Sojourn Of A Nigerian Architect in Canada #4 | CACB Certification Approved

Gladly, after 6 full months of waiting, my application for certification with the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) was reviewed and approved in the first week of December. I guess it’s time to refocus my lenses as I can see some light at the end of the tunnel.

However, I did not receive full certification but provisional. Sad, right? Don’t fret, provisional certification just like full certification allows you to proceed immediately to the architectural internship. The major difference is that Provisional certification has a condition that requires you to further your studies while enrolled in the Intern Architect Programme (IAP).

Maybe, the CACB has realized that there are gaps in some foreign architecture curriculum that needs to be addressed with an extra course(s). So, I see it as an opportunity to gather more knowledge.

Similarities between Provisional and Full CACB certification.

Both certifications allow you to enroll immediately in the Intern Architect Program of any Provincial Architects Associations in Canada, which is statutorily required to pursue licensure. Thereafter, you commence your career professionally. Upon enrollment in the IAP with your association, you are permitted to use the appellation ‘Intern Architect’ after your name and even register with the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC). Below is the list of the 11 Architects Associations in Canada.

As regards when to get a job as an intern architect, you could either seek employment first for intern architect positions before enrolling with the association or enroll first before seeking employment. Nevertheless, since the CACB condition specifically states that you can enroll as an intern architect with ONLY one of the 11 Architects Associations, It may be convenient to have both your internship office and architect’s association in the same province.

Differences between Provisional and Full CACB certification.

What makes Provisional certification different from full certification is that for provisional you are required to further your studies by taking a course(s) in any Canadian university-accredited program in architecture or through the RAIC syllabus program. Gladly, I am to take just 1 course on ‘Architectural Practice Management’, Also, you are given a period of 18 months from the date of your certification to undertake it, failing to do so within the stipulated timeframe will mean withdrawal of your certification, termination of your internship and closure of your file. Sounds very strict, Right? I thought so.

What have I been up to?

Working! Working! Working! I have been working in other fields. Currently works as a team lead in a production company which has allowed me to gather adequate Canadian experience and possible references when required for better jobs. As you know, you need to earn to sustain yourself in Canada and pay for all the above-mentioned enrolment and registration fees. So, a job while you wait isn’t a bad idea.

What next?

Search for a job as an intern architect, undergo all necessary enrolments and registrations and commence my architectural internship. It usually takes between 2 – 3 years of internship to qualify to take the professional examinations.

I guess that’s it. I will keep updating my blog to keep you updated. You can also let me know what your experiences are if you are on the same journey or plan to take this route in the future.

I wish you all the best in your architectural pursuit. Feel free to leave your comments, share this article and subscribe for more blog posts. You could also reach me through LinkedIn, kindly search with my name there.

19 thoughts on “Sojourn Of A Nigerian Architect in Canada #4 | CACB Certification Approved”

  1. Good Afternoon, thank you so much for this article. It was helpful. I’m hoping to do my masters in Canada in Architecture, is it advisable to get the license first or do the master first?
    Thank you

  2. Hi Ehimen! I am at the same point in my process with the CACB right now. I need to take an extra course in the area of knowledge of the profession (business, legal, ethical aspects). Where did you choose to take the course? I know there is one in RAIC although it is expensive, did you find a cheaper option?

    Thanks for talking about your experience! It is really helpful to find someone who already went through the process. I don’t feel alone anymore.

    1. Hi Alejandra, I am glad your Cacb is successful. Just like you, I was told to do a professional practice course. I did mine at Athabasca University (AU). It was an online self-directed course that lasted 6 months. It cost about 1300 cad. You can compare this with the RAIC option before you decide. I think only RAIC and AU offer these courses.

  3. Hi Ehimen,
    Very helpful articles! thank you for sharing!
    I have already applied for CACB, it’s been a couple of months now and I have a 5 year bachelor degree + IPLAN program that includes 3 courses at Ryerson University_an accredited university by CACB and I was asked to submit my transcript in addition to my bachelor degree from my home country.
    Do you think I’m in good shape for cacb certification?
    Also, do you have a 4 or 5 years bachelor degree?
    Once I get an answer from them, I’ll post my journey to help other ppl who are willing to go through the licensure path.
    Thanks again

    1. Hi Abde,

      On average, it takes CACB 3 – 4 months to process your application, so you are in good shape except the process has exceeded 4 months, then you should reach out to them. Transcripts are part of CACB requirements. I don’t have a five-year bachelor’s degree but a four-year equivalent. I also have a master’s degree in architecture. Keep the faith, I believe you will get a favourable response from them. Keep me posted on LinkedIn. Best of Luck!

  4. Good to read your Article and congratulations. Pls how do I start a sojourn to Canada in a view to be fully registered or provisionally registered

    1. Hi Iji,

      There are multiple routes. Search the internet for Canada Express Entry (EE) or Canada Provincial Nomination Program (PNP).

  5. Hello Ehimen, thank you so much for the story shared,. I am an HND graduate and planning on moving to Winnipeg in mid year as i just received my COPR. I will appreciate your thoughts and advice on the journey.

  6. Hello Ehimen, thank you for this expose. I am a registered architect in NIgeria and I recently applied for Sasketchewan PNP which requires professional licensure before you can be nominated. Can I claim a NOC 2251 (Architectural Technologist), get the provincial nomination, then when I am settled start the process of intern architect by applying for the CACB. Your thoughts and advice will be most appreciated. I had an ugly experience with the Australian body of architects. After paying their huge fees, I was given a negative evaluation with no suggestion on how to improve my credentials.

    1. Hi Chika,

      If you meet the requirement for NOC 2251 (architectural technologists) you should claim it and pursue your architecture licensure later.

  7. IniOluwa Badejo

    Good morning, thank you so much for your articles. It’s so helpful. Hope you are staying safe? I want to ask did you apply for a permanent residence card before leaving Nigeria? The reason why I asked is because of the length of stay before you got the CACB certification. Congratulations on your certificate

  8. I have thoroughly enjoyed your series and really hope to make as much progress as you have. I have tried connecting with you on LinkedIn to gain some support from you. Your page has given me so much guidance to help my confused direction earlier and I think it’s good to start my application now.

    A question though. I have B.Sc and M.E.D degrees as you do, do I get only documents for the B.Sc shared with CABC or both?

    Thank you in anticipation.

    1. You should share both BSc and MED with CACB for certification. This is important because the combination of courses contained in both our BSc and MED are essential to meet the certification requirement.

      CACB literally counts the courses, read their synopsis from your course calendar and compare them to the Canadian equivalent.

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