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A tri-national agreement between the United States, Canada and Mexico will now allow architects to work across borders in North America. As reported by the US National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), in conjunction with the Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA) and the Federacion de Colegios de Arquitectos de la Republica Mexicana (FCARM), representatives from the architectural regulatory authorities in all three countries have agreed to mutually recognize architect credentials.

“The agreement represents over a decade of negotiations, bringing cross-border recognition of professional credentials from concept to reality in the spirit of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA),” stated NCARB in a press release. “Qualified architects, from each country, who satisfy the requirements of the agreement, will be granted a credential that will lead to a license to practice architecture in the host country.”

In order to take advantage of this new agreement, architects must satisfy specific education and work qualifications, including:

Completion of a professional degree in architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB/CCCA), Acreditadora Nacional de Programas de Arquitectura y Disciplinas del Espacio Habitable (ANPADEH), or recognized equivalent.

A minimum of 10 years of post-licensure experience in the architect’s home jurisdiction.

Proof of “Good Standing” in the home jurisdiction, as verified by the local regulatory authority.

Knowledge of the codes, laws, and other matters applicable to the practice of architecture in the host country.

Submission of a dossier of work to satisfy the specific competencies outlined in the agreement related to “responsible control and comprehensive practice.”

Completion of an interview before a review panel in the host country, conducted in the language of the host country.

You can review the eligibility requirements and program information in greater detail here on the NCARB website.