AIArchitect, October 3, 2005 - APEC Architect Register for International Practice Operational

10/2005

APEC Architect Register for International Practice Operational

On September 19, a system for multi-national recognition of profession credentials for registered/licensed architects with an established number of years’ experience (seven for U.S. architects) went into operation. The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Architect Register is intended to facilitate architects in one of the currently 14 participating jurisdictions (called “economies”) to elevate standards for professional competency, share knowledge, engage in joint ventures, and facilitate multi-lateral mutual recognition agreements.

The APEC Architect framework aims to reduce current barriers to the export of professional services. The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) maintains the U.S. Register of APEC Architects and is currently accepting applications. One criterion for acceptance onto the list is NCARB certification. NCARB and the AIA have been active participants and supporters of the APEC Architect Project since its inception.

Registration as an APEC Architect defines a level of competence that will satisfy designated registration criteria in other participating economies without further assessment. A host economy may adopt additional requirements for the recognition of APEC Architects. By agreement, those additional requirements must be spelled out clearly.

The APEC Architect Register is divided into sections, each administered by the monitoring committee of a participating economy for the enrollment of architects registered/licensed in that economy. Qualifications for architects in participating economies include:

An accreditation or recognition procedure for education programs in architecture
A minimum period of post-graduate practical experience, with specified requisites
Fulfillment of registration, licensing, or other requirements for full professional recognition
A minimum period of professional practice as a registered or licensed architect, with specified requisites.

To keep their registration, APEC Architects must comply with obligations imposed by their home economies for maintaining professional competence and observing codes of professional conduct.

Currently, the economies participating in APEC are:
Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and the U.S.

U.S. architects applying for inclusion on the APEC Architect Register must be NCARB-certified and demonstrate seven years of post-registration experience.

The APEC Architect Register application site.

For a history and current status of APEC, visit their Web site.

More specific information on APEC competence criteria.

For information on the criteria for recognition of architects and APEC architects in each of the 14 participating economies, view the results of a survey on that topic on the APEC Web site.