The route to ARB registration today is the three-part ladder. Part 1 is an ARB-accredited undergraduate degree (typically a BA/BSc in Architecture, ~3 years); after a period of practical experience (the “year out”) comes Part 2, an ARB-accredited postgraduate qualification (typically an MArch, ~2 years); then Part 3, the ARB-accredited professional practice exam (the “qualifying exam”). The candidate must complete a minimum of 24 months of supervised practical experience across the route before registering. Passing Part 3 gives the legal right to use the title “architect” on ARB registration; applying for RIBA Chartered membership afterwards is a separate, optional step. 🔶 This Part 1/2/3 structure is being retired under the ARB education reform — see the ‘Tomorrow’s Architects’ entry — so write any check against “ARB-registered”, not against the route name.
Sources & verification
- The current route to ARB registration is Part 1 (ARB-accredited undergraduate degree) → Part 2 (ARB-accredited postgraduate qualification, typically MArch) → Part 3 (the professional practice exam), with a minimum of 24 months of supervised practical experience across the route — source, verified 2026-06-12 🔶
Verified reference information — not professional, medical, legal or careers advice. Regulations change; always check the cited primary source before relying on it.