ARB scraps two-year practice requirement for architectural registration in the UK

The Architects Registration Board has announced changes to its professional practice experience approach, which will see its two-year requirement of industry experience scrapped.

Other changes include revisions to the organisation's Standards for learning providers, new guidance for employers and trainees, and a new Trainee Record of Experience process.

The changes form part of the Architects Registration Board's (ARB) wider reforms to its Profession Practice Experience, or PPE. During this, trainees gain experience working in architectural practice, which is required for registration in the UK.

According to the organisations, these changes aim to improve the route to registration by giving trainees "clearer and more consistent support".

New framework to provide "greater transparency for trainees"

Under the new requirements, which are expected to come into force in December 2028, ARB's requirement for applicants to have completed at least two years of practical experience will be scrapped. Instead, timeframes will vary depending on an individual's training and practical experience.

"Our aim is to make sure that all trainees have access to high-quality practical experience and the support they need to develop the competence required for registration," ARB chair Alan Kershaw said.

"The new framework for practical experience published today will give learning providers greater flexibility to integrate academic learning and practical experience," he continued.

"It will also provide much greater transparency for trainees about what they should expect from their PPE and how they can access guidance and support."

In response to concerns over this change reducing the standards required for registration, the ARB has highlighted that applicants will still need qualifications demonstrating that they have met all of ARB's Competency Outcomes.

"The feedback we received through our consultation has helped us further strengthen and refine our proposals," Kershaw said. "We have used this to shape changes that will give trainees a more supportive and flexible experience, while maintaining the high standards required for registration."

Alongside this, the ARB has also published new guidance for trainees and employers outlining their respective roles, and updated its Accreditation Handbook to reflect its revised Standards for learning providers.

Additionally, trainees, learning providers and employers will use a Trainee Record of Experience intended to support "structured reflection" on their practical experience.

The record will not be assessed by the ARB. Instead, it will work to "identify gaps in experience" in order for trainees to meet the required Competency Outcomes and registration.

Rules to take effect from 2028

The announcement by the ARB comes after a year-long review by the organisation in 2025, which examined its Profession Practice Experience.

This was followed by a consultation earlier this year, with the feedback used to inform the proposed changes.

The new rules announced by the ARB will take effect from 31 December 2028, by which point all qualifications must have transitioned to the new framework.

In other ARB news, a recent interview with CEO Hugh Simpson suggested that necessary cultural change within the construction industry is still yet to happen following the devastating Grenfell Tower.

The top image is by Daniel McCullough, courtesy of Unsplash.

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