The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and the Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA) recently entered into a mutual recognition agreement (MRA), allowing architects to become licensed in either the United States or Canada more easily.
This agreement streamlines the licensing process for architects who have completed their education and training in one country but wish to become licensed in the other. Previously, architects had to complete a separate evaluation process and meet different requirements for each country, resulting in a time-consuming and costly process.
Under the new MRA, architects who have completed their education and training in either the United States or Canada will be able to more easily become licensed in the other country. This is an important step in promoting international mobility for architects and ensuring that they are able to practice their profession without unnecessary barriers.
To qualify for the MRA, architects must meet certain requirements, including completing a professional degree in architecture from an accredited program, completing the relevant experience requirements, and passing the relevant exams.
The MRA also includes provisions for ongoing professional development and continuing education, ensuring that architects maintain their skills and knowledge throughout their careers.
Overall, the NCARB-CALA Mutual Recognition Agreement is a significant development for the architectural profession in North America. It allows architects to easily practice in both the United States and Canada, providing greater opportunities for professional development and career advancement. By removing unnecessary barriers to licensing, the MRA ensures that architects are able to focus on what they do best – designing and building the world around us.