We use cookies to keep you signed in and to see what's working and what breaks. No advertising cookies, nothing sold. Details in our Cookie Policy.

Profession Playbook

Architect

Licensed profession, reserved title

"Architect" is a legally protected title in Ontario — you cannot call yourself one, or offer architectural services to the public, without a licence from the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA). The path is a recognized degree, logged internship hours, and the ExAC exam.

Architect at a glance

Credential
Reserved title — an OAA licence is required to call yourself an architect
Path in
CACB-accredited degree → 3,720-hour internship (IAP) → ExAC exam
Regulated by
Ontario Association of Architects (OAA)
Insurance baseline
Professional liability (E&O) through the OAA program
Professional body
Ontario Association of Architects (OAA)

Where are you right now?

Qualify. Practise. Own it. Pick the door that matches where you are.

Getting inBecome an architectThe real path: degree, supervised experience, and the licensing or designation exam.Open Going out on your ownStart an architecture practiceFrom qualified professional to your own authorized, insured practice.Open Just lookingCommon questionsCredentials, timelines, and how-to questions, answered straight.Open

The credential, explained

Architecture is a self-regulated profession under the Architects Act. To use the title "architect" and provide architectural services you must be licensed by the OAA. Licensure requires a professional degree certified by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB), completion of the Internship in Architecture Program (IAP), and the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC). To run your own firm you additionally need an OAA Certificate of Practice and professional liability insurance.

Designations in this profession

  • Intern ArchitectOAA Intern Architect (during the IAP)
  • ArchitectLicensed Architect, OAA: Reserved title under the Architects Act

Insurance to expect

OAA-licensed firms must carry professional liability (errors & omissions) insurance through the OAA-administered program. Design errors carry long-tail liability, so E&O — not just commercial general liability — is the core coverage for an architecture practice.

Go to the source

The official bodies that govern this profession. Bookmark these, they are the final word on requirements, exams, and fees.

Keep reading

IncorporationCRA RegistrationInsuranceOperational Setup

Ready to start an architecture practice?

AEC Stack handles the business side (incorporation, registrations, insurance, and operations) so you can focus on the professional work.

Get started