Sojourn Of A Nigerian Architect in Canada #1 | Application For CACB Certification

Finally, I moved to Canada in the first week of June 2019. I had to take out time to settle in properly, come to terms with the change and commence preparation for restarting my architectural career.

As you already know, I was a licensed architect in my home country where I was both practicing and teaching architecture. However, practicing architecture in Canada is slightly different. Here, the practice is heavy on compliance with the provincial building code, municipal bylaws, building assembly insulation and fire protection, etc and the popular method of construction, especially for residential buildings is the wood frame system of construction.

To start off, I had to begin the process of re-certifying my degrees, after which I am to apply for an architectural internship in an architect’s office (and of course work there for at least 2 years) in other to qualify to take the licensing examination. It’s pretty straightforward but requires commitment and passion to stay focused.

If you are an architect planning on coming to Canada or you have already arrived but don’t know where to start, then this blog post is for you. There are a couple of preparations you are required to make to get back into independent practice. 

First of all, you should know that most degrees from foreign universities are not accepted by professional associations without re-certification. So the first place to start is re-certification. This can be commenced when you are still abroad, in fact, it’s a good way to hasten the process and that was what I did. 

The Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) is the sole body responsible for the academic certification and accreditation of architecture schools in Canada. For foreign-trained architects they have 2 options we can take: 

  1. The Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect (BEFA) Program: This is an alternative pathway to licensure for foreign licensed architects. Those professionally registered in their home country and with a minimum of 7 years of post-registration experience. 
  2. Academic certification: This is for graduates or those with less than 7 years of post-registration experience. This certification is for applicants who meet the Canadian Education Standard (CES) in Architecture for entry into the profession

My experience post-registration was less than 7 years so I took the second option – Academic certification. Nevertheless, you can find more information and success stories on the BEFA programme on the CACB website.

Once you have decided which is suitable for you, you simply make your application through the CACB website. They would normally require the following for academic certification:

  • Official transcript of the record of completed courses or certified true copy thereof;
  • A certified true copy of all degrees;
  • Official University Calendar describing the professional program in architecture or equivalent documentation (Course Syllabus). The university calendar must be corresponding to the years of your studies.
  • List of the academic design projects completed throughout the program in architecture, as well as a brief description of each project in a maximum of 4 pages;
  • Portfolio of academic design. Not mandatory, but it is recommended to submit one in order to expedite the assessment.

One major challenge older architects will have is locating the portfolio of their academic design. I for one graduated more than 10 years ago and don’t have a hard copy of my portfolio. I must have lost it at some time in the past. Luckily, I had photos of my final design studio project, even though the requirement said portfolio isn’t mandatory I still contacted CACB to explain my situation and I was told I could send what I have if it will assist my application. So I put together the images in the format given by CACB and sent them.

The cost of applying for CACB certification is CAD$1,815.34 (2019). For Nigerians, that will come to about N500,000 but because CACB can review the fees at any time kindly view the latest fee schedule on their website here.

Architecture programmes with at least a 5-year B.Sc. or a B.Sc. and Masters (Arch) degree, often make a successful application if all required documents are supplied. The processing time for the CACB certification is often 3 – 4 months.

My academic certification is still in progress (the result is out), so I await a successful process. When this is done, the next stage is usually to register with your provincial architects’ association as an intern architect. Below is a list of all the provincial associations in Canada.

With your status as an intern architect, you will then commence work as an intern in an architects’ office (of course after searching and being accepted by one). The period of internship is usually at least 2 years before you can try for the professional examination. If successful you are then registered as a professional architect in that province. Unlike my home country, Canada registers architects provincially and not nationally and architects would, therefore, need to transfer licenses when they move to practice in other provinces.

After becoming an intern, you are required to register with the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) to get your MRAIC ie membership with the national architectural institute. Though all you really need to register with RAIC is just your CACB certification. It is way cheaper (about $150 cheaper) when you wait to become an intern before registering. In my home country, you would need to pass your professional examination before being eligible for registration with the national institute as a full member but in Canada, you just need an academic certificate from an accredited university and for foreign-trained graduates a CACB certification.

Gladly most of these processes can be commenced and completed (ie both CACB and RAIC applications) abroad. You would only need to be in Canada to register as an intern architect with your provincial architect’s association and get a job thereafter.

As you can see, the process appears pretty straightforward. However, it will take about 2 -3 years to finally get the Architects’ license. This doesn’t mean you can’t work in an architect’s office if you don’t go through this process. You can work as an architectural designer or technologist or even a CAD drafter while your registration is ongoing.

In conclusion, moving to Canada as an architect requires a significant amount of preparation and commitment. The process of re-certifying your degrees and registering with your provincial architects’ association can be challenging, but with the right information and a willingness to stay focused and dedicated, it is possible to successfully restart your career in Canada. The Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) is the sole body responsible for certifying and accrediting architecture schools, and the cost and processing time for certification can vary. It’s important to note that most degrees from foreign universities are not accepted without re-certification. It is also important to note that the Canadian practice is heavy on compliance with the provincial building code and regulations and the popular method of construction is the wood frame system. The process of registering as an intern architect and working towards professional examination is also explained in the article. With the right preparation and dedication, you can become a licensed architect in Canada and continue to grow in your career.

Don’t miss the unfolding journey, read the next step I took now at journeys in my architectural sojourn. How is your own journey going? Do you think architects should go through the stress of the CACB or instead become project managers?

33 thoughts on “Sojourn Of A Nigerian Architect in Canada #1 | Application For CACB Certification”

  1. Charisma, Abraham Odoh.

    Hello Ehimen.
    I hold BSc & MSc in Architecture from Nigeria. I had gone to Twitter to search for Ehimen but couldn’t find you.
    The University calendar demanded by the CACB does it have to come from the school senate or can the department from which I graduated give wirte them?
    Thank you very kindly.

  2. Samuel Patrick Nwabueze

    Hi Ehimen.
    Thank you for sharing all these.
    My name is Samuel. I was an Architectural Draughtsman and has supervised so many buildings for 12 years before I graduate with HND Architecture 2012 and still practicing.
    Pls I’ll like to work in Canada as a Technologist in an Architectural firm or Construction Company, pls how do I start and how can you be of help to me.

  3. Johnpaul Afonta

    Hi Ehimen, your blog is highly informative. Is it workable to process the immigration via WES then while fully in Canada working in an Architect office decide to pursue licensure as an Architect or branch into real estate or other things? Are there any bodies that regulate Real estate business? Like Architecture?

    1. Hi Johnpaul, Yes that’s possible when fully in Canada.
      Secondly, there are bodies that regulate real estate depending on what province you are in. You need to take their exam and register with them to become a Realtor. In Alberta for example, real estate is regulated by RECA (https://www.reca.ca/)

  4. Hi Ehimen.
    This is such an insightful post and I’d endeavor to follow through your journey on this blog.
    Immigration is a life changing decision and I wouldn’t want to go through without having enough pointers on it.
    I have a bachelors and a masters degree in Architecture with +2 yrs work experience and I’d just like to know what route of immigration you went through, Express Entry is what i was inclined to before stumbling on your post.

  5. Thank you very much for sharing your experiences.

    I finished my master’s program in 2018 from OAU. I clearly understand I can’t practice in Canada right now due to regulations.

    To enter Canada,
    My question is, should I use Noc 2151 or the architectural technologist route to enter using the EE method. They asked which occupation we have experience in, should I select architect or architectural technologist?

    1. Hi Ayodeji,

      I am not very familiar with the PNP route but I will advise that since architecture is a regulated profession, it may be harder to use that route unless you have a Canadian certification/license in the field. Whereas architectural technology isn’t regulated and you can easily make it through this route.

      Though, don’t take this as professional advice, do further research.

  6. Thanks for sharing this educative information
    I need an explanation on how to go about a situation.
    My hubby has a master degree in Architecture and we are in the Express entry pool. Our crs score is low so we decided trying pnp’s . Noc 2151(Architect) is in demand in both Saskatchewan and Manitoba but it’s an noc that requires licensure.
    My main question is if hubby decide to settle for noc 2151, will he need to provide additional document apart from Wes eca. I meant do they normally requires candidate with regulated noc to submit some kind of special document after granting them nomination? And if yes, do u av ideas of wat document they are and how can we go about getting those document ready.
    Thanks

    1. Hi Folashade,

      Yes, Architects will need a professional license as proof that they meet the requirement for NOC 2151. You can explore other NOCs such as Draftsmanship, architectural technologists, project management etc.

  7. Nzeshi Maduagwu Nzeshi

    Good day sir! Thank you for your page that I stumbled on while looking for information on how to get to Canada to work as an architect.
    I just finished my master’s program in architecture in Nigeria and have understood what I can do with the certificate following your write up.
    But I had HND and PGD before my master’s. I hope this will not be a problem of discrimination for not having a BsC as with Nigeria. Will these three or four certificates be of help to me in getting a job and registering as an architect in Canada?

    1. Hi Nzeshi,

      Regarding a job, you can get jobs with the combination of certificates you have but regarding getting registered as an architect in Canada, I really don’t know but I will encourage you to try. You can write the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (https://cacb.ca) via email to get more accurate information. This Board, among other things, certifies foreign architecture graduates before they can go on to do their internship and take the professional exams for architects in Canada.

      Why I have concerns is that they examine the academic contents of your education through your transcript and match it with the Canadian equivalent. They have a specific type, number and duration of courses that must be met before you are re-certified in Canada. The good news though is that if your courses do not fully meet the Canadian equivalent, then they would require you to re-take the missing course at any Canadian university.

      Give it a shot and let me know how it goes.

  8. Hello. I just got admitted into a university here to study architecture. But it’s a four year BS course— you said five years.

    I hope to work abroad once I graduate from the University, I know it’s still a long way off. Also, do you think I can work with the 4 years?

    After I graduate and serve, do I need to get a master’s degree before I’ll be able to come over?

    Please can I get your email address or any means to contact you so that I’d understand the process in detail and get ready for it now; make sure I keep whatever documents are needed— if you please.

    Thank you.

    1. Hi Promise. Some schools in Nigeria have a 4-year program and other 5-year. FUTA for example is 5. Yes, you can work abroad with a 4-year BSc in Arch. Regarding coming over, it depends on what method you intend to use in coming over. If you come in via Canada Express entry today, you require a high educational credential (at least a master’s degree) to reach the cut-off point. So it depends, research on what migration method/program you want to use and find out its requirements. To send me an email, go to the Contact us page, fill the form and send it, I will reply to you as soon as possible. Cheers.

    2. Hello Ehimen, love your write-up, very educative. You’ve actually done justice to some of my questions. Please I am about to embark on the express entry pool, I am an HND holder in architecture with a good CGPA, I have 3 yes working experience as well but I want to come and practice my profession in Canada. I need you to help me on what to do. Can I still apply for the internship and does the registration bodies accept HND. Please I will also be glad to chat with you maybe on WhatsApp. Here is my number+2340803****124.
      Thank you.

  9. Hello Ehimen, love your write-up, very educative. But I have a question. Must you have your CACB before you can migrate? I submitted an EOI for Sasketchewan PNP and got a score 0f 68. While filing the form, I was asked if I had the professional licensure in that province and I ticked ‘No’. During a particular draw, the cut-off was 68 but I was not invited. Why would they expect you to have their professional license when you are not yet in their country? Kindly throw more light on this – Thank you.

    1. Hi chika, you are welcome to archccess blog. I must say that my knowledge of the PNP program is limited nevertheless, I will share what I know.

      Unlike the Express Entry, the provincial nomination program seeks to only nominate individuals who already have a verifiable skill deemed to be lacking or in short supply in that province. The express entry on the other hand admits everyone who qualifies (despite their area of professional training) into any province of their choice. So to be nominated by the PNP, your skill must be in demand in that province and the easiest way to prove your skill is with a professional license, certification or any other requirement stated by the PNP.

  10. Wow..thank you first this I’ve been looking for an architect going through this journey too.
    I am currently a masters student and I’m planning to migrate to Canada and get licenced.
    I don’t know how to get started.
    I was planning to apply for another masters in Canada but when I saw this post it changed my narrative.
    Thanks for the good job being done here sir.
    Please is there any advice for me or someone in my situation.
    What’s the best route to go sir?

    1. Hi Peter. Thanks for your comment. As it stands today, regarding immigration to Canada, you would need some work experience in addition to your degrees to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker, I don’t know if you already have work experience. Undertaking a master’s degree in Canada in your case will be helpful.

  11. Thanks for sharing this, please I will like to ask that after credentials assessment with CACB and scale through, then apply to provincial association, can this serves as bases for someone to migrate to Canada in order to put in for internship.

    1. Hi Thomas, though I am not very familiar with the current requirements for immigration but I doubt if a CACB certification and provincial association membership will help one’s immigration. However, if you are lucky to get a job before immigration, then that may help. Let me know how it goes.

  12. Thank you for this. Its been very useful. Please i’d like to ask, as an intern, do you get paid at all or its just for the experience? Thank you

  13. Thank you for this! My hubby is an architect here in Lagos and also a lecturer. We are planning to move to Canada before mid next year, by God’s grace. I’ve sent this link to him…
    We will be following your blog.

    Thanks once again and may Canada favour you.

  14. Thank you for this post.
    I am an architect as well, with 2-3 years experience, although not yet licensed in Nigeria here.
    Does that count for anything?

    I also plan on migrating to Canada, and have started my IELTS training, However, there are some few questions i might like to ask sir,.

    – As an Architect, Does the CACB suffice for the WES evaluation/assessment that majority of prospective immigrant do?
    – When is the best time before leaving the country to log in my credentials, transcripts and all necessary for the Board to review?.

    Thank you sir.

    1. Ehimen Ebhomien

      For you the CACB is the right route to take. Even if you were registered but with less than 7years post-registration experience, you will still go the CACB route. So, your experience doesn’t count as an asset for registration.

      Good luck on your immigration plans.

      The CACB is more like a professional validation while WES is academic. CACB will aid professional pursuit of your architectural career but WES just proves that your degree is equivalent to a Canadian degree. Canadian architectural professional bodies recognize CACB but other employers may acknowledge your WES.

      But you can get a job in an architectural firm without CACB, it’s just that you can’t grow to becoming a licensed architect.

      For CACB, ensure that all your credentials get to the body 4 months before coming to Canada. Note that official transcript takes time to send, so give the necessary additional time.

  15. Hello, I love the write up. Is there a cheap masters degree you can recommend for me in Canada that is related to Architecture and can be done within a year that would ease my getting a job as an Architect in Canada
    I already have a masters degree in Architecture from Nigeria but Im not licenced yet by ARCON

    1. Ehimen Ebhomien

      There are a couple of related masters programmes you can do. Cheap can be relative but if you are a citizen or PR, the cost of your masters program in Canada is way cheaper than what foreign students pay.

      Though if you desire to work as an architect in Canada going the masters route isn’t what i usually advice because it is both time and money consuming. CACB cost less and takes less time too.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top