The Architects Registration Board (ARB) has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to its Prescribed Examination, the route to registration for applicants who do not hold ARB-prescribed qualifications but can demonstrate they have achieved equivalent academic competence.
The proposals form part of ARB’s wider reforms to its education and registration framework, which replace the historic Part 1 and Part 2 qualification structure with assessment against ARB’s new Academic Outcomes.
Proposal 1: A revised examination process
ARB proposes replacing the current Part 2 Prescribed Examination with a revised examination aligned with its new education framework.
The revised examination would retain a number of features of the current process, including assessment against defined outcomes, a portfolio of evidence, an online interview and written feedback for unsuccessful applicants.
However, it would introduce a new staged process, requiring applicants to successfully complete each stage before progressing to the next.
Proposal 2: New eligibility requirements and assessment arrangements
The consultation also proposes changes to who can apply and how applications are assessed.
Applicants would be required to hold a qualification equivalent to UK Level 7 (RQF) but this qualification would no longer need to be specifically in architecture. People with qualifications in another relevant discipline would also be eligible to apply.
ARB also proposes reducing the number of examiners from three to two, removing referrals to lead examiners between stages, recording interviews for quality assurance purposes and introducing staged fees so applicants pay only for the stages they complete.
Have your say
The consultation closes on Wednesday 16 September 2026.
The full consultation details can be accessed here.
RSUA is preparing a response to the consultation. If you would like to share your views, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk
