Association of Architects.
 
With funding from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and the support
of Architecture Canada, CALA has developed a fair and streamlined program to
assess the work experience and competencies of foreign architects against
pan-Canadian standards of competency for practice in Canada.
 
It is a three-step process, which includes the review of an architect’s
eligibility to apply, the completion of an on-line assessment tool and an
interview with registered architects.
 
The eligibility criteria include: an architecture education/degree; registration/licensure
as an architect in a foreign jurisdiction; demonstration of seven years’
experience of post-registration; licensure experience in architecture; and a
minimum of six months of relevant Canadian architectural work experience.
 
Related Link
www.cacb-ccca.ca/befa