Intern Architect Resources

Manual and Resources

The following resources contain information on the Internship in Architecture Program (IAP).

Other Links:

Canadian Experience Record Book

A requirement of the Internship in Architecture Program (IAP) is to regularly submit Canadian Experience Record Books (CERB) to the NSAA for review by the Board of Registration. These CERB submissions are to be made roughly every 940 hours (approximately 6 months) for a minimum 3,720 hours in a variety of areas.

In order to write the Examination for Architects in Canada, an Intern Architect must submit (and have approved) a minimum of 2,800 hours of experience prior to registering for the examination, and a minimum of 3,720 hours of experience to satisfy the experience requirement.

Click here to download the CERB in a fillable PDF.

Canadian Handbook of Practice (CHOP)

The Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects (CHOP) is the national reference on best practices for architects in Canada, published by the RAIC. You can access it at chop.raic.ca.

Intern Architect Committee

The Intern Architect Committee is a committee of the association with a mandate approved by the NSAA Council in April of 2014, as described below. The committee is made up of Intern Architects, Licensed Architects, and Student Members. The committee meets regularly on business flowing from its mandate and related goals. The committee will regularly submit reports to Council and the NSAA on current activities.

Mandate:

To continually improve the experience, support, and success of Interns and the NSAA.

Identified goals:

  1. Raise awareness that interns are integral to the successful future of the NSAA and the practice of architecture in Nova Scotia.
  2. Be a consistent and unified voice representing Interns.
  3. Improve the NSAA/IAP program in partnership with other NSAA committee(s).
  4. Be the nation’s leading intern program.
  5. Empower Interns to become involved.
  6. Provide the necessary tools, resources and support to allow NSAA interns to succeed.

To become involved with the Intern Committee, please contact us.

Intern Architect FAQ

I've graduated from a post-secondary architectural program. Can I practice architecture?

No, only architects licensed with the NSAA are able to practice architecture in Nova Scotia. The definition of the practice of architecture is found in Section 2 (q) of the Architects Act.

What are the steps to become a Licensed Architect?

After graduating from a school of Architecture or the RAIC Syllabus Program, you apply to the Canadian Architectural Certification Board to receive your CACB number. This verifies the Education component.

With a CACB number, you are eligible to apply as an Intern Architect to gain practical experience which is logged in the Canadian Experience Record Book (CERB). You are required to log a minimum of 3,720 hours in a variety of areas to complete the Internship in Architecture Program. This is the Experience component.

Once you have 2,800 hours logged and approved, you are eligible to write the national exams (Examination for Architects in Canada). This is the Examination component.

Can I practice architecture in other jurisdictions?

The profession of architecture is a regulated profession. Many countries, such as Canada, require you to be a licensed architect.

Why is it necessary to become an Intern Architect?

The profession of architecture is a regulated profession which means that those who practice architecture must comply with the licensure requirements in order to practice. Regulated professions have strict licensure guidelines to ensure public safety. After completing your education, you must become an Intern Architect in order to become licensed.

What titles can I use?

The NSAA permits Intern Architects who are members of the NSAA to use NSAA (Intern) after their name. This designates the individual as registered as an Intern Architect with the NSAA.

What are the responsibilities of an Intern Architect's direct supervisor?

An Intern Architect's direct supervisor must be a licensed architect with the NSAA who provides daily supervision to the Intern Architect and helps the Intern Architect gain progressive experience in the areas required in the Internship in Architecture Program. The Supervisor is responsible to provide constructive feedback and validate the experience being recorded in the Canadian Experience Record Book (CERB).

What are the responsibilities of an Intern Architect's mentor?

An Intern Architect's Mentor is a licensed architect or a retired architect with the NSAA. The Mentor provides meaningful advice and guidance to the Intern Architect and assists in preparing the Intern Architect for the pre-licensure interview.

How long does it take to approve an application for Intern membership?

When an application is received, it is reviewed by NSAA staff to make sure it is complete and to process the fee. Then, the Board of Registration reviews and approves Intern Architect applications. The Board meets every month, normally the second Tuesday of the month, to review completed applications received. The average length of time is under 4 weeks (depending on when the application is received).

How long can it take to complete the Internship in Architecture Program process?

If the Intern Architect submits his/her/their Canadian Experience Record Book every 940 hours (approximately 6 months of full-time work); demonstrates progressive experience and complies with the NSAA's Appendix B; and successfully passes the national exam upon a first attempt, the Internship in Architecture Program can be completed in approximately 2 1/2 to 3 years.

Is there a maximum amount of time in which the Internship in Architecture Program must be completed?

As per Regulation 6, an Intern Architect has 10 years to complete the Internship in Architecture Program, successfully pass the national exam and apply for licensure.

Why are there differences in requirements between jurisdictions?

Each jurisdiction has the ability to customize certain aspects of the Internship in Architecture Program. For instance, some jurisdictions require Intern Architects to complete Continuing Education and some have pre-licensure courses or interviews.

Can an Intern Architect work in other jurisdictions? Who reviews experience in this case?

Yes. For more information, please refer to the Internship in Architecture Program manual and NSAA's Appendix B.

Do I need to make CERB submissions after I have met the minimum requirements of the IAP?

Yes, you are required to continue logging your hours until you apply for licensure.

How long does it take for the Board of Registration to review a submitted Canadian Experience Record Book?

On average, if there are no issues with the submission, a review can take between four to six weeks or quicker based on the availability of a reviewer.

However, if the reviewer requires additional clarification of items logged or if the reviewer wishes to discuss the submission with another reviewer or with the Intern Architect (along with his/her/their Mentor and Supervisor), it can take longer.

How often does the Board of Registration collect submissions?

As soon as a CERB is submitted, the NSAA staff must prepare a summary sheet of hours which is sent along with the previous CERB submissions, assessments and review letters to an available reviewer.

The Intern Architect, along with the Supervisor and Mentor, are notified when the CERB is sent out and all three receive the assessment and review letter.

What are the differences between the two types of exams (ExAC vs. ARE)?

The ExAC is the Canadian examination while the ARE is the American exam which does not have any Canadian content. Because there is no Canadian content, many Canadian jurisdictions do not recognize/accept the AREs as an alternative to the ExAC.

Can I write my exams in other jurisdictions?

Yes.

What is the role of the pre-license interview? What can I expect?

The pre-licensure Interview focuses on Nova Scotia related practice items such as the NSAA's Act and Regulations and provincial building code.

Who should I contact with questions?

The NSAA staff has the most current information on the IAP and other aspects of the regulation of the profession. Please contact us.