Limited Licence

What is a limited licence?

A limited licence and its associated class are a type of registration with the OAA that has specific requirements and restrictions. The requirements are the requisite academic, experience, and examination qualifications. The restrictions are specific to the associated scope of practice set out in the regulations.

What will be the professional designation of those with the limited licence?

The title assigned to this new limited licence class is “Licensed Technologist.” This is a protected title established in the Architects Act (the Act) under Section 46.

Can a limited licence holder use the same title as a licensed member of the OAA?

No. Only licence holders may use the title Architect. Limited licence holders must use the title Licensed Technologist in accordance with Regulation 27 (the regulations).

Are limited licence holders considered members of the OAA?

Yes. Limited licence holders are members of the OAA as established in Section 5 of the Architects Act.

Are limited licence holders permitted to use the designation “OAA”?

Yes. All OAA members are permitted to use the designation OAA in accordance with the Council Policy “Use of Designation OAA".  Prior to use, individuals must review and ensure the designation conforms with the policy parameters.  As an example, should a member wish to use the designation “OAA” it must be accompanied by the member’s licence or limited licence title.

What is the scope of practice with the new limited licence?

The regulations under the Architects Act establish the practice restrictions for Licensed Technologists as follows:

32.1 (1) Every limited licence is subject to the following terms and conditions:

1. The holder of the limited licence will engage in the practice of architecture with respect only to the preparation or provision of a design for the construction, enlargement or alteration of a building that,

i. is not more than three storeys and not more than 600 square metres in gross area as constructed, enlarged or altered, and is used or intended for one or more of,

A. residential occupancy,

B. business occupancy,

C. personal services occupancy,

D. mercantile occupancy,

E. industrial occupancy, or

F. assembly occupancy, but only with respect to occupancy for the consumption of food or drink in a restaurant intended to accommodate not more than 100 people,

ii. is used or intended for residential occupancy, contains one dwelling unit or two attached dwelling units, and, as constructed, enlarged or altered, is not more than four storeys, or

iii. is used or intended for residential occupancy, contains three or more attached dwelling units, and, as constructed, enlarged or altered, is not more than four storeys and 600 square metres in building area.

2. The holder of the limited licence may only use the titles “Licensed Technologist” and “technologue agréé”.

3. The holder of the limited licence must comply with the Act and the regulations.

(2) Expressions used in paragraph 1 of subsection (1) have the same meaning as in section 11 of the Act.

(3) For greater certainty, paragraph 1 of subsection (1) does not apply with respect to anything permitted under subsection 11 (3) or (5) of the Act.

What are my responsibilities as a limited licence holder?

Once granted a limited licence as a Licensed Technologist with the OAA, individuals must comply with the Architects Act, the regulations, the OAA Bylaws, and associated OAA policies. The application form and its declaration contain further information.

Are there ongoing professional development requirements (i.e. ConEd) for limited licence holders?

Yes. Section 54 of the regulations establishes mandatory continuing education for all members. Refer to the OAA Website for further information.

How long does it take for the OAA to process an application for limited licence?

Please allow approximately four to six weeks of processing time from the date of receipt of the completed application and all required documentation.

How often must a limited licence be renewed?

Registration must be renewed annually; failure to do so could result in cancellation of limited licence. The OAA sends out renewal reminders in November every year and the payment deadline is January 2. Holders of certificates of practice must also renew annually, however the deadline is different from that for limited licence.

Will limited licence holders with a Certificate of Practice require professional liability insurance?

Yes. For those applying for a CofP, Pro-Demnity Insurance Co. has been made aware of the regulation amendments and is ready to respond to insurance requirements. More information will be shared soon.

I previously held a licence voided by the May 2023 court order. Will I automatically be issued a limited licence, or do I need to apply?

Individuals will need to apply for the limited licence. The effect of the May 2023 court order was to void those licences and certificates of practice (CoPs) issued to those who were formerly known as Licensed Technologists OAA (Lic.Tech.OAA). The new limited licence must be applied for in accordance with the Architects Act (the Act) and any issuance must be similarly administered. More information about applications can be found on the OAA Website.

I previously held a certificate of practice voided by the May 2023 court order. Will I automatically be issued a CoP, or do I need to apply?

Individuals will need to apply for the certificate of practice. The effect of the May 2023 court order was to void those licences and CoPs issued to former Licensed Technologists OAA. A new certificate of practice must be applied for in accordance with the Architects Act and any issuance must be similarly administered. More information about applications can be found on the OAA Website.

It is a condition of every CoP that is held by a limited licence holder, or under which a limited licence holder personally supervises and directs the practice of architecture, that the certificate is subject to the same terms, conditions, and limitations to which the limited licence is subject.

I previously held a licence voided by the May 2023 court order. Am I eligible to apply for this new limited licence?

The eligibility for limited licence is established in the Architects Act and further detailed in Regulation 27 (the regulations).

From the Act:

13.1 (1) The Registrar shall issue a limited licence to a natural person who applies in accordance with the regulations and,

(a) is of good character;

(b) is not less than 18 years of age;

(c) is a citizen of Canada or has the status of a permanent resident of Canada or is a member of an organization of architects that is recognized by the Council and that has objects, standards of practice and requirements for membership similar to those of the Association;

(d) has complied with the academic and experience requirements specified in the regulations for the issuance of a limited licence, subject to any exemption by the Council; and

(e) has passed such examinations and completed such courses of study as the Council may set or approve in accordance with the regulations, subject to any exemption by the Council.

From the regulations:

32. (1) The following academic, experience and examination requirements for the issuance of a limited licence to a person are prescribed for the purposes of clauses 13.1 (1) (d) and (e) of the Act:

1. The person must hold an advanced diploma from an Ontario college of applied arts and technology for a three-year architectural technology program or have graduated from a three-year college architectural technology program accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada.

2. The person must have completed the admission course offered by the Association.

3. The person must have successfully completed the Examination for Licensed Technologists published by the Association.

4. The person must have completed a total of 5,580 hours of experience, under the personal supervision and direction of a person authorized to practice architecture in the jurisdiction in which the experience is obtained, that meets the requirements of the OAA Technology Program published by the Association. At least 940 hours of the experience must have been completed within the three years before the date on which the person applies for the limited licence.

5. If fewer than 940 of the total hours of experience required by paragraph 4 were completed in Canada, the person must have successfully completed the Council approved courses specified in the OAA Technology Program published by the Association.

6. The person must have completed an experience assessment provided by the Association.

(2) Paragraphs 1, 4 and 5 of subsection (1) do not apply with respect to a person who successfully completed the Advanced Standing Program that was administered by the Ontario Association of Applied Architectural Sciences before its dissolution.

Does my prior work experience gained in the OAA Technology Program count toward the requirements for the new limited licence?

Yes. Experience previously accepted by the OAA Technology Program may be used toward the requirements for limited licence.

Do I need to complete an internship program if I previously held a licence voided by the May 2023 court order?

Individuals who successfully completed the OAA Technology Program should not need to complete requirements previously fulfilled. The OAA recommends individuals contact the Office of the Registrar to confirm limited licence application requirements.

Are there additional steps or documentation required if I previously held a licence voided by the May 2023 court order?

Yes. There have been recent amendments to the Fair Access to Regulated Professions and Compulsory Trades Act (FARPACTA) that have compelled professional regulators to make changes to their registration practices for all applicants. One such change for the OAA is the requirement for applicants to complete an experience self-assessment.

The OAA no longer requires applicants to have gained experience in Ontario, but instead complete a self-assessment confirming key Ontario Practice Competencies (OPCs). Individuals who successfully completed the OAA Technology Program before May 10, 2023, should contact the Office of the Registrar to discuss the self-assessment requirement. Individuals who complete the OTP after May 10, 2023, must have their Supervising Professional validate the experience self-assessment.

How do I demonstrate my qualifications in my new application?

The limited licence application that will be available on the OAA Website will contain information on what requirements must be fulfilled. Should you require any support, contact the Office of the Registrar, which has access to the OAA Technology Program records and will be able to assist where required.

I previously held a licence and CoP voided by the May 2023 court order. Will I get my old OAA seal back?

You will not be able to use your old seal. OAA Council has approved a new limited licence seal design, which includes the proper “Licensed Technologist” nomenclature as well as the words “Limited Licence.” Please visit the OAA Website for more information.

The OAA Technology Program stopped in May 2023. Will experience hours logged in the Experience Record Book (ERB) prior to this date be recognized when the program is resumes?

Yes. The OAA has maintained the ERB transcripts for Intern Technologists previously enrolled in the program. The ERB will now be accessed via a new online portal. More information is available on the OAA Website. Once enrolled, Intern Technologists are encouraged to review their records. Any discrepancies should be discussed with the Office of the Registrar.

If individuals have gained eligible Intern Technologist experience between May 10, 2023, and January 1, 2025, can this experience be submitted to the ERB?

Yes. The OAA encourages Intern Technologists to submit for review eligible experience gained in this time period. Please review the OTP Guide to review experience requirements.

When can Intern Technologists start logging experience?

Individuals can apply to the program after January 23, 2025. Once enrolled, Intern Technologists should review the experience submission requirements, ERB Guide, and then may begin to submit experience in accordance with the submission requirements.

How are experience hours submitted for the OAA Technology Program?

After enrolment in the OTP, experience may be documented in the online ERB  or the ERB (PDF). The OAA recommends submitting your experience through the online ERB, as it provides easy access to your submission and allows you to track the progress of the approval process.

Does the OAA provide any guidance for securing a Mentor?

Intern Technologists should select a Mentor willing to commit to their professional growth and who understands the architectural profession’s historic mentoring system. Mentors are expected to be knowledgeable about OTP objectives and work experience requirements.

The Intern Technologist may select a Mentor by:

• asking for a recommendation from a personal acquaintance;
• asking for a recommendation from an employer, previous employer, or fellow Intern Technologist; or
• using the OAA Mentor Directory.

What are the fees for enrolment in the OAA Technology Program?

Individuals may apply to the OTP via the Intern Technologist online application. All fees will be set out in the application.

How long does it take to process an application for enrolment in the OAA Technology Program?

Please allow approximately three to four weeks of processing time from the date of receipt of the completed application and all required documentation.