PATHWAY 8: FOR ARCHITECTS LICENSED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
On this page:
— Introduction
— Readiness for Practice in the UK
— UK-registered
— NZ-registered
— Architectural graduates
— Eligibility certificate
— Apply to NZ Register
— Apply to UK Register
— FAQs
— Contact us
Introduction
The Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between the UK's Architects Registration Board (ARB), the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB), and the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), facilitates the registration process for architects across these countries. Effective from 25 May 2023, this Agreement streamlines the process for architects applying for licensure in the UK, New Zealand, and Australia.
UK-registered architects can apply for registration in New Zealand by providing evidence of their recognised and accredited qualifications and registration status. This initiative enhances mobility and professional opportunities for architects, allowing them to practise more easily across the participating countries.
The citizenship eligibility requirement from the terms of the initial Agreement has been removed, which means this application route is now open to the holder of any passport and not restricted to just UK / Australian / New Zealand citizens or those with permanent residency status to remain in these countries.
Eligible applicants can apply for mutual recognition either as a registered architect or an architectural graduate.
To check eligibility and specific requirements, refer to the information below.
Readiness for Practice in the UK (RfPUK) is Coming
The UK Adaptation Assessment (UKAA) will be replaced by the new Readiness for Practice in the UK (RfPUK) module as part of ARB’s modernisation of its routes to registration. RfPUK will provide international architects applying through ARB’s Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) routes with a streamlined online learning and assessment experience focused on the knowledge needed to practise safely and effectively in the UK.
The final UKAA will take place in October 2026. The UKAA will then close, but the associated MRA routes to registration will remain open. The new RfPUK module is expected to be introduced in February 2027 and will replace the UKAA as part of these routes. There will therefore be a short transition period between the final UKAA and the introduction of RfPUK, during which the UKAA will not be available. Further information about the introduction of RfPUK and the transition arrangements will be provided in early 2027.
I am UK-registered wanting to practise in New Zealand
Only accredited UK qualifications and accredited qualifications issued in NZ and Australia are in scope. Individuals who have joined the UK Register through the EU route to registration are outside the scope of the agreement.
UK to NZ applicants will need to have secured ARB-prescribed qualifications at Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 level and be registered and in good standing with ARB, which will be confirmed by ARB on a certificate of eligibility. UK architects will then need to apply to NZRAB for registration and meet any additional requirements set by the NZRAB.
An architect is also an eligible UK to NZ architect if they have:
— secured accredited NZ or Australian qualifications issued by schools of architecture in either of these countries, and have secured equivalence at UK Part 1 and Part 2 level, having undertaken assessment by ARB (such as the Prescribed Examination);
— and secured an ARB-prescribed qualification issued by a school of architecture in the UK at Part 3 level;
— and successfully completed any additional requirements set by the NZRAB.
or
— secured UK-prescribed qualifications at Part 1 and Part 2;
— and successfully completed any additional requirements set by the NZRAB.
I am NZ-registered wanting to practise in the UK
NZ to UK applicants will require an NZRAB-certificate confirming eligibility, including successful completion of an accredited architecture qualification from a school of architecture in NZ or Australia, together with current NZRAB registration.
NZ to UK architects will also need to pass ARB’s UK Adaptation Assessment (UKAA) before being admitted to the UK Register.
There is a dedicated UKAA webpage on the ARB’s website to assist ‘full-package’ NZRAB and other MRA applicants, who are seeking to register in the UK. The suite of documents available on the UKAA webpage are examples of typical scenarios and scenario-based questions that candidates will need to respond to as part of their application, together with suggested topics that responses might cover. The aim for providing this info is to give applicants more insight into what will be required during the process.
An architect is also an eligible NZ to UK architect if they have:
— secured ARB-prescribed qualifications issued by schools of architecture in the UK at Part 1 and Part 2 level;
— and are currently registered by the NZRAB, and have passed ARB’s UK Adaptation Assessment.
I am a NZ-trained architectural graduate wanting to practise in the UK
The MRA provides for the ‘freestanding’ recognition of NZRAB-accredited Master’s-level qualifications issued in NZ. The NZRAB will issue a certificate of eligibility to confirm that accredited qualifications are within scope of the agreement, which will enable ARB to confirm that the qualifications have been accepted. Applicants will then be able to complete a UK Part 3 qualification to qualify for entry to the UK Register.
There is no provision for the ‘freestanding’ recognition of only undergraduate degree qualifications issued in NZ under the MRA. If such graduates elect to study Part 2 and Part 3 qualifications in the UK, Part 1 requirements will need to be satisfied by making an application through the Prescribed Examination route before an application for registration is possible.
For a list of recognised and accredited qualifications, click here.
To obtain a NZ certificate of eligibility confirming that the accredited qualification held is in scope of the agreement, refer to the information below
Email registration@nzrab.org.nz with your full legal name (include previous names, if relevant), date of birth, your NZ Registration number (if relevant), and details about your architectural qualification such as degree held and any Class of Honours, Merit or Distinction, year completed / awarded, and the tertiary provider / institution that awarded the degree. Also include the name as it is printed on your degree certificate(s).
Include a copy of either your degree certificate(s) or transcript of academic record. For proof of identity purposes, please also attach a copy of either your passport or driver's license, i.e., colour photographic identification.
The following questions are for NZ-registered architects only — if not applicable, write ‘n/a’:
— are you currently registered in NZ and, if so, what is your NZ Registration number?
— provide details of any convictions by any court in any jurisdiction for an offence punishable by imprisonment for a term of six months or more;
— provide details of any legal claims or disputes or commercial settlements as a result of architectural work that you have done, which may be relevant to your competence.
Once your request for a NZ certificate of eligibility has been submitted to the NZRAB, you should expect a response within five (5) working days; this could take longer during periods of high demand. Ensure that you leave sufficient time for your request to be processed. A copy of the certificate will be sent to you as well as the UK ARB. There is no fee associated with this service request.
To apply to the NZ Register as a UK Architect, refer to the information below
1. Review the criteria to confirm eligibility;
2. Having checked that you meet the elibility requirements, you can complete your ARB certificate application form on the ARB portal; there is a fee payable to the ARB for the provision of a certificate; see FAQs section below;
3. Having reviewed your certificate request, the UK ARB will confirm you meet the requirements of the MRA and will then issue a certificate to the NZRAB on your behalf;
4. NZRAB will contact you once your certificate has been received to advise on next steps for registration;
5. Complete a Pathway 8 UK to NZ MRA Architects Application Form.
To apply to the UK Register as a NZ Architect, refer to the information below
1. Review the criteria to confirm eligibility;
2. Request a certificate of eligibility from the NZRAB; there is no fee for provision of a NZRAB-issued certificate;
3. NZRAB will confirm you meet the requirements of the MRA and will then issue a certificate to the UK ARB on your behalf;
4. UK ARB will contact you to let you know the additional requirements, which must be satisfied, including the UK Adaptation Assessment, which you must successfully pass to demonstrate you are able to practise competently in the UK context and can be admitted to the UK Register;
5. Having passed the UK Adaptation Assessment, you will then be eligible to make an application to join the UK Register. Applicants will be provided with information on how to proceed by the UK ARB.
Click here for further information and to go to the ARB’s website.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
— What is happening to the UK Adaptation Assessment (UKAA)?
The UK Adaptation Assessment (UKAA) is being replaced by the new Readiness for Practice in the UK (RfPUK) module as part of ARB’s modernisation of routes to registration. RfPUK will provide international architects applying through ARB’s Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) routes with a streamlined online learning and assessment experience focused on the knowledge needed to practise safely and effectively in the UK.
— When will the UKAA close?
The final UKAA will take place in October 2026. After the final assessment, the UKAA will no longer be available to applicants.
— Is the MRA route to registration closing?
No. The MRA routes to registration are not closing. The UKAA is being replaced as part of the modernisation of the MRA routes. Once introduced, RfPUK will replace the UKAA as the learning and assessment component of these routes.
— When will RfPUK be available?
RfPUK is expected to be introduced in February 2027. ARB will publish further information about the new module and how to apply ahead of its launch.
— What happens between the final UKAA and the introduction of RfPUK?
There will be a short transition period between the final UKAA in October 2026 and the expected introduction of RfPUK in February 2027, while ARB makes adjustments to its systems and processes to accommodate the new arrangements. During this period, the UKAA will no longer be available. The MRA routes themselves remain in place and will continue once the new RfPUK module is introduced.
— Can I still take the UKAA?
Yes. If you are eligible and wish to complete the UKAA under the current arrangements, you can apply to take the final assessment in October 2026. You should make sure you allow enough time to complete any application requirements before the assessment takes place. At the time of writing (15 September 2026) there are two slots available, and applications must be received by 18 September 2026.
— What if I don't take the UKAA before it closes?
You will still be able to use the relevant MRA route once RfPUK is introduced. You will need to complete the new RfPUK module instead of the UKAA as part of the updated process.
— What happens if I take the UKAA and do not pass before the deadline?
You will need to apply for the RfPUK once it is introduced.
— Do I need to wait until February 2027 to apply through an MRA route?
If you are eligible, you can apply under the current arrangements before the 18 September 2026 deadline to take the final UKAA in October 2026. If you do not complete the UKAA before it closes, you will need to wait for RfPUK to become available before completing this part of the route.
— Will my existing MRA application be affected?
This will depend on where you are in the application process and when you complete the UKAA. ARB will provide specific information directly for applicants who are already progressing through an MRA route to explain how the transition from UKAA to RfPUK will affect them.
— How can I apply for the RfPUK?
Applications for the RfPUK will be made online. ARB expects to publish more information about making an application in early 2027.
— What NZ qualifications are within scope of the Mutual Recognition Agreement?
For a list of recognised and accredited qualifications granted by NZ schools of architecture, click here.
— How much does making an application to the ARB under the MRA cost for NZ architects?
Applicants initially need to apply to the NZRAB for a certificate of eligibility, for which there is no service provision fee. NZ architects will need to contact the ARB for details of the fee for the UK Adaptation Assessment.
Successful applicants will then need to pay ARB’s usual registration fee when applying to join the Register. Fees vary according to the time of year in which the application is made and published on the ARB’s website.
— How much does it cost for a UK architect to seek recognition with the NZRAB?
The ARB will issue a certificate of eligibility to UK architects seeking recognition with the NZRAB. UK architects will need to contact the ARB for further details about the certification fee payable to the ARB. The additional application fees required by an UK architect seeking to enter the NZ Register is NZ$1,750.00. Once an UK architect's NZ registration has been approved, you will also be required to pay an annual certificate of registration fee of NZ$950.00.
— Is NZRAB able to assist with visa and work permit requirements?
The NZRAB is unable to provide advice relating to immigration matters. Please see the information available on the NZ Government’s website here.
— I joined the UK Register through the ARB’s EU route to Registration. Can I make use of the MRA?
The MRA does not accommodate UK architects, who have joined the UK Register through another reciprocal agreement, such as that operated for EU applicants, so you will not be eligible to make use of the MRA.
— Where can I see the full text of the Mutual Recognition Agreement?
The full text of the MRA can be downloaded here.
Contact us
For further assistance and one-on-one support, please email registration@nzrab.org.nz.