On this page, you’ll find an exhaustive guide on the Alberta Architect License Requirements and the Architect Registration process in Alberta. It provides all the crucial information you need including province regulations, application fees, and filing instructions among other relevant details. If you need any assistance related to the licensing process, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to offer further details about our software and managed license services to support your needs.

How do I become an architect in Alberta?

In order to register as an architect (RA) in Alberta, there are several requirements to fulfill. Firstly, you must hold the intern architect designation and have an approved Registered Architect mentor. You are also required to complete a minimum of 2 calendar years of work experience under the supervision of a Registered Architect who is not your mentor. Additionally, you must successfully pass either the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC) or the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) exam. Completion of the AAA Architects Act Course and a successful oral interview with the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) are also necessary steps in the registration process.

To become an intern architect (IA), you need to have a master’s degree in architecture or an equivalent qualification. Additionally, you must obtain academic certification from the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). These qualifications are essential for starting your career as an intern architect in Alberta.

Which Architect Licenses Are Required In Alberta?

Individual Licenses

Alberta Branch Office Registration

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the form Corporation Permit to Practise or Firm License to Practise
• Fees: 
  • Registration Fee: $280
  • Annual Dues: $255
• GST: $26.75

Registration Renewal

• Submission Method: online
• Fee: $255
• Due: Annually by December 15

Alberta Corporation Permit to Practise

For Architectural Corporations:

To be eligible for a Corporation Permit to Practice, the majority (at least 51%) of the ownership of the corporation must be held by one or more Alberta registered architects. Alternatively, ownership can be held by one or more architect-held corporations. It is also permissible to have a combination of registered architects and architect-held corporations as majority owners. If there are any remaining voting shares, they must be vested in licensed interior designers or professional engineers, or both, but their ownership should not be less than 50%. It is important to note that if engineers will be beneficial shareholders, an application for a Joint Firm is required. Additionally, a majority of the directors and officers of the corporation must be registered architects.

For Interior Design Corporations:

In the case of Interior Design Corporations, the majority (at least 51%) of the ownership of the corporation must be held by one or more licensed interior designers. Alternatively, ownership can be held by one or more licensed interior designer-held corporations. It is also acceptable to have a combination of licensed interior designers and licensed interior designer-held corporations as majority owners. However, if there are any remaining voting shares, they must be vested in registered architects, and their ownership should not be less than 50%. Moreover, a majority of the directors and officers of the corporation must be licensed interior designers.

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the form Corporation Permit to Practise 
• Fees: 
  • Registration Fee: $380
  • Annual Dues: $425
• GST: $40.25

Registration Renewal

• Submission Method: online
• Fee: $425
• Due: Annually by December 15

Alberta Firm License to Practise

For Architectural Firms:

In the case of Architectural Firms, the majority (at least 51%) ownership of the firms must be vested in one or more Alberta registered architects. Alternatively, ownership can be held by one or more architect-held firms. It is also acceptable to have a combination of registered architects and architect-held firms as majority owners. However, if there are any remaining voting shares, they must be vested in licensed interior designers or professional engineers, or both, but their ownership should not be less than 50%. It is important to note that if engineers will be beneficial shareholders, an application for a Joint Firm must be completed instead of the Firm Licence to Practise Application.

For Interior Design Firms:

In the case of Interior Design Firms, the majority (at least 51%) ownership of the firms must be vested in one or more licensed interior designers. Alternatively, ownership can be held by one or more licensed interior designer-held firms. It is also acceptable to have a combination of licensed interior designers and licensed interior designer-held firms as majority owners. However, if there are any remaining voting shares, they must be vested in registered architects, and their ownership should not be less than 50%.

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the form Firm License to Practise
• Fees: 
  • Registration Fee: $280
  • Annual Dues: $425
• GST: $35.25

Registration Renewal

• Submission Method: online
• Fee: $425
• Due: Annually by December 15

Individual Licenses

Alberta Architect Registration

First-Time Applicants

• Read the instructions at The Alberta Association of Architects Website
• Fees: 
• Registration Fee: $372.75
• Annual Dues: $1,023.75 ($511.88 if registering after July 1)
• Note: To obtain a copy of the application form, please email the association at intern@aaa.ab.ca.

Registration Renewal

• Submission Method: online
• Fees: $1,023.75
• Due: Annually by December 15.

Alberta Interior Designer License

First-Time Applicants

• Read the instructions at The Alberta Association of Architects Website
• Fees: 
  • Registration Fee: $372.75
  • Annual Dues: $1,023.75 ($511.88 if registering after July 1)
• Note: To obtain a copy of the application form, please email the association at intern@aaa.ab.ca.

Registration Renewal

• Submission Method: online
• Fees: $1,023.75
• Due: Annually by December 15.

Register for the Architect Registration Examination

Securing an architect’s license in Alberta opens up a world of opportunities to practice architecture in the state. The journey commences with the pursuit of a professional degree in architecture, a fundamental requirement in your quest to become a licensed architect. This degree is not just a piece of paper, but a testament to your knowledge and comprehension of architectural principles, a rite of passage that equips you with the tools to craft and shape the built environment.

Remember, it’s important that your architecture degree is obtained from a program accredited by a recognized body. This accreditation assures that the program meets the industry’s standards and provides the necessary skills and training.

Architect registration in Alberta is a crucial step that formalizes your standing in the industry. This process includes satisfying the province’s requirements and passing the relevant examinations. With this license, you will have the legal authority to practice architecture, offering your expertise to develop the Alberta landscape. Now that you are armed with this information, you’re one step closer to realizing your architectural aspirations.

Disclaimer: These requirements are subject to change based on approval board discretion. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Alberta Board of Architects and Landscape Architects