Acquiring Experience

To facilitate the transition between formal education and architectural registration/licensure – an internship process was put in place, the Internship in Architecture Program (IAP). This program ensures that the Intern or Intern Architect gains enough experience to meet generally recognized standards of practical skill and practise architecture in a way that protects the health and safety of the public.

In the IAP, two key individuals share this responsibility: the Employer and the Mentor. To learn more about their roles and responsibilities download the PDF.

How the Internship in Architecture Program Works

All provincial associations require that the Intern or Intern Architect gains a minimum of 5600 hours of work experience in specified areas of architectural practice. The experience gained is separated into two components: mandatory and discretionary. Although the 5600 hours of work experience can be completed in a minimum of two and one-half calendar years, it usually takes about three years to complete the process.

The Intern or Intern Architect is responsible for maintaining a continuous record of work experience in the Canadian Experience Record Book (CERB) while enrolled in the IAP. All experience documented needs to be certified by the Employer and the Mentor and then approved by the provincial association.

For more detailed information on the Intern Architect Program and on the procedures for enrollment, contact your provincial association.