REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION AS AN ARCHITECT

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To achieve a homogeneous environment for architectural professional practice in Barbados, a minimum standard for architects’ registration has been established.

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EDUCATION

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The candidate shall complete a Professional Degree/Diploma in Architecture satisfactory to the A.R.B. Examples of professional degrees in Architecture are:

• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch)

• Master of Architecture (M.Arch)

• Diploma of Architecture (Dip. Arch) accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB), the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) or the equivalent.

• Undergraduate Degrees/Diplomas such as Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech), or Higher

National Diploma (H.N.D.) in Architecture or related studies are not considered professional degrees/diplomas and do not satisfy the minimum educational requirement.

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INTERNSHIP

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Following this formal education period, candidates shall complete an internship with an architect(s) who is registered to practice architecture in Barbados / in a jurisdiction approved by the A.R.B. During this time, it is expected that the candidate learns the practical side of the profession. 

Three years is the minimum internship period allotted for candidates to acquire the required experience.

This internship is only recognized:

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1. If it has been completed after completion of a professional degree/diploma approved by the A.R.B. Council/Architects Registration Board, or

2. If up to one year (12 months) has been completed after an approved undergraduate degree/diploma and a minimum of two years have been completed after completion of a professional degree/diploma

3. Interns must work for at least 20 hours per week for periods of six consecutive months.

4. Each period of Internship must be attained under the direct supervision of an Architect, who is registered in the jurisdiction that the training took place and whose practice encompasses the comprehensive practice of Architecture, including each of the training areas outline in the BIA Practical Training Log Book. 

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Log in to the members lounge to gain full access to the BIA Practical Training Log Book. This is to ensure that the candidate is armed with a basic knowledge of architecture, before exposure to a meaningful internship. This also avoids premature internships, which can prove to be futile for both candidate and supervising architect(s).

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THE B.A.R.E 

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Once a candidate has fulfilled the required education and internship requirements, candidates need to apply to take the Barbados Architects Registration Examination (B.A.R.E.). The examination is scheduled for March and September of each year. Refer to the A.R.B Guide to Becoming An Architect and/or visit 'The B.A.R.E', to learn more about the A.R.B exams, Part 1, 2 and 3, and the supporting documents required to accompany these applications. Entry to the examinations is open only to those candidates who have previously obtained the Architects Registration Board (A.R.B.) letter of approval to take the part of the B.A.R.E that they are applying for. The A.R.B. letter of approval expires twelve (12) months after the date of approval. Candidates are required to write to the A.R.B. for renewal/deferment letters after this time.

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It is important to note that the completion of three years approved internship does not allow a candidate automatic qualification to take the B.A.R.E. 

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