Architects conceptualize, plan and develop designs for the construction and renovation of buildings primarily intended for human habitation (commercial, institutional, residential, etc.). Architectural firms, private corporations and governments employ architects. Some architects are self-employed.
This profession is regulated in Manitoba by the Manitoba Association of Architects.
Note: The association conducts the licensing process in English only. Thus, all requested documents must be translated into English.
To practise architecture in Manitoba you must:
You must complete the following steps:
STEP 1: Contact the Manitoba Association of Architects and tell them you are an internationally educated architect and want to receive information on how to become licensed to practise in Manitoba.
Manitoba Association of Architects
2nd Floor, 137 Bannatyne Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0R3
Phone: 204-925-4620
Fax: 204-925-4624
E-mail: info@mbarchitects.org
Website: mbarchitects.org
STEP 2: Contact the Canadian Architectural Certification Board and tell them you are an internationally educated architect who wants to become licensed to practise in Manitoba.
Canadian Architectural Certification Board
701 - 1 Nicholas Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7B7
Phone: 613-241-8399
Fax: 613-241- 7991
E-mail: info@cacb.ca
Website: cacb.ca
STEP 3: Complete the Canadian Architectural Certification Board application form to have your academic qualifications assessed.
You must submit the following:
*If documents are not in English, notarized translations are required.
STEP 4: Find a mentor who is a registered member of the Manitoba Association of Architects but is not a principal or partner at your firm.
STEP 5: Complete Manitoba Association of Architects application form to apply for an intern membership.
You must submit the following:
STEP 6: Obtain work experience as required by the association.
STEP 7: Complete the registration examinations. Interns have a choice of two examination systems - Architect Registration Examination OR Examination for Architects in Canada.
STEP 8: Satisfy the mandatory continuing education requirement.
STEP 9: Complete the Manitoba Association of Architects application form to apply for a licence.
You must submit the following:
STEP 10: When all requirements have been met you will be licensed by the Manitoba Association of Architects to practise as an architect in Manitoba. (If you intend to practise on your own you must also register an architectural entity with the association.)
Additional information
Any or all fees are subject to change without notice.
You can work in an architectural office under the direction and control of a registered architect without being licensed to practise.
You will be invoiced for annual membership dues into the Manitoba Association of Architects (which are pro-rated quarterly, based on the date of admission) following approval of your membership.
Annual dues for intern members are C$152.25.
Annual dues for registered members are C$798.
Once you submit an employer confirmation form and it is approved by the Manitoba Association of Architects you will be provided with a Canadian Experience Record Book. You need to demonstrate compliance with the requirements outlined in the log book including a minimum of 3,720 hours to be completed in various mandatory components. You may be given credit for work experience gained outside of Canada.
The Architect Registration Examination is administered on computers at test centers across Canada and the United States. The cost for all seven sections is US$1,249.50. You may write them at any time, after obtaining intern membership in the Manitoba Association of Architects.
The Examination for Architects in Canada is administered by 10 of the 11 provincial/territorial regulatory bodies in Canada. The cost for all four components is C$735. You must have a minimum of 2,800 hours logged and approved by a provincial or territorial association to be eligible for the examination.
All registered and intern members must satisfy mandatory continuing education requirements, on an ongoing basis, to maintain membership.
Amendments to the Canadian Education Standard are currently under review and, if approved, will have an impact on the CACB's review process.
In addition, the provincial/territorial associations in Canada were planning, when this licensing information sheet was being produced, to introduce a streamlined assessment process for architects who have a minimum of seven years experience as licensed professionals, including a minimum of six months local experience.
More information about the alternative registration process being developed for foreign trained professionals is available at architectstocanada.raic.org
Language: As part of your work, you are required to have intermediate or advanced English language skills in the four basic language areas - listening, speaking and reading and writing comprehension. Therefore, you should be able to:
Revised October 2011
Assistance for newcomers in Manitoba
