RIBA Part 3 Candidate Handbook 2024 - HK
RIBA Part 3 Candidate Handbook 2024 - HK
RIBA Part 3 Candidate Handbook 2024 - HK
Advanced Diploma in
Professional Practice in
Architecture Handbook
Regulations & Procedures
Contents
page 3
page 4
page 6
page 7
page 8
RIBA ADPPA Course and Examination Committee
RIBA Examination Panel (Professional Examiners)
Professional Education Programmes Director
Candidate's Examination Supervisor
Candidate's Office Mentor
page 12
Eligibility and Entry Requirements
Data Protection
Equality and Diversity
Contents
Disclaimer
The information contained within this handbook is correct at the time of publish, however there may be updates or
amendments prior to the commencement or during the course. This handbook is intended for candidates for the
RIBA’s own Part 3 course and examination.
Published July 2023
1 Key staff
Any enquiries regarding the RIBA Part 3 course and examination can be directed to:
Part 3 Team
Alison Mackinder
Professional Education Programmes Director
Alison.mackinder@riba.org
Craig Allen
Part 3 UK Course Leader
Craig.Allen@riba.org
Kimberley Hough
Professional Education Programmes Manager
Kimberley.hough@riba.org
Amanda Hoogerdijk
Part 3 Programme Administrator
Amanda.hoogerdijk@riba.org
Anna Sloan
Part 3 Programme Administrator
Anna.sloan@riba.org
2 Key dates
December TBC Induction
2023
*activities in italics are candidate self-study and do not have a specific date/deadline.
December
*activities in italics are candidate self-study and do not have a specific date/deadline.
3 Introduction
In 1990 the four schools of the North West Region, the University of Liverpool, the John
Moores Liverpool University (then the Liverpool Polytechnic), the Victoria University of
Manchester and the Manchester Metropolitan University (then the Manchester
Polytechnic decided to pool their professional practice teaching resources and to hold a
common examination in professional practice. They also agreed to establish a common
course of examination preparation. Initially the course was known as the Graduate
Practice Course, subsequently it was retitled as the Advanced Diploma in Professional
Practice Course in recognition of the award of a diploma to successful candidates from
1997 onwards.
The organisation, administration and conduct of the examination and the course was the
responsibility of the Regional Director of the North West Region of the RIBA operating
under the direction of the region’s Education Committee and Examination Committee.
In 2003 an application was made for independent RIBA validation rather than through
the NW Schools of Architecture and this was successful.
Subsequent to this RIBA and RIBA NW Region entered into a formal agreement that the
two validated awards be combined and retitled RIBA Advanced Diploma in Professional
Practice in Architecture.
The course has been revalidated by RIBA in 2022 and prescribed again by ARB in
2020.
In assessing the competence of candidates the examiners are primarily concerned with:
PC1 Professionalism
PC2 Clients, Users & delivery of service
PC3 Legal Framework & processes
PC4 Practice Management
PC5 Building Procurement
RIBA Council holds responsibility for award and title of the RIBA Advanced Diploma in
Professional Practice in Architecture.
Responsibility for the operation of the course and examination rests with RIBA ADPPA
Course and Exam Committee.
The RIBA ADPPA Course and Exam Committee is responsible for the organisation,
administration and conduct of the Advanced Diploma Practice Course and examination,
and for the appointment and direction of examiners, tutors and officials, within the
framework of the Charter and Byelaws of the RIBA.
The organisation and administration of the examination and the course in accordance
with these regulations is carried out by the RIBA Advanced Diploma in Professional
Practice in Architecture Course and Examination Committee (henceforth referred to as
ADPPA Course and Examination Committee), which is accountable to the RIBA
Education Committee.
The ADPPA Course and Examination Committee is responsible for the organisation and
administration of the examination and the course in accordance with these regulations.
The Committee reports back to the RIBA Education Committee, from whom it must
seek approval of changes to the Regulations and appointment of examiners.
The Committee is required to meet on at least two occasions each year: to submit and
annual report at the earliest opportunity, and to provide copies of minutes to others with
a bona fide interest.
The Committee is representative of practitioners, the Universities, the RIBA and others.
1. Practitioner members shall be invited by the Chair of the ADPPA Course and
Examination Committee and shall comprise:
At least four of the professional examiners
Representatives from practice
Professional Educational Programmes Director
Part 3 Course Leader
Professional Educational Programmes Manager
Committee (ex officio)
The quorum for the Committee is six persons of which at least two shall be professional
examiners. The Committee may invite other persons to attend its meetings but ad hoc
members have no voting rights and cannot be included in the calculation of quorum
numbers. Formal notices convening meetings of the Committee have to be issued not
less than fourteen days before the date of the proposed meeting.
The Committee shall appoint a member of the Committee as its chairperson each year,
normally at the same time as its appointment of other honorary officers and in
accordance with its regulations. In the absence of its chair the Committee must appoint
one of its members as acting chair for the duration of the absence. The chair and is
responsible for conduct of the Committee's business.
All members of the Committee have equal voting rights and voting is by a two-thirds
majority of the members present with the chair having the casting vote.
Other than in exceptional circumstances the names of individual candidates may not be
revealed in the course of the Committee's discussions.
The members of the Panel must be registered architects, normally with not less than
five years’ experience as an architect in practice in the United Kingdom. Membership of
the Panel must comply with Section 9 RIBA procedures for validation and validation
criteria for UK and international courses and examinations in architecture.
The duties of the members of the Panel are to examine candidates and to provide
feedback for the annual review of the examination.
The Committee shall seek nominations/applications for new members of the Panel
from appropriate sources and consider applications received from prospective
examiners.
Normally members of the Panel may not examine for a continuous period of more than
six years.
In order to avoid any possible suggestion of conflict of interests candidates may not be
examined by persons with whom they have been associated academically,
professionally or socially. Examiners are expected to notify any such conflict of interest
to the Professional Education Programmes Director / Part 3 Course Leader.
The Chief Examiner shall be drawn from the Panel of Professional Examiners and will
have examined for at least four years. The role of the Chief Examiner is to be available
to review borderline submissions if requested by the professional examiners and stand
in for a professional examiner in case of absence and support to the External Examiners
as necessary.
External Examiners are appointed by the RIBA ADPPA Course and Examination
Committee with the agreement and ratification of the RIBA Education Committee.
External Examiners are responsible for overseeing the examination procedures,
commenting upon the course content and making a written report to the RIBA ADPPA
Course and Examination Committee.
Examiners Training - The RIBA will organise an Examiners Training Day annually for Part
3 examiners to attend. This usually covers the five elements of the examination
submission, the professional criteria outlined by ARB/RIBA and the assessment of
candidates at examination/interview. It is also the opportunity for External examiners
feedback their observations and comments to professional examiners.
The Professional Education Programmes Director will be supported by the staff of the
RIBA Part 3 team and specifically the Professional Studies Advisors, the Part 3 Course
Leader, the Professional Education Programmes Manager, the Part 3 Administrators,
appointed by the RIBA with responsibility for administrative, financial and organisational
matters and for general liaison with candidates and other participants in the course and
with associated institutions, with any additional support being provided as and when
course examination organisation require it.
The Professional Education Programmes Director, the Part 3 Course Leader, the
Professional Education Programmes Manager and Part 3 Administrators are subject
to the employment conditions of the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Normally the person nominated will be an architect who is a principal or a senior staff
member of the office in which the candidate will be engaged at the time of the writing
of the responses to the Practice Problems.
The Examination Supervisor may be the person nominated as the candidate's Office
Mentor but generally it is normally preferable for another person to undertake the
task.
1. Receive an email on Day One & Day Two on exam days by 08:30 HKT
containing a digital copy of the exam paper. (these are for information
purposes only, the supervisor does not need to forward onto the exam
candidate, as they should receive the exam papers direct).
2. To act as a liaison point, should the candidate experience any issues during the
examination days.
3. Receive an email containing an electronic copy of the candidate's exam
responses at 17:30 on Day One & Day Two of the exam and to keep them in a
secure place.
Admission to a RIBA validated Part 3 course in the UK is normally restricted to candidates who:
Hold UK RIBA validated qualifications at part 1 and at part 2
Have completed the appropriate qualification/s listed under Annex V or Annex VI of
the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive (2005/36/EC)
Hold international qualifications equivalent to part 1 and part 2, and who have
completed the ARB Prescribed Examination at part 1 and part 2
Or hold relevant overseas qualifications, but they will be required to undertake the
ARB prescribed exams before registration with ARB.
Candidates who do not hold any of the qualifications listed above, must contact the Part
3 team to be made aware of the requirements for RIBA Chartered Membership and for
ARB registration.Applicants for RIBA Chartered Membership should hold RIBA validated
qualifications, except where they may be eligible through an alternative approved route,
details of which can be found on architecture.com/membership
In addtion to the above, candidates for the RIBA Part 3 oral examination stage should
have recently completed a minimum of 24 months’ practical experience under the direct
supervision of a professional working in the construction industry, which should include
at least 12 months working in the EEA, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, under the
direct supervision of an architect.
Candidates who do not meet the normal practical training outlined above should contact
the RIBA Part 3 department to discuss their situation and options available.
The RIBA reserves the right to refuse entry to the course and/or examination to persons
that the Committee consider do not meet the course or examination entry requirements.
In the event of a candidate wishing to withdraw from the course, the registration and
course fees are non-refundable.
Data Protection
The information and records retained for each Part 3 candidate are confidential and
used solely for the purposes of the Course and Examination. Information of a personal
nature e.g. doctor’s certificates will only be divulged to other parties e.g. examiners with
the written agreement of the candidate. PSAs and Professional Examiners consultancy
agreements have confidentiality and data protection clauses in place.
The details you provide will be processed in line with the RIBA's GDPR obligations. For
information on how we handle your personal data please see our Privacy Policy -
www.architecture.com/about/privacy-policy.
The course may be taken at any time but generally candidates find it most helpful to
take the course in the year in which they anticipate that they will be ready to take the
examination.
Candidates may defer the examination after their completion of the course but anyone
who delays the examination for more than three years is required to take the full course
again. A candidate who has deferred may participate in the following year’s seminars
subject to payment of costs e.g. catering, etc. and spaces being available.
It is not expected that candidates will be able to answer practice problem exam papers
initially, but as knowledge is built up through study packs, lectures and group working,
then these should become more familiar.
Responsibility for programming private study using the material and assignments of the
self-study packs rests with the individual candidate. Advice needed or questions raised in
the course of private study is available from the Professional Education Programmes
Director on request.
Seminars
The two seminar components of the course are normally held in Hong Kong, over a
long weekend. The dates of the seminars are published in the ‘key dates’ and
candidates should reserve study leave with their offices at the beginning of the course.
These seminar weekends include lectures and group working sessions, which cover
the ARB/RIBA criteria for Part 3.
Key seminar information i.e. location, final programme of lectures are usually
provided in the study pack one month prior to the seminar.
B ecause of the intensity and nature of the two seminars, participation is an essential
requirement of the course.
Candidates aiming to take the exam later than Autumn, will have the opportunity to
submit a draft document later for written feedback via email.
We also offer regular optional ‘drop in sessions’ where candidates can meet with the
Professional Education Programmes Director / Part 3 Course Leader to discuss Part 3
related issues. These sessions are mostly held online.
Individual candidates with concerns can arrange to discuss these online with the
Professional Education Programmes Director / Part 3 Course Leader.
The arrangements for the office briefings, at a time convenient to the office and the
Professional Education Programmes Director / Part 3 Course Leader, is the responsibility of
the individual candidate.
Other Components
Other components of the course include:
Induction session
These sessions usually take place in December before the course starts and give
candidates an opportunity to find out more about the RIBA Part 3 course and what is to be
expected for the year ahead. It is also a great opportunity for candidates to meet their
assigned study group and the Part 3 team.
PEDR Monitoring
On registration candidates are assigned a Professional Studies Advisor (PSA), who will
provide official monitoring of PEDR sheets and experience towards your Part 3. This is
provided for the duration of your time on the course. We accept backdated PEDR sheets.
Study groups
Candidates will be assigned to a group by mid-December, which will be based primarily by
office location, where possible.
Study groups form an integral part of the course, and will be used for the group working
sessions at the seminar weekends. We highly recommend that candidates meet up or stay
in regular contact with their study groups from an early stage of the course.
Disclaimer
It is our intention to deliver face-to-face, however if we have to switch to online delivery, we will aim to
ensure that it has no detrimental effect on your professional development and qualification.
Components
The examination consists of two parts: a Documentary Submission and a Professional
Interview, which follows about one month after the submission is made.
There is some guidance on each of the components below and also in section 12.
The RIBA Part 3 have exam sittings every six months. Candidates have up to three years
to successfully complete the examination. However, the majority of candidates aim to
complete at the first or second opportunity.
The documentary submission is normally retained for 18 months from the date of
submission. Submissions may be used as reference material for future candidates at the
courses unless specifically requested not to do so.
In the event of a candidate wishing to withdraw from the examination, the examination
fee is returnable provided that notice of withdrawal is given not later than twenty-eight
days before the date on which the responses to the Practice Problems are to be written.
Curriculum Vitae
The curriculum vitae must not exceed two pages in length. It must list in chronological
order the dates and places of academic study and qualification, and professional work,
that have been significant in the candidate's professional development.
It must include the dates of passing or receiving exemption from the RIBA Part 1 and
Part 2 Examinations in Architecture, together with details of any degrees or other
relevant awards.
Self-evaluation
The self-evaluation must be between 3,000 and 5,000 words in length.
The evaluation must be in the form of an appraisal of the whole of the candidate's
professional career to date in terms of its learning and professional development
outcomes.
Illustrations of work and graphical analyses of experience may be included but the space
taken by illustrations must not exceed that occupied by the text.
Where appropriate, cross-references may be made to the curriculum vitae, pedr sheets
and/or the case study.
RIBA/ARB Definitions:
• ‘Months’: these will be calendar months of full time working (at least 20
hours a week).
• Reasonable time off for holidays and illness may be included in this period.
(Where the work in less than 20 hours per week, applicants will be expected
to complete a commensurately longer period of experience)
• ‘Practical experience’: experience which consists of activities which would
typically be undertaken by an architect in practice. (The part 3 Professional
Criteria are helpful in setting out in broad terms some of the activities which
are likely to be required to be undertaken).
• ‘Recently’: at least 12 of the 24 months’ experience should have been
undertaken in the two years immediately before taking the part 3 exam
• ‘Direct supervision’: the person supervising should have responsibility for and
control over the work being undertaken
• ‘Professional working in the construction industry’: will be an architect
registered in the territory where the experience is being undertaken, or a
chartered or similarly qualified member of an appropriate professional body.
The ‘construction industry’ will include qualified professionals typically
involved in the procurement, design, and management of the built
environment
Normally the record of experience should be in the form of PEDR Sheets or alternatively
Certificates of Professional Experience where candidates meet the criteria for their use
and this has been approved by the Professional Education Programmes Director.
For administrative and calculation purposes, the date of the examination is deemed to
be the date of the Professional Interview.
The online RIBA Professional Experience and Development Record (PEDR) Sheets must
be signed quarterly by candidate's office supervisor and countersigned by the
Professional Education Programmes Director or PSA, all in accordance with the PEDR
requirements.
In special circumstances where, for valid reasons, RIBA Professional Experience and
Development Record are not suitable, candidates can request permission from the
Professional Education Programmes Director to submit Certificates of Professional
Experience in lieu of PEDR covering the period concerned. (Candidates must have
minimum 6+ years of experience and current year must still be completed on PEDR
sheets).
Case Study
The case-study is devised firstly as an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their
awareness and understanding of professional practice, and secondly as an opportunity
to demonstrate their ability to carry out a piece of applied research and to prepare a
technical report.
The subject of the case-study must relate to one or more of the areas of the
Professional Criteria for Part 3.
The subject may be one with which the candidate has been personally involved or it
may be one in which the candidate has had no personal involvement but has access to
all the relevant information and records. It may concern the study of a small project
from start to completion; specific parts of a large project, or particular aspects of
procurement or practice.
The case study must include the reasons for the choice of subject, the procedures of the
study and the conclusions drawn from the study in terms of its learning and professional
development outcomes.
The case-study should be no more than 8,000 words in length, however an additional
1000 words is allowed to candidates using either overseas or dual project case studies;
illustrations and diagrams may be included but the space taken by illustrations and
diagrams must not exceed that occupied by the text. The word count does not include
appendices & references.
There is an allowance of +/- 10% words for the word count, if needed.
The word count of the case-study element should be displayed at the beginning on
that section of your final submission.
In writing the responses, the candidate may make reference to material issued in
connection with the course, personal notes and records, but any references and
information sources used in the preparation of the responses must be cited.
Reference material, standard documents, the office library, and the normal office aids
including computers, word processors, photo-copiers, stationery, and standard
documents in the office may be used subject to the agreement of the candidate's
employer.
The candidate may not seek the assistance of other persons inside or outside their office.
The responses to the Practice Problems are normally written in the office and within the
time allocated on each of the two days, i.e. normally 09:00 to 17:30.
On or before 17:30 on each of the two days of the Practice Problems, the candidate is
responsible for taking a copy of the day's responses, and emailing them to their
Examination Supervisor by 17:30 of each day. The candidate should also upload a copy
to an upload link provided on each of the respective days.
The third day of the Practice Problems is solely for the copy typing, proof reading and
typographical correction, collation, and binding of one copy of the documentary
submission, which have to be dispatched together with the Declaration certifying that the
whole of the submission is the candidate's own unaided work to the RIBA North on or
before 17:30.
In addition candidates are required to upload their full submission to a designated upload
link on or before 17:30 of the third day.
Where there is more than one candidate taking the examination in professional practice
in the same office, they may share reference material within the office, but they may not
discuss the Practice Problems and their responses to them until after the submissions
have been dispatched.
Submission Procedure
The candidate is required to submit one copy of the documentary submission, together
with the Declaration certifying that the whole of the submission is the candidate's own
unaided work. The submission must be dispatched before 17:30 on the third (final)
examination day, i.e. the day following the two days of Practice Problems.
They must also upload a copy of their full documentary submission to an RIBA upload
link by 17:30.
The candidate is responsible for the safe and secure packing and dispatch of the
submission in accordance with the regulations and for obtaining a timed and dated
certificate of posting, which must be retained for submission at the professional
interview.
Professional Interview
Normally the professional interview takes place four weeks after receipt of the
candidate's documentary submission and is conducted by two Professional Examiners,
with all interviews normally being held at a single location over one or more days at
each centre.
The candidate is notified of the place and time of the interview in the
acknowledgement of the receipt of the documentary submission. In the event of this
information not being received within ten days of the date of the candidate's dispatch
of the documentary submission, the candidate must notify the RIBA Part 3 team
immediately.
The candidate's absence from the interview without a valid explanation will be deemed
to indicate the candidate's withdrawal from the examination.
The appointment and conduct of Professional Examiners are bound by the RIBA
procedures for validation and validation criteria for UK and international courses and
examinations in architecture issued by the RIBA Education Department on 1 September
2021.
Both the content of the candidates documentary submission, and any information
disclosed by them in the course of the interview, which relates to their employing
practices remain confidential to the proceedings of the examination and Professional
Examiners will not expect to divulge, or use for commercial advantage, any such
information gained in the course of their examiners duties. Professional Examiners
consultancy agreements have confidentiality and data protection clauses in place.
Award of Qualification
The Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture is awarded to candidates
who have satisfied the requirements of the Advanced Diploma Course and have passed
the Advanced Diploma Examination in Professional Practice in Architecture; diplomates
may use the suffix ADPPA.
Persons holding RIBA/ARB exemption from the Part 1 and Part 2 RIBA examinations in
architecture who are awarded the Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice are
eligible for registration under the Architects Act 1997 and for Chartered Membership of
the RIBA and/or the RIAS.
Candidates wishing to pursue registration and chartered membership of the RIBA are
personally and solely responsible for ensuring that they hold the appropriate
qualifications before entering the course. The organisers of the Advanced Diploma in
Professional Practice course cannot comment on the acceptability or status of particular
qualifications and awards. Enquiries concerning the acceptability or status of
qualifications may be to the Registrar of the Architects Registration Board, 8 Weymouth
Street, London W1N 3FB and to the Membership department of the RIBA, 66 Portland
Place, London W1N 4AD.
Issue of Results
The results of the examination are issued individually to candidates in writing, normally
within ten days of the professional interview. Results are presented as either: Pass; Pass
with distinction; or Fail.
For Fail results, feedback is usually prepared by independent consultant and returned to
candidate within four weeks of result.
There is a 50% pass mark for each element of the examination and candidates must
pass all elements.
Copies of the list of candidates who have been awarded the Advanced Diploma in
Professional Practice in Architecture and have been given exemption from the RIBA Part
3 Examination in Professional Practice are issued to the Architects Registration Board
and the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Whilst lists of candidates who have received the ADPPA are sent to the Architects
Registration Board, the Royal Institute of British Architects, candidates seeking
registration under the Architects Act 1997 and/or Charted Membership of the Royal
Institute of British Architects must make membership applications directly to the bodies
concerned.
Re-submissions
Candidates are required to pass all elements of the examination i.e. Record of
Professional Experience (PEDR), curriculum vitae and self-evaluation, case study, office
based practice problems and professional interview in order to be awarded the
Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture. In the event of a candidate
being unsuccessful in one or more elements of the examination they will normally be
asked to resubmit all documentation but will be credited with any of those elements
previously passed, with a summary update of what they have been doing since the
previous examination (with the exception of the interview which will be a compulsory
part of resubmission).
Subject to the payment of the relevant fee there are no restrictions on the number of
occasions on which a resubmission may be made.
The RIBA Professional Education Programmes Director will consider the case put
forward by the candidate, consult the External Examiner and any other relevant parties
and respond within 14 days. The candidate may also request a meeting/skype
conversation with the Professional Education Programmes Director or Part 3 Course
Leader to discuss the matter further.
If the matter cannot be resolved following the procedures set out above, the candidate
may appeal against the results of the examination on the grounds of maladministration
by the RIBA Part 3 team or misconduct of the examination proceedings. The Notice of
Appeal must specify the grounds for appeal and be submitted, in writing, to the
Professional Education Programmes Director no later than 42 days from the date of the
result letter.
The decision of the Tribunal is final and is not subject to further discussion. The Tribunal
may dismiss the appeal or may uphold the appeal and recommend an appropriate
course of action, or may uphold the appeal subject to specific conditions and
recommend an appropriate course of action.
The decision of the Tribunal is to be issued to the appellant and to the Chair of the RIBA
ADPPA Course and Examination Committee in writing and wherever possible within
twenty-eight days of the candidate's notice of appeal being received. The formal
decision may also be made available on request to any persons deemed by the Tribunal
to have a bona fide interest.
The conduct and procedures of an appeal hearing are solely a matter for the Tribunal
subject to the appellant being invited to submit evidence in support of the appeal in
writing and a person nominated by the chair of the Tribunal being invited to submit a
formal response in writing. Where it is deemed to be appropriate the Tribunal may also
invite the appellant and the nominated respondent to appear in person. The hearing of
the appeal must be conducted in private.
Tribunal members cannot be held personally liable for the conduct of an appeal, any
decisions it makes, or the actions of others following its decision.
Tribunal members are entitled to reimbursement by the RIBA for any reasonable
expenses incurred in connection with an appeal.
The RIBA ADPPA Course and Examination Committee is responsible for the
implementation of the decision of the Tribunal.
The RIBA is responsible for its own costs in connection with an appeal. The appellant is
responsible for any costs personally incurred.
The submission of any other known mitigating circumstances are to be submitted to the
Professional Education Programmes Director / Part 3 Course Leader no later than 48
hours before the examination other than in exceptional circumstances.
Language Requirements
Candidates are not required to have completed an English language test or IELTS,
however they are expected to have a level of english appropriate to communicate
effectively in their professional role.
The External Examiners are appointed by the RIBA ADPPA Course and Examination
Committee and their appointment is ratified by the RIBA Education Committee.
Normally the appointments are for three years with an option for a further year in order
to establish and maintain continuity when new appointments are made.
The External Examiners are required to submit annual reports to the Professional
Education Programmes Director who will respond to any issues for consideration by the
RIBA ADPPA Course and Examination Committee and the RIBA Education Committee.
The External Examiners reports will form a part of the annual report compiled by the
Professional Education Programmes Director for consideration by both ARB and RIBA.
The External Examiners are normally experienced practitioners or academics in the field
of professional practice who are familiar with the requirements of the examination in
professional practice. In order to avoid the possibility of any apparent conflict of interest,
persons who have been involved within five years or who are currently involved in the
ADPPA course or examination are normally not eligible to act as External Examiners.
External Validation
The course and the examination are subject to the periodic appraisal of the RIBA and
ARB. Validation and Prescription will take place every five years by the RIBA and ARB
respectively in accordance with RIBA Procedures and Validation and the ARB
Procedures for Prescription. In addition to the four yearly procedures, an annual return is
made to the ARB compromising:
The findings of both RIBA Validation and ARB Prescription may be made available by
the Council to persons with a bona fide interest on request.
Review Procedures
All aspects of the course and examination are subject to a formal appraisal at a full
meeting of the RIBA ADPPA Course and Examination Committee and submitted
annually to the RIBA Education Committee. The comments of the Panel are taken into
account in structuring the form and content of the Course and in the preparation for the
next examination, this is in addition to the examiner’s reports submitted to the Director.
Amendments to Regulations
Subject to formal notice being given, regulations may be amended or revised at an
ordinary, special or annual general meeting of the RIBA ADPPA Course and Examination
Committee and ratified by the RIBA Education Committee.
Normally candidates and others are only subject to the regulations in force at the time of
their registration. Only in exceptional circumstances and with reasonable notice being
given to all currently registered persons may amendments be brought into immediate
effect.
11 ARB/RIBA Criteria
Candidates wishing to sit the Professional Practice Examination in Architecture (part 3)
are normally required to have successfully completed a recognised qualification at part 1
and part 2 level, or their equivalent recognised examinations. In addition, candidates are
required to have completed the relevant professional practice experience before
undertaking the Examination.
The candidate should manage the relationship between professional experience and
academic study to provide coverage of the Professional Criteria, presenting a critically
reflective body of work that complies with the requirements of the professional studies
adviser or course provider. To meet the Professional Criteria, the candidate’s experience
should include evidence of commercial awareness, self-management, professional
competence and integrity. A successful candidate should also be able to demonstrate
authorship, knowledge, effective communications skills, and reasoning and
understanding in relation to all issues within the
Professional Criteria outlined below.
PC1 Professionalism
A successful candidate will demonstrate overall competence and the ability to behave
with integrity, in the ethical and professional manner appropriate to the role of architect.
The candidate will have the skills necessary to undertake effective communication and
presentation, organisation, self-management and autonomous working. The candidate
will have a clear understanding of the architect’s obligation to society and the profession,
and a sufficient awareness of the limits of their competence and professional experience
to ensure they are unlikely to bring the profession into disrepute.
It must include the dates of passing or receiving exemption from the RIBA Part 1 and
Part 2 Examinations in Architecture, together with details of any degrees or other
relevant awards.
Advice to candidates
Your CV functions as your advertising aid. It is an effective way of marketing and
packaging yourself by describing information that supports your job objective. To
achieve this position, a competitive CV should be a historical document.
From the employer’s perspective, a market driven CV answers the question, “Why
should I hire you?” You will be developing a document that clearly identifies your value
to future employers.
The CV is also a Calling Card. It is an overview only and cannot and should not tell
everything about you. It is a brief summary of what you have done in the past and
implies what you can do in the future.
The CV is the first impression a future employer has of you. As such, it should be short
(no more than two pages) and easy to read.
CV Parts
All CVs should contain certain vital information including:
CV Format
There are many different types of CV formats in the marketplace. The most frequently
used and accepted format is the chronological style. It lists work experience in reverse
time sequence with an emphasis on responsibilities, skills, accomplishments and
distinctions. The chronological format spells out one’s job history from the most recent
job backwards with the most recent job having the greater emphasis.
Writing your CV
With the exception of the instance of the ADPPA examination, there are no rigid rules
for designing a CV. The following guidelines may assist however in composing an
understandable, convincing document.
CV Dos
Use a direct, active writing style. Make your statements short telegraphic sentences.
Avoid the use of “I”; instead, begin sentences or phrases with action words.
Start with a first draft. Begin the process with the knowledge that a top notch
document is rarely written the first time.
Keep the CV to no more than two pages. Most employers do not have the time or
patience to read lengthy documents.
Devote more space to recent jobs than earlier ones. Employers are generally interested
in your most recent experience.
Lay out your CV so that a job description or sentence on the first page does not run over
to the second.
Keep the receiver of your CV in mind. Ask yourself, “if I were the employer would I
interview this person?” Unless the answer is a definite “Yes” you have some work to do.
CV Don’ts
Don’t use abbreviations.
Don’t include extraneous information such as personal information that does not support
your summary statement
Don’t overemphasise your educational background. You are selling your work experience
rather than your academic record.
Acted, arranged,
collaborated, completed,
composed, created,
dealt with, delivered,
directed, edited,
evaluated, helped,
initiated, inspected,
instructed, introduced,
launched, managed,
observed, operated,
oversaw, prepared,
produced, published,
read, refined,
researched, restructured,
set up, supported,
supervised, supplied,
tracked, undertook,
used, worked,
wrote.
PEDR Sheets
RIBA/ARB Definitions:
• 'months’: these will be calendar months of full time working (at least 20 hours a
week). Reasonable time off for holidays and illness may be included in this
period. (Where the work is less than 20 hours per week, applicants will be
expected to complete a commensurately longer period of experience).
• ‘practical experience’: experience which consists of activities which would
typically be undertaken by an architect in practice. (The Part 3 Criteria are
helpful in setting out in broad terms, some of the activities which are likely to be
required to be undertaken).
• ‘recently’: at least 12 of the 24 months’ experience should have been
undertaken in the two years immediately before taking the Part 3 exam.
• ‘direct supervision’: the person supervising should have responsibility for and
control over the work being undertaken.
• ‘professional working in the construction industry’: will be an architect registered
in the territory where the experience is being undertaken or a chartered or
similarly qualified member of an appropriate professional body. The
• ‘construction industry’ will include qualified professionals typically involved in
the procurement, design and management of the built environment.
Normally the record of experience should be in the form of PEDR Sheets or alternatively
Certificates of Professional Experience where candidates meet the criteria for their use
and this has been approved by the Professional Education Programmes Director.
For administrative and calculation purposes, the date of the examination is deemed to be
the date of the Professional Interview.
The RIBA Professional Experience and Development Record Sheets must be signed
quarterly by candidate's office supervisor and countersigned by the Course Director
all in accordance with the PEDR requirements.
In special circumstances where, for valid reasons, RIBA Professional Experience and
Development Record are not suitable, candidates can request permission from the
Professional Education Programmes Director to submit Certificates of Professional
Experience in lieu of PEDR covering the period concerned. (Candidates must have
minimum 6+ years of experience and current year must still be completed on PEDR
sheets).
Guidance
Inevitably, with the new practical training requirements, there will be far greater diversity
in the experience demonstrated by candidates. Candidates are should be aware that it is
incumbent upon them to demonstrate to the examiners the breadth an depth of their
knowledge of UK Practice whether it be by direct experience, shadowing or indeed study
of comparable practices between their experience and that of the UK.
Self Evaluation
The evaluation must be in the form of an appraisal of the whole of the candidate's
professional career to date in terms of its learning and professional development
outcomes.
Illustrations of work and graphical analyses of experience may be included but the space
taken by illustrations must not exceed that occupied by the text.
Where appropriate, cross-references may be made to the curriculum vitae, pedr sheets
and/or the case study.
In addition it is also desirable to include some reference to your future career aims and
objectives.
You should also include reference to any associated experience that has directly
influenced your development whether it be related to a gap year, a period of travelling or
a summer working on a building site.
A good starting point for the self-evaluation might be to indicate what influenced you to
study architecture as a career. Whilst your development in your early years may be
interesting and loom large in your memory, you are advised to restrict the amount of
words that you use on this period.
Attempt to show the examiners the breadth and depth of your experience. Consider your
evaluation in association with your case study and do not be afraid to cross reference
between other parts of the documentary submission.
Suitable illustrations included within the content of self-evaluation can enhance the
document and serve to highlight material mentioned in the text. In addition graphical
analyses of experience ( e.g. a pie chart showing the plan of work stages) can be used to
advantage to demonstrate the range of experience that you have covered in your
practical training.
Self Evaluation
Grade/Mark Standard/Requirements
Case Study
The subject of the case-study must relate to one or more of the following areas.
The subject may be one with which the candidate has been personally involved or it may
be one in which the candidate has had no personal involvement but has access to all the
relevant information and records. It may concern the study of a small project from start
to completion; specific parts of a large project, or particular aspects of procurement or
practice.
The project is normally one on which the candidate is currently working but could be a
completed project provided it is relatively recent - candidates should seek the advice of
their PSA is they have any concerns over the appropriateness of their case study.
The case study must include the reasons for the choice of subject, the procedures of the
study and the conclusions drawn from the study in terms of its learning and professional
development outcomes.
The case-study should be no more than 8,000 words in length, however an additional
1000 words is allowed to candidates using either overseas or dual project case studies;
illustrations and diagrams may be included but the space taken by illustrations and
diagrams must not exceed that occupied by the text.
The word count of the case-study element should be displayed at the beginning on
that section of your final submission.
Guidance
Whilst the Regulations clearly allow for a thematic case study, this could be a risky
strategy as it would not necessarily demonstrate the breadth of their knowledge to the
examiners.
The Part 3 Handbook by Professor Stephen Brookhouse provides good guidance on the
case study but it cannot be stressed enough that examiners are looking for
understanding and critical analysis of the issues not simply an account of events.
Case Study
Grade/Mark Standard/Requirements
Interview
The candidate is notified of the place and time of the interview in the RIBA's
acknowledgement of the receipt of the documentary submission. In the event of this
information not being received within ten days of the date of the candidate's dispatch of
the documentary submission, the candidate must notify the region immediately.
The candidate's absence from the interview without a valid explanation will be deemed
to indicate the candidate's withdrawal from the examination.
The appointment and conduct of Professional Examiners are bound by the RIBA
Description and Regulations for Recognition of Courses in Professional Practice and
Management (Part 3) in the United Kingdom issued by the RIBA Education Department
in 1 September 2021.
Both the content of the candidates documentary submission, and any information
disclosed by them in the course of the interview, which relates to their employing
practices remain confidential to the proceedings of the examination and Professional
Examiners will not expect to divulge, or use for commercial advantage, any such
information gained in the course of their examiners duties.
Guidance
The interview is an opportunity for the examiners to question you on specific aspects of
your submission or indeed on any aspect of the Criteria that they do not believe has
been adequately covered.
Interview
Grade/Mark Standard/Requirements
13 Reading List
Whilst all the books listed are relevant to your Part 3 studies, those highlighted in bold are
particularly recommended.
Financial Management
Brian Pinder-Ayres
Which Contract?
Hugh Clamp, Stanley Cox, Sarah Lupton & Koko Udom
How To Win Work: The architect's guide to business development and marketing
Jan Knikker
14 Mapping Document
Whilst under the current regulations it is not a requirement, it is strongly recommended
that over the course of the next nine months you complete the Practical Training
Experience column in relation to the criteria specified. This may take the form of a
specific project at work, CPD attended or lectures/reading. Cross referencing this with
your PEDR sheets, self-evaluation and case study would also be useful for the examiners.
46
Criteria For Validation : Course Delivery Practical Training Examined
Part 3 Experience
(candidate to complete
dependent on experience)
PC1 PROFESSIONALISM Course Monthly Study Notes/
Reference Material
The candidate will have a ARB Codes - lecture Lecture Notes Case study – within the case study
clear understanding of the the candidate has the opportunity to
architect's obligation to RIBA Code of Conduct demonstrate ‘best practice’.
The RIBA, Membership Obligations and Codes of
society and the profession, ARB Architects Code: Stand Self Evaluation – within the self
Conduct – lecture
and a sufficient awareness of ards of Conduct and Practice evaluation, candidates can
the limits of their demonstrate their competence by
competence and professional Starting a Practice - lecture
PART course 2024 | Hong Kong
47
Criteria For Validation : Course Delivery Practical Training Examined
Part 3 Experience
(candidate to complete
dependent on experience)
PC2 CLIENTS, USERS & Course Monthly Study Notes/
DELIVERY OF SERVICE Reference Material
A successful candidate will RIBA Plan of Work 2020 - lecture Lecture Notes Case study – the case study should
be able to demonstrate cover the Architects Appointment,
understanding of the range Marketing - lecture RIBA Plan of Work 2020 fees and resourcing and delivery of
of services offered by the project.
architects and delivering Architects Appointment and Services –lecture RIBA Marketing toolkit Practice Problems – will be structured
those services in a manner to incorporate two questions to cover
PART course 2024 | Hong Kong
prioritising the interests of RIBA form of appointment - each of the five criteria.
the client and other 12 Golden Rules
stakeholders.
48
Criteria For Validation : Course Delivery Practical Training Examined
Part 3 Experience
(candidate to complete
dependent on experience)
PC3 LEGAL FRAMEWORK Course Monthly Study Notes/
& PROCESSES Reference Material
A successful candidate will Introduction to Contract Law - lecture Lecture Notes The legal context of practice may be
be able to demonstrate demonstrated with reference to the
understanding of the legal The JCT Forms of Contract - lecture specific Case study, with reference to
context within which an projects documented within the PEDR
architect must operate, and Land Law - lecture sheets and by reference to specific
the processes undertaken practice within the Self Evaluation.
PART course 2024 | Hong Kong
49
Criteria For Validation : Course Delivery Practical Training Examined
Part 3 Experience
(candidate to complete
dependent on experience)
PC3 LEGAL FRAMEWORK Course Monthly Study Notes/
& PROCESSES Reference Material
This will be supported by Planning: Principles & Practice - lecture Lecture Notes Practice Problems – will be structured
knowledge of the relevant to incorporate two questions to cover
law, legislation, guidance and Building Regulations - lecture Planning Portal each of the five criteria.
controls relevant to A Plain English Guide to the
architectural design and Fire Safety - lecture Localism Bill
construction. Design and Access Statements
PART course 2024 | Hong Kong
Recommended Reading:
RIBA Job Book; Architect’s
Legal Handbook; Managing
Health and Safety in
Construction; CDM 2015: A
Practical Guide for Architects
and Designers
50
Criteria For Validation : Course Delivery Practical Training Examined
Part 3 Experience
(candidate to complete
dependent on experience)
PC4 PRACTICE Course Monthly Study Notes/
& MANAGEMENT Reference Material
A successful candidate will Starting a Practice – lecture Lecture Notes Self Evaluation – within the self
be able to demonstrate evaluation there is the opportunity for
understanding of the PII - lecture www.constructingexcellence.or candidates to analyse the practice/s
business priorities, required g.uk of which they have experience.
management processes and Case study – there is the opportunity
risks of running an to describe the operations of the
PART course 2024 | Hong Kong
The candidate will have the Starting a Practice – lecture Lecture Notes PEDR Sheets should demonstrate the
skills necessary to engage in skills required to undertake the tasks
business administration and Human Resource Management - lecture RIBA Fees Calculator specified on the sheets in relation to
ability to resource, plan, this criteria.
implement and record project Fees, Fee bids and Fee Management – lecture RIBA Chartered Practice Practice Problems – will be structured
tasks to achieve stated goals, Toolbox: policies and guides to incorporate two questions to cover
either individually or within a each of the five criteria.
team.
51
Criteria For Validation : Course Delivery Practical Training Examined
Part 3 Experience
(candidate to complete
dependent on experience)
PC4 PRACTICE Course Monthly Study Notes/
& MANAGEMENT Reference Material
This will be supported by Starting a Practice – lecture Lecture Notes Case Study – within the context of
knowledge of the nature of the case study candidates have the
legal business entities, office Employment Legislation - lecture Recommended Reading List: opportunity to demonstrate their
systems, administration The Architect in Practice; understanding of the office
procedures and the relevant Handbook of Practice procedures etc.
legislation. Management; Practice Problems – will be structured
PART course 2024 | Hong Kong
53
Criteria For Validation : Course Delivery Practical Training Examined
Part 3 Experience
(candidate to complete
dependent on experience)
PC5 BUILDING Course Monthly Study Notes/
PROCUREMENT Reference Material
This will be supported by an SBC 16 - lecture Lecture Notes PEDR Sheets – these should record
understanding of the candidates’ experience throughout
contractual relationships, Building Contracts - lecture Guide to selecting the the procurement of the project.
the obligations upon an appropriate JCT main Case Study – this presents an
architect acting as contract contract (JCT Ltd) opportunity for candidates to
administrator, job-related demonstrate their understanding both
administrative systems and
PART course 2024 | Hong Kong
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