Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC), formerly known as CALA, has announced changes and clarifications regarding the student hours eligible for the Internship in Architecture Program (IAP).

Two years ago, a national task force established by ROAC tabled recommendations for changes to the IAP that were approved by all the Canadian provincial/territorial architectural regulators. Among those changes was the definition of a “Recognized Student,” accompanied with the allowance for these individuals to gain up to 760 hours of eligible pre-graduation experience in the IAP.

In an effort to provide consistency to the eligibility of experience gained as a Recognized Student, ROAC is now amending the IAP. As of July 1, 2022, student hours for consideration must be obtained:
• while the student is enrolled and attending a CACB/NAAB-accredited program of architecture in Canada or the United States; and
• while completing the final two years of a CACB/NAAB-accredited master’s degree program.
Any experience gained prior to entering the M.Arch program, or while not enrolled in a CACB/NAAB-accredited school of architecture, will not be eligible for consideration in the IAP.

This amendment will not affect any student hours approved to date in the IAP. The updated declaration form and Appendix B to the IAP Manual will be available on the OAA website shortly, with a reminder in the next edition of OAA News.