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Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect (BEFA)

In 2010, Canadian architectural regulators recognized that no national program was in place for assessing the credentials of architects who were internationally trained and duly licensed to practise architecture in other parts of the world. With federal funding from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (now Employment and Social Development Canada [ESDC]), the regulators spent two years developing a fair and streamlined program to assess the work experience and competencies of foreign architects against Pan-Canadian standards of competency for practice in Canada.

Regulators recognized that credentials-based assessment programs in place were not sufficiently flexible or responsive for foreign-licensed architects. Development of a competency-based assessment program needed to meet the federal Pan-Canadian principles of fairness, accessibility, transparency, coherency, and rigor.

The resulting Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect (BEFA) Program is an alternative pathway for foreign-licensed architects to become eligible for licensure with the OAA. It assesses broadly based experience of foreign architects against the Canadian Standard of Competency for Architects.

Individuals who meet the program’s eligibility requirements can apply for BEFA certification through a process that consists of an online self-assessment demonstration of competency and an interview with an assessment panel comprising Canadian Architects. The outcome of an assessment panel interview is as follows:

  1. The panel provides its decision in writing to the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB).
  2. The CACB advises the individual of the decision in writing. If successful, a BEFA certificate is issued. (If remedial action is required to address a specific competency, the CACB will advise the individual in writing.)
  3. The individual may now apply for licensure in the Canadian jurisdiction where they intend to practice.

 Successful BEFA participants are granted BEFA certification, which represents recognition of compliance with the Canadian Standard of Competency for Architects. This certification allows individuals to apply for licensure as an Architect with the OAA. 

The OAA recommends reviewing the BEFA Program background information to understand its components and process before applying. For more information about this program, consult the CACB’s website.


NOTE: In accordance with Section 13 of the Architects Act of Ontario, applicants with a BEFA certification are still required to meet certain requirements to be eligible for licensure with the OAA. They must be:

of good character;
18 years of age or older; and
a citizen of Canada, possess the status of a permanent resident of Canada, or a member of an organization of architects that is recognized by OAA Council and has objects, standards of practice, and requirements for membership similar to those of the Association.


Applications and Guidelines

Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect (BEFA) Application


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