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.
Entry requirements & restrictions
- Documents needed to apply (UK qualifications)
- Evidence of qualifications (official certificate or equivalent), valid passport or national ID (no driving licences), payment card[3]
- Extra evidence if final Part 3/Practice qualification was over 2 years ago, or partial qualifications (Registration Assurance Process)
- CV plus written reference from an ARB-registered architect confirming relevant work in at least 2 of the last 3 years; for the over-2-years case only, a personal statement is an alternative. Partial qualifications require the CV and reference.[4]
What it costs to qualify
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, Last verified 2026-09-11 🔶
- ARB annual registration (retention) fee 2026: £225.00, source, Last verified 2026-10-14 🔶
- Documents needed to apply (UK qualifications): Evidence of qualifications (official certificate or equivalent), valid passport or national ID (no driving licences), payment card, source, Last verified 2026-10-14
- Extra evidence if final Part 3/Practice qualification was over 2 years ago, or partial qualifications (Registration Assurance Process): CV plus written reference from an ARB-registered architect confirming relevant work in at least 2 of the last 3 years; for the over-2-years case only, a personal statement is an alternative. Partial qualifications require the CV and reference, source, Last verified 2026-10-14
- Proof of Qualification and Registration Certificates: £80.00 per certificate, source, Last verified 2026-10-14 🔶
Verified reference information, not professional, medical, legal or careers advice. Regulations change; always check the cited primary source before relying on it.