Through legislation, the provincial and territorial professional regulatory associations have both the authority and responsibility to establish standards of admission and competency for those seeking to become licensed to practise architecture in their respective jurisdictions.
Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC) has worked collectively to develop and adopt nationally recognized Standards of Competency. These standards are embodied in the
Canadian Standard of Competency for Architects, which establishes consistent criteria candidates must meet regardless of their chosen path to licensure. For more information about licensure/registration, review the
Conditions for Licensure of Architects in Canada.
For the Standard of Competency, the Forms of Comprehension are based on Benjamin Bloom’s
Taxonomy of Educational Objectives and the cognitive domain, which involves knowledge and the development of intellectual skills. Bloom's taxonomy includes six levels of objectives in the following order:
- Remember (1): recalling, retrieving relevant knowledge from long-term memory, remembering facts and information through memorization in approximately the form in which they were learned—you can name, cite, describe, and define (but only when recall is involved);
- Understand (2): perceiving the intended meaning of, explaining in your own words, interpreting information—you can explain, summarize, describe/define (if not based solely on recall), interpret, and offer examples;
- Apply (3): carrying out or implementing a task using information previously learned in new situations, employing data, methods, and principles previously learned to solve a problem or carry out a task—you can use your knowledge and experience in new situations to solve, calculate, and apply rules, laws, and methods;
- Analyze (4): breaking material or concepts into parts, determining how the parts relate to each other or to an overall structure or purpose, researching elements of a process, problem, organization, or system (and the relationships between/among them)—you can compare, contrast, explain why, classify, differentiate, or select;
- Evaluate (5): appraising or assessing a plan or process based on specific standards and criteria for a given purpose, making judgments based on criteria and standards—you can judge, recommend, critique, defend, appraise, propose, or justify; and
- Create (6): putting elements together to form a coherent or functional whole, reorganizing elements into a new pattern or structure—you can create, develop, produce, plan, modify, or construct.
It is important to understand the highest number is not necessarily the appropriate assignment for an area of knowledge or skill. For example, architects do not “create” building codes, so requiring “6” for that component of the Standard of Competency would be inappropriate.
The Standard of Competency takes an outcomes-based approach, examining knowledge, understanding, ability, and performance. Select the titles below to see how the entry-level architect competencies relate to Bloom’s taxonomy.
A candidate demonstrating competence in this area will:
Prepare an architectural functional program (Bloom's Comprehension Level 3)
- Assemble and organize components and information related to an architectural functional program
- Apply the components and information required to prepare an architectural functional program for a client
Incorporate principles of sustainable development within an architectural program (Bloom's Comprehension Level 3)
- Identify design issues that maximize the benefits of existing environmental conditions
- Apply the principles of sustainable and resilient development
Evaluate the architectural program (Bloom's Comprehension Level 5)
- Evaluate the feasibility of the program with respect to project constraints and opportunities
- Evaluate the feasibility of the program relative to the site
- Evaluate the project and construction cost, and budget implications of the program
- Evaluate the program against stated client objectives
- Evaluate the sustainability and resilience elements of the program
A candidate demonstrating competence in this area will:
Propose solutions to the siting of a building in relation to its environment (Bloom's Comprehension Level 5)
- Propose grading and storm water management solutions
- Evaluate the siting of the building in relation to energy consumption, and sustainability and resilience
- Propose solutions for the siting of the building in relation to access and circulation
- Evaluate the siting of the building in relation to the data derived from engineering, geotechnical and environmental reports, land surveys and land title searches
- Evaluate the siting of a building in relation to zoning and other regulatory requirements
A candidate demonstrating competence in this area will:
Define schematic design principles and approaches (Bloom's Comprehension Level 2)
- Understand the history of architecture – globally and locally
- Understand the theory of architecture – historic and current
- Understand the evolution of aesthetic design
- Understand the evolution of environmental theory and practice
- Understand the process of community consultation
Analyze design principles and solutions in relation to context (Bloom's Comprehension Level 4)
- Explain social consequences – positive and negative
- Explain contextual/ environmental/ community influences
Evaluate aesthetics of design solutions (Bloom's Comprehension Level 5)
- Evaluate massing/form and proportion/scale
- Evaluate materials in relation to selection criteria
- Evaluate aesthetic rigour and coherence
- Evaluate siting in relation to its impact to the aesthetic of the design solution
Utilize conceptual and representational skills to imagine and communicate design concepts and solutions (Bloom's Comprehension Level 3)
- Convey design concept using 3D visualization
- Prepare graphic representations to illustrate the design concept and solution
- Prepare a physical or virtual model to validate the design concept and solution
Assess technical aspects of the schematic design solutions (Bloom's Comprehension Level 5)
- Assess information required for schematic design
- Assess the impact of factors such as human behaviour, historic precedent and design theory on schematic design
- Assess engineering services required for the schematic design of the project
- Assess the scheduling implications for construction
Produce schematic design solutions for a project (Bloom's Comprehension Level 6)
- Create a schematic design solution that complies with building codes, including accessibility requirements, specialist codes, zoning and other regulatory requirements
- Develop design concepts that integrate programming requirements that establish spatial relationships
- Create a schematic design solution that integrates consultant input
- Evaluate design solution alternatives
- Create a building site solution for a specific site, given existing physical factors and design criteria
- Prepare documentation required for the client’s approval
Consider the principles of energy efficiency and environmental impacts (Bloom's Comprehension Level 5)
- Evaluate passive and active design solutions
- Evaluate strategies for compliance with applicable energy objectives
A candidate demonstrating competence in this area will:
Understand structural systems and their influence on design (Bloom's Comprehension Level 2)
- Outline the general principles of the structural design approach
- Outline the code and regulatory requirements related to structure
- Illustrate the implications of design decisions on the selection of systems, materials, technology and construction detail
- Describe the influence of site and environmental characteristics on the selection, design and construction of structural systems
- Illustrate the principles of primary and lateral forces and their effect on the building design
- Understand soil mechanics and its influences on foundation design
- Understand the environmental and sustainability impact of the choice of structural system
Understand mechanical systems (passive and active) and their influence on sustainability and design (Bloom's Comprehension Level 2)
- Summarize factors affecting selection of mechanical systems
- Explain code requirements relative to passive and active mechanical systems
- Understand the environmental and sustainability impact of the mechanical system design
- Explain the influence of the mechanical system on the overall design
Understand electrical systems (lighting, power supply and distribution, fire alarm systems, security and communication systems) and their influence on sustainability and design (Bloom's Comprehension Level 2)
- Rationalize the selection of lighting systems and its influence on the design in relation to the environment and sustainability
- Explain the influence of power supply and distribution systems on the design in relation to the environment and sustainability
- Explain the impact of fire alarm, security and communication systems on design
Understand civil engineering systems (water management – supply, drainage and infrastructure) and their influence on sustainability and design (Bloom's Comprehension Level 2)
- Explain the impact of the civil engineering system on sustainability, and site and building design
- Explain the interface with municipal systems and approval process, service agreements (where applicable), etc.
A candidate demonstrating competence in this area will:
Understand factors influencing cost (Bloom's Comprehension Level 2)
- Outline factors influencing project budget and financing
- Summarize cost implications of alternate design solutions
- Illustrate the cost implications of scheduling of construction
Understand methods of estimating costs (range of options) (Bloom's Comprehension Level 2)
- Understand methods of estimating costs at various stages of a project (schematic design, design development, contract documents) and the architect’s responsibility in relation to cost estimates
Apply cost estimating methods to a project (Bloom's Comprehension Level 3)
- Organize resources available to prepare a cost estimate
- Apply cost estimating methods to different building types and/or delivery models
- Apply preferred methods of cost estimation (unit price, elemental, divisional, assembly, etc.)
Develop cost planning/ cost control methodology (Bloom's Comprehension Level 6)
- Develop client’s budget in conjunction with the program and the conditions for completing the project
- Produce recommendations for the client following a value analysis
Understand principles of life cycle costs (Bloom's Comprehension Level 2)
- Understand principles of life cycle costs relative to a project
A candidate demonstrating competence in this area will:
Understand the scope and application of the national and local building codes to the design, construction and occupancy of a building (Bloom's Comprehension Level 4)
- Understand which parts of the code(s) apply to specific building projects
- Understand the use of reference standards within the code
- Understand the use of Division B Appendices within the code and/or its local equivalent
Apply code requirements to the design process (Bloom's Comprehension Level 3)
- Apply building classification and construction requirements for a proposed building
- Apply fire safety requirements for a proposed building
- Apply floor area safety requirements for a proposed building
- Apply barrier free requirements for a proposed building
Apply code requirements to construction documents (Bloom's Comprehension Level 3)
- Apply code requirements for fire safety
- Apply code requirements for sound separations
- Apply code requirements for safety in floor areas
- Apply code requirements for exits
- Apply code requirements for health
- Apply code requirements for barrier-free design
Demonstrate awareness of alternate solution provisions in national and local building codes (Bloom's Comprehension Level 1)
- Have awareness of code objectives and their application
- Have awareness of acceptable application of an alternative solution in building design
- Have awareness of functional statements associated with a code requirement
- Have awareness of documents and information required to file an alternative solution
Apply energy-related code requirements to a project (Bloom's Comprehension Level 3)
- Apply energy-related code requirements to the design process for a project
- Apply energy-related code requirements to the construction documents for a project
A candidate demonstrating competence in this area will:
Assess factors influencing design development (Bloom's Comprehension Level 5)
- Assess information required for design development given specific conditions
- Assess building construction system choices made for a particular design
- Assess material choices made for a particular design
- Propose engineering services required for the design development of a given project
- Develop schedules and outline specifications for materials, finishes, fixed equipment and fixtures
- Assess issues related to indoor quality and energy conservation and compare alternative solutions relating to these issues
Assess engineering systems and regulatory factors (Bloom's Comprehension Level 5)
- Assess the implications of mechanical, electrical and structural systems on design
- Assess the implications of building codes, including accessibility, on design
Develop a solution that responds to the factors influencing the design (Bloom's Comprehension Level 6)
- Develop detailed design solutions in response to project criteria
Evaluate alternatives in finalizing a detailed solution (Bloom's Comprehension Level 5)
- Evaluate aesthetic assumptions as they apply to detailed solutions
- Evaluate emotional, psychological and spatial implications of a detailed solution
- Evaluate final form and function
- Evaluate solutions in relation to contextual, social, environmental and other criteria/constraints
Evaluate detailed solutions with regards to client/user group program needs (Bloom's Comprehension Level 5)
- Evaluate spatial implications of detailed solutions
- Evaluate spatial inter-relationships of detailed solutions
Develop design documentation (for review and approval of the proposed solution) (Bloom's Comprehension Level 6)
- Develop appropriate documentation for client approval
- Develop appropriate documentation for authorities’ approval
- Produce communication methodology with clients and user groups
Incorporate principles of energy efficiency and environmental concepts (Bloom's Comprehension Level 3)
- Apply the principle to exterior wall assemblies
- Evaluate the building in relation to various sustainability programs
A candidate demonstrating competence in this area will:
Understand components of construction documents (Bloom's Comprehension Level 2)
- Explain components of project manual (bidding requirements, contract forms, contract conditions and specifications
- Explain components of working drawings
- Explain hierarchy of importance among various components of construction documents
Understand construction materials, their properties and influence on design and documentation (Bloom's Comprehension Level 2)
- Understand appropriate use of materials for a given project
- Understand structural properties of materials (wood, metal, concrete, masonry)
- Understand the properties of different types of assembly materials (wood, metal, concrete, masonry)
- Understand the properties of main types of insulating materials
- Understand the properties of main types of air, vapour and water barriers
- Understand the properties of main types of finishing materials
- Understand the impact of materials and processes on health and environment
Create assemblies with consideration to their properties and influence on design and documentation (Bloom's Comprehension Level 6)
- Develop acoustic assemblies using sound-rating requirements
- Create fire-resistant building and fire stop assemblies
Create a building envelope (design and detailing) (Bloom's Comprehension Level 6)
- Select and assemble the components of a building envelope
- Design assemblies in relation to thermal resistance, moisture control and air tightness
- Design approach to glazing systems
- Apply building code requirements to non-combustible cladding and insulation
Apply the principles of a project manual and its technical specifications (Bloom's Comprehension Level 3)
- Develop a coordinated and complete project manual, including technical specifications
- Apply principles related to writing an appropriate specification
Coordinate construction documents (Bloom's Comprehension Level 4)
- Review, modify and coordinate architectural construction documents (products, material assemblies) to standards and codes
- Review, modify and coordinate architectural construction documents for compliance with project criteria (cost, timing, durability, aesthetics, performance, sustainability and environmental conditions)
- Coordinate architectural documents with sub-consultant documents (structural, mechanical, electrical, etc.)
A candidate demonstrating competence in this area will:
Summarize methods of realizing construction projects/ forms of project delivery (Bloom's Comprehension Level 2)
- Summarize common forms of project delivery
Summarize major types of construction contracts, including purpose and obligations (Bloom's Comprehension Level 2)
- Compare different type of construction contracts
- Explain the purposes of common CCDC contracts as they relate to project delivery methods
- Describe the responsibilities of parties to, or referenced in, a construction contract (owner/client, contractor, consultant, etc.)
Evaluate bids submitted by contractors (Bloom's Comprehension Level 5)
- Clarify the architect’s responsibility to the client in making recommendations
- Evaluate submitted tenders for technical compliance
- Explain bid and performance bonds and their role in the tendering process
- Prepare required post-tender addenda and contract award documents
Apply process for considering and awarding construction contracts (Bloom's Comprehension Level 3)
- Compare responsibilities of each party involved in the tendering process
- Prepare documentation required during the tendering process (addenda, clarifications, etc.)
- Apply the process of awarding a construction contract
A candidate demonstrating competence in this area will:
Analyze the role of architects and others in the administration of the construction contract (office and site) (Bloom's Comprehension Level 4)
- Clarify the roles and responsibilities of the architect and others in the administration of the construction contract
- Select mechanisms to resolve differences in interpretation, disputes and conflicts arising from the contract documents
- Identify steps to assemble evidence in preparation for arbitration or court proceedings
- Clarify contracts and professional obligations related to the observation of construction
Administer construction phase office tasks (Bloom's Comprehension Level 4)
- Administer tasks required in the construction phase (from initial construction meeting, through construction and close out, until end of warranty period)
- Analyze documentation required from the contractor prior to commencement of construction
- Administer tasks involved in processing payment for work
- Administer tasks involved in review of shop drawings and submittals
- Administer the terms of the contract related to deficiencies, take-over procedures, commissioning, indemnification and warranty
Administer construction phase site tasks (Bloom's Comprehension Level 4)
- Administer tasks related to the construction phase on site (from initial construction meeting, through construction and close out, until end of the warranty period)
- Select procedures for monitoring construction progress
- Administer tasks related to field review
- Administer tasks related to contract closeout, takeover and occupancy
- Administer Coordinate tasks related to hazardous materials
- Understand the responsibilities of the contractor and the architect relative to site safety
Administer appropriate forms and documentss (Bloom's Comprehension Level 5)
- Prepare certificates for payment
- Select and prepare contemplated/proposed changes, change directives and changes orders
- Prepare other relevant forms or reports (field review, final, review, etc.)
- Evaluate claims of substantial performance/completion
- Appraise professional obligations relating to lien and other related legislation
- Assess professional obligations related to letters of assurance/schedules (if applicable)
A candidate demonstrating competence in this area will:
Apply the principles of managing an architectural project (Bloom's Comprehension Level 3)
- Implement a project management process
- Organize role(s) of the individuals involved in a project
- Organize the contents of a project file
Develop and implement work plans (Bloom's Comprehension Level 6)
- Create and implement the main components of a work plan
- Organize essential elements of effective team management (communications, objectives, etc.)
- Create quality assurance process and quality control processes for a project
A candidate demonstrating competence in this area will:
Consider external relationships in practice management (Bloom's Comprehension Level 5)
- Assess management of consultants, personnel and teams
- Establish fees for services relative to a project
- Evaluate consultant service agreements
- Demonstrate negotiation and dispute resolution skills
Consider internal aspects of practice management (Bloom's Comprehension Level 5)
- Understand the business of (legal structure options for) architectural practice in relevant jurisdiction(s)
- Understand finance, accounting and legal requirements for successful professional practice
- Understand financial forecasting and planning for professional firm success
- Assess risk management, insurance and professional business ethics
- Evaluate human resource and administration planning
- Apply human resource management – fair workplace, human rights, diversity and equity
- Apply strategic management of information technology
- Describe organizational management
- Describe office administration
Understand the role of a self-governing profession in contemporary Canadian society (Bloom's Comprehension Level 2)
- Understand relevant Architects Act, and related documents
- Understand the implications and obligations of a self-governing profession
- Understand the legal, professional and ethical obligations of an architect as a member of a self-governing profession, including competency and conduct requirements