Information for Schools of Architecture and Architectural Technology

Information for Schools of Architecture and Architectural Technology

The accreditation of qualifications and examinations in Architecture and qualifications in Architectural Technology is one of the RIAI’s most critical tasks. The purpose of accreditation is to ensure, in the interests of students, the public and the Architectural and Architectural Technology professions, that the range of skills and the standard of performance attained by students on graduation are adequate with regard to the design, technical and professional skills and ethical formation required for competent practice. 

RIAI Statement of Policy on Education 

The RIAI Statement of Policy on Education is implemented through the RIAI accreditation process of educational programmes in architecture and architectural technology with the participation and collaboration of all stakeholders involved. As well as promoting architectural education across society from young to old, the RIAI Statement of Policy on Education addresses compliance with National Legislation and EU Directives, as well as other internationally relevant standards.

Accreditation of Qualifications in Architecture 

The RIAI's accreditation of Qualifications in Architecture is intended to ensure that programmes of study meet the Combined Standards Architecture* in the training and education of students in architecture and that graduates from programmes in architecture demonstrate that they have achieved the Combined Standards Architecture necessary for entry into the Professional Practice Examinations, or admission to the Register for Architects.

*Combined Standards Architecture is the collective term for Article 46 of Directive 2005/36/EC on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications, the QQI Award Standard – Architecture and the RIAI Standard of Knowledge, Skill, and Competence for Practice as an Architect, as applicable. 

Accreditation of Qualifications in Architectural Technology

The RIAI's Accreditation of Programmes in Architectural Technology is intended to ensure that programmes of study meet the Combined Standards Architectural Technology* in the training and education of students in architectural technology and that graduates from programmes in architectural technology demonstrate that they have achieved the Combined Standards Architectural Technology necessary for RIAI Architectural Technologist Membership of the RIAI.

*Combined Standards Architectural Technology is the collective term for the QQI Award Standard – Architectural Technology and the RIAI Standard of Knowledge, Skill, and Competence for Practice as an Architectural Technologist, as applicable. 

Prescription of qualifications and examinations in Architecture 

Under the terms of the Building Control Act 2007, the RIAI is designated as the Registration Body for the purposes of Part 3 of the Act, Registration of Architects, and the Competent Authority in the State as respects Architects for the purposes of Directive 2005/36/EC on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications. As Registration Body and Competent Authority, the RIAI recommends accredited qualifications or examinations in Architecture to the Minister to be Prescribed for the purpose of section 14(2)(a) or section 14(2)(f) of the Act respectively.

When a qualification or examination in Architecture is granted Accreditation by the RIAI, the RIAI first consults QQI regarding its recommendation on Prescription and then sends a report to the Minister confirming that the qualification or examination satisfies the requirements of Article 46 of Directive 2005/36/EU on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications.

Further information on the Prescription process is provided in Section 1.14 of RIAI Accreditation Procedures Part 1: Provisional Accreditation of a Programme in Architecture (download above) and to the Building Control Act 2007 (download below).  

Notification of Qualifications in Architecture to the European Commission

Following the process of modernising the requirements of Directive 2005/36/EC on the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications, the RIAI as the Competent Authority for architects in the State, is responsible for the issuing of Notifications for Irish qualifications in Architecture seeking inclusion in Annex V of Directive 2005/36/EC. Inclusion in Annex V brings a qualification within the ‘automatic’ regime of recognition which greatly simplifies the process of recognition for holders of these qualifications moving within the EU and EEA. When new qualifications or assessments are introduced, or when existing qualifications change, they must be notified to the EU.

Further information on the Notification process is provided in Section 1.14.2 of RIAI Accreditation Procedures Part 1: Provisional Accreditation of a Programme in Architecture (download above).