Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions and answers provide further background on pre-licence self-assessment for the Ontario Practice Competencies. You can also access quick checklists summarizing self-assessment for both Intern Architects and Supervising Architects.

What is the Ontario Practice Competency Self-Assessment?

The Ontario Practice Competency self-assessment is an objective, consistent, and measurable method to confirm competency in specific areas of architectural practice. The specific competencies are validated via the submission of outcomes-based experience or activities demonstrating the targeted skills or knowledge.

Where can I find the self-assessment forms?

The online self-assessment forms are available on the member portal under the Self-Assessment tab. The pdf self- assessment forms are available on the OAA Website.

Where can I find detailed information about the Ontario Practice Competencies?

Refer to the Ontario Practice Competencies Self-Assessment Guide and Portal Instructions for information about the 10 key Ontario Practice Competencies. Competencies are defined as observable and measurable skills, knowledge, or abilities required for licence that are demonstrated through the experience activity.

For each of the 10 Competencies, an Intern Architect is required to select one example from their work history that best highlights the appropriate practical experience activity. The Supervising Architect reviews and validates the self-assessments.

What are the 10 key Ontario Practice Competencies?

The 10 self-assessment competencies are listed below. To learn more about the competencies, visit this page on the OAA Website.

Competency 1: Incorporate principles of sustainable development within an architectural program;
Competency 2: Analyze design principles and solutions in relation to context;
Competency 3: Consider the principles of energy efficiency and environmental impacts;
Competency 4: Apply cost-estimating methods to a project;
Competency 5: Apply code requirements to the design process;
Competency 6: Create a building envelope (design and detailing);
Competency 7: Evaluate bids submitted by contractors;
Competency 8: Administer appropriate forms and documents;
Competency 9: Administer construction phase site tasks; and
Competency 10: Understand the role of a self-governing profession in contemporary society.

Can I complete the self-assessment during my internship, or must it be done prior to licence after my CERB is complete?

There are 10 competencies that make up the self-assessment, which can be completed at any time during enrolment in the IAP. As Intern Architects move through their internship, they are encouraged to review their CERB to determine if any activities are applicable to any of the self-assessments.

How to can I access the self-assessments as an Intern Architect?

Log in into your OAA account and then place your cursor over the “Self-Assessment” tab. Click on “KOPC Dashboard” and select the respective Key Competencies (click on the pencil icon to edit).

How can I access the self-assessments as a Supervising Architect?

Log in into your OAA account and then place your cursor over the Self-Assessment tab. Click on “KOPC Reviewer Portal” and select the respective Key Competencies (click on the pencil icon to edit).

Who must validate my self-assessment submissions?

Your OAA-approved current/past Supervising Architect must validate your self-assessment submissions.

Do all my Supervising Architects have to be from my current place of employment?

Supervising Architects can be from different places of employment.

What is the role of the Supervising Architect with respect to the Ontario Practice Competency?

Supervising Architects reviewing and validating Ontario Practice Competencies must review the Intern Architect’s experience/activity example to ensure the information provided is sufficient in breadth, depth, and quality to determine demonstrable competency. To validate the experience information, Supervising Architects will confirm whether they agree with the self-assessment provided by the Intern Architect.

Why does my self-assessment require Supervising Architect’s validation?

The Supervising Architect, with their broader perspective and experience, can provide an objective evaluation. Validating self-assessments helps maintain accountability for both the Intern Architect and the Supervising Architect. The validation step can also help individuals identify areas for development and improvement, which can be used to guide training and professional development plans.

I completed pre-graduation experience; can I apply it toward my self-assessment?

Activities from approved CERB experience gained while a Student Associate is eligible for the self-assessment.

I completed Admission Course and ExAC, but have a CERB submission to complete. Am I under the new requirements?

The remaining CERB experience must be signed off by both the Supervising Architect and Mentor, and submitted to the OAA for review and approval on or before December 31, 2024. If the submission is subsequently approved by the OAA, the experience requirement will be considered complete within 2024. The new requirements will not be applicable.

I've completed all IAP requirements except the ExAC, which I am registered to write in November. Will I be subject to the new requirements?

Results for the November ExAC will not be known until 2025; successful completion of all four sections of the 2024 sitting of ExAC will count toward completion of your IAP requirements within 2024. The new requirements will not be applicable.

I've completed all of the IAP except one section of the ExAC. I am registered to retake the third section in November, but will I be subject to the new requirements?

Results for the ExAC will not be known until 2025; successful completion of your remaining section of ExAC will count toward completion of your IAP requirements within 2024. The new requirements will not be applicable.

Do experience examples for the Practice Competency self-assessment have to have taken place within Ontario?

Intern Architects may submit examples gained on projects outside Ontario. Intern Architects have the responsibility to establish equivalency. It is possible for an example to take place outside the province and satisfy the Ontario Practice Competency as long as the information provided is sufficient to establish equivalency and validated by the Supervising Architect.

I have been an Intern Architect for a long time. Is there any way to avoid these new requirements?

The OAA has provided an 11-month transition period to accommodate Intern Architects who are close to completing their IAP requirements. It is not uncommon for Intern Architects to experience updates to licensure requirements while they complete their internship. The last major update to the IAP was in 2020 wherein two new experience categories were added to the IAP—namely, Energy Literacy and Envelope Detailing.
Changes often arise as a reflection of the current professional skills and competencies the public should expect of architects. Changes can also come about as a result of jurisdictional specific concerns and associated or influencing provincial legislation. It is important to stay current with the latest licensure literature and OAA communications to stay informed and up to date.

I appreciate the new requirements, but I will not be able to complete the IAP requirements or the new self-assessment due to personal circumstances. What options do I have to become licensed?

While the OAA recommends completing the licence requirements via the internship parameters, the Architects Act does recognize there can be extenuating circumstances for individuals on the path to licensure. There are a few alternatives for individuals to demonstrate licensure competency: namely, by submitting an Exemption Request to Council or requesting a hearing with the Registration Committee.

Are the self-assessments reviewed in the same manner as CERB submissions?

The Ontario Practice Competencies are Intern-directed self-assessments with validation by the Supervising Architect. The OAA will receive, review for completion, and confirm receipt. Completed self-assessments are tracked in the Intern’s records. There may be instances where the OAA will require administrative clarification, but the self-assessments are not architecturally reviewed in the manner of the CERBs.

CONTACT

t: 416.449.6898 Ext. 216
e: iap@oaa.on.ca

RESOURCES

Ontario Practice Competencies Self-Assessment Guide and Portal Instructions

Ontario Practice Competency Pre-licensure Self-Assessment Forms