Architects are highly trained professionals who have been licensed by the OAA. As members of the OAA, they are bound by the Architects Act, the Regulation 27 thereunder, and OAA Bylaws, and are expected to comply with the OAA’s Code of Ethics. Once licensed, all architects must maintain their membership in good standing inclusive of the OAA mandatory Continuing Education (ConEd) Program.
Eligibility
The OAA confirms the competence of its members through a rigorous process:
- meeting the education requirement;
- completing professional internship requirements;
- passing extensive examinations;
- completing the OAA mandated courses;
- completing the Ontario Practice Competency (OPC) self-assessment; and
- being a person of good character
Upon referral, the Experience Requirements Committee (ERC) determines if an applicant has met the experience requirements prescribed by the Regulation forming part of the eligibility requirements for the issuance of an OAA licence. The OAA has a statutory obligation under the Architects Act to ensure those in the architecture profession meet the prescribed requirements prior to licensure. The OAA must consistently apply the requirements in accordance with section 31 of the Regulation in order to fulfil its statutory obligation. However, upon application for licence, requests for exemption from some of the legislated requirements will be considered by OAA Council.
Benefits
Under the Architects Act and OAA Policies, the words “Member” and “Architect” and the professional title “Architect OAA” are reserved for individuals in good standing who have been granted a licence under the Act—those applicants who meet the licence requirements for engaging in the full range of activities defined as the practice of architecture in the province of Ontario.
The Architects Act sets out the protected scope of work for the practice of architecture in Ontario. Only architects, through a Certificate of Practice, may offer services to the public within this protected scope of work.
Once licensed, architects can vote at the OAA Annual General Meeting, run for election to gain a voting seat on Council, volunteer on OAA Committees and Task Groups,gain special access to Association programming, as well as play a key role in training future architects. In addition to the various professional benefits, there are also other bonuses, including preferred rates for home and auto insurance.
Architects who have reached the milestone of being licensed for 50 years with the Association can be appointed as Members of Long Standing by OAA Council. To learn more about the newest Members of Long Standing, visit the blOAAg.
Applications and Guidelines
First Application and Guidelines
Reapplication or Reinstatement Application and Guidelines
Reciprocal Application and Guidelines for architects licensed in Canada
Reciprocal Application and Guidelines for Architects licensed in the United States
Once complete, submit your application and supporting documents to
licence@oaa.on.ca.