Date:  Mar 17, 2008
User: vanessafong
Age: 28

I find the current process a BIG WASTE of time and money - especially since CACB accredits the schools themselves! Finishing school is a already a financially difficult situation. Having to pay the board to certify the legitimacy of your degree, especially when they accredited your school, is ridiculous.

Date:  Mar 17, 2008
User: andyro
Age: 37

Reasoning: CACB accredits the architecture programs at the schools, so individual certification is duplication of effort. We have always wondered why this was necessary.

Date:  Mar 17, 2008
User: Alex
Age: 32

This should be obvious

Date:  Mar 17, 2008
User: Charlie
Age: 48

There must be a certificate, or special numbering system, or indicator that you have passed and are [part of a national register. the process could be streamlined to be automatic. CACB certifies the schools so it is natural for them to hold the national register. Any administrative costs should as part of the process and buried in the tuition cost. The $110 could possobly be lessened.

Date:  Mar 17, 2008
User: akramer
Age: 30

double certification (of school and degree) is redundant and unnecessarily burdensome

Date:  Mar 17, 2008
User: Justin Perdue
Age: 26

This is an obvious fix.

Date:  Mar 17, 2008
User: thomas
Age: 34

A costly rubber stamp, required at a time when one has little money for such things (i.e. after graduation).

Date:  Mar 17, 2008
User: shope
Age: 40

This never made any sense.

Date:  Mar 17, 2008
User: POSU
Age: 28

Put the onus on the accredited architecture schools to make the distinction between worthy or not.....there is no need for the extra step.

Date:  Mar 17, 2008
User: jtrop
Age: 35

However, the obligation then becomes the provincial association's to ensure that the interns do have appropriately accredited degrees.

Date:  Mar 17, 2008
User: ONarch
Age: 50

While the CACB may accredit the program, there needs to be an evaluation of the variety of courses undertaken

Date:  Mar 17, 2008
User: orsachair
Age: 34

If a student graduates from an accredited university with a degree, then it is without a doubt that that person would have completed all required courses to earn that degree. The university should forward a list of these graduates (with transcripts if necessary) to the CACB at the end of every term for their own records, and certification of these degrees then issued automatically.

Date:  Mar 17, 2008
User: Rem Koolhaas
Age: 30

The CACB should focus its efforts on accrediting schools of architecture, providing feedback and follow-up of a schools curriculum's relevance; rather than a self-serving cash grab from already cash-strapped students.

Date:  Mar 17, 2008
User: Jason Martin
Age: 34

CACB plays a useful role in sorting out the qualifications of different universities but more effort should be made to assist foreigne trained architects to have their universities recognized. The CACB could certainly add more Universities to its certified list.

Date:  Mar 17, 2008
User: scscsc
Age: 43

We need CACB.

Date:  Mar 17, 2008
User: patrick trottie
Age: 43

I believe it is currently a redundant process that questions the legitimacy of the educational institution and should be done away with. It has no legitimate reason why an accredited school should be questioned?

Date:  Mar 17, 2008
User: cahandy
Age: 30

If a certificate is necessary it should automatically be generated from the list of graduates at accredited schools. This is currently a waste of time for interns and the CACB.

Date:  Mar 17, 2008
User: mazen
Age: 47

CACB must certify all programs at the end of the program

Date:  Mar 18, 2008
User: vikas
Age: 36

Colleges accredited by RIBA under commonwealth nations should be listed along with canadian professional degrees. This will help the matter.

Date:  Mar 18, 2008
User: gigi
Age: 28

Yes, such duplication is a waste of time and money.

Date:  Mar 18, 2008
User: evan
Age: 47

This is seen as an unnecessary step. In my case, I was granted a degree from the University of Waterloo on 1990. I did not apply for 'certification' until 1995 and was told that my degree was not valid for certification since it was five years old. I was required to return to the University of Waterloo to take two additional courses in order for my degree to be certified. This step seems punitive given that the University of Waterloo was an accredited institution at the time they granted my B. Arch. degree. I received no additional explanation as to why my degree was 'no good' five years on! I do not hold out any hope of getting it now.

Date:  Mar 18, 2008
User: Manoj Atri
Age: 46

CACB should verify the various international architectural schools and universities so its not too cumbersome to get certified for having a foreign degree.

Date:  Mar 18, 2008
User: ideate
Age: 38

Why, upon graduation with a degree conferred from an institution "accredited" to grant a professional degree is there a need to then certify said degree? After the obscene expense of an Architectural education - delete this money-grab.

Date:  Mar 18, 2008
User: Maissaa
Age: 38

it's a waste of time & money to certify something that is already recognized by the CACB, instead this time & money could be directed to a more benefitial courses or practices for the intern's future.

Date:  Mar 18, 2008
User: nomada
Age: 37

CACB should continue with the certification process BUT it must get much better in delivering results as it takes too long. For me (foreign trained) took over 6 months to hear back from them.

Date:  Mar 18, 2008
User: ginfaxi
Age: 32

Unnecessary bureaucracy and expense, I would love a refund for this.

Date:  Mar 18, 2008
User: Peggy Theodore
Age: 41

A lot of effort is espended in the cumbersome filling out of all your course work for your degrees when you are handing in transcripts as support.

Date:  Mar 18, 2008
User: KMTG
Age: 36

Absolutely this should be done! Many people when finishing school are anxious to get started with the intern process. However, it is a slap in the face to finish school with a degree from an accredited school, a whole bunch of debt, and then be asked to pay $107 (or whatever it now is) to have your degree reaccredited. It turns many people off the process before they have even started.

Date:  Mar 18, 2008
User: David Johnston
Age: 63

In 2004, I applied for membership in the New Brunswick Association of Architects. One of the required forms was a CACB certifciation. I graduated from the University of Toronto in 1967 and have held my OAA membership continuously since 1970 + a License to Practice for the same time. It was like starting over. Yes I paid the $100 and waited for them to re-certify me. Yes a waste of time! Yes I am now registered in Ontario, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan.

Date:  Mar 18, 2008
User: Martin M. Poizn
Age: 73

If schools are accredited, there is no longer reason to accredit individuals, and the costs have become unconscionable

Date:  Mar 18, 2008
User: dgignac
Age: 20

If prospective architects are committed enough to their future in the field, they should be willing to go to the extra effort to become certified. A certain level of knowledge should be maintained across the country to become certified. Though the schools are accredited, that doesn't necessarily mean they are all equal. There are ways of getting through school without gaining all of the necessary knowledge for the profession.

Date:  Mar 18, 2008
User: mcamp
Age: 27

The certification is a waste of money, money which is hard to come by at this point as well. On top of now needing to pay intern OAA fees which are higher than student ones, loans repayment begins at this point. For some of us, loan repayment is very high and yet another fee on top of everything - which goes toward nothing is not depressing.

Date:  Mar 18, 2008
User: Archie
Age: 29

TRANSLATION: CACB CASH GRAB Canadian architectural degrees should be certified by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) via accreditation of the architecture programs at the schools. Nothing further required.

Date:  Mar 19, 2008
User: ppham
Age: 34

If this extra step help boost the quality of architects then sure, why not. But in my opinion Canada does not seem to produce that many good architects at the moment.

Date:  Mar 19, 2008
User: intern007
Age: 51

one graduates and is a no-body after such a long time of studying. One can at least call oneself an intern but this basically says your still studying so really you are still a student. At least one should be called an "Architect" and once registered you become a "Registered Architect". It's insane to be a nobody after such a long time. There should be more support from the profession to assist interns to become registered. There is very little done. I don't feel the OAA supports interns the way they should. I hear this from lots of interns, they are the grass roots to the profession, it is good to see an effort made to help, hopefully not too late

Date:  Mar 19, 2008
User: Ted DuArte
Age: 36

I am a Ryerson University graduate, and I am finding it extremely painful to go through the Certification process, since at time of graduation, my Ryerson degree was considered pre-professional (4 year degree). I am (still!) enrolled in the RAIC Syllabus program, and hopefully, by the time I am 45! I will be able to achieve my life-long goal. I have over 12 years experience in many different aspect of the architectural practice (all of which at architect's office), and find this whole process very frustrating.

Date:  Mar 19, 2008
User: toni2
Age: 29

Refunds available? :-P

Date:  Mar 19, 2008
User: Reza Aliabadi
Age: 34

Date:  Mar 19, 2008
User: erin
Age: 26

why spend all the time and effort making sure that our schools are presenting accredited programs if the final degree has to be certified again? It seems like a wasted step. (and an expensive one)

Date:  Mar 19, 2008
User: eleanor
Age: 34

There are only so many accredited architecture schools. How hard can it be to confirm a degree comes from one of 10? 11? universities? At $110 a pop?

Date:  Mar 19, 2008
User: doug pollard
Age: 63

I must be missing something why did they ever feel they needed to do this in the first place? do they not trust the schools or the students to follow the approved curriculum or tell the truth it certainly seems redundant to me too I happened to be in the same class as David Johnston whose story about having to be reaccredited after umpteen years of proving himself really struck a chord with me

Date:  Mar 19, 2008
User: Daryl Christia
Age: 32

CACB must charge each college/ university for the nuber of certificates it will issue for that institution instead of charging each student.

Date:  Mar 19, 2008
User: Yan Yin
Age: 19

Architectural education is a costly and lengthy process, and architects are already under-compensated for their educational investment compared to many other professions. The certification process is driving a lot of talent away.

Date:  Mar 19, 2008
User: feedmyego
Age: 26

why duplicate work already done? universities should send graduate information to CACB and they will have the list of eligible people at the appropriate time. why force students to pay for a certificate when they undergo 6+ years of expensive school that they were promised was ALREADY accredited? incredibly sour and suspect process.

Date:  Mar 19, 2008
User: MagdaM
Age: 22

If the same body accredits schools and then requires certification once a degree is complete, then it absolutely is duplication of effort.

Date:  Mar 19, 2008
User: Jody Patterson
Age: 28

What is the point of school accreditation to meet CACB's thorough standards, if not to grant CACB certified degrees? The certification of graduate and school is clearly redundant, and a waste of resources for both the graduate and the CACB itself.

Date:  Mar 19, 2008
User: Anthony
Age: 34

Yes, such duplication is a waste of time and money.

Date:  Mar 19, 2008
User: RyanK
Age: 28

Maybe this can be incorporated into tuition?

Date:  Mar 19, 2008
User: matthew
Age: 30

The current duplication indicates a complete lack of synergy and is utterly outrageous.

Date:  Mar 19, 2008
User: sgroh
Age: 29

The university should forward a list of graduates (with transcripts) to the CACB at the end of every term for their own records. Certification of these degrees should then be issued to the graduate and their respective provincial association automatically.

Date:  Mar 19, 2008
User: mross
Age: 32

Perhaps a system like the Engineers.

Date:  Mar 20, 2008
User: OlaM
Age: 26

Isn't the whole point of attending an accredited school, so that it would be recognized? This systems seems to undermine the whole accreditation process.. that or be more discrete at collecting fees.

Date:  Mar 20, 2008
User: Bill Birdsell
Age: 49

Schools of Architecture are able to create and grow their programs according to their strengths and goals. While this may complement the Profession. That may not necessarily be the case. As a self directed profession it is necessary to maintain standards of education of practitioners proposing to join the profession. the CACB is the only way to do this.

Date:  Mar 20, 2008
User: intern4ever
Age: 40

Foreign degrees should not include American, since they are already known entities by Canada. So paying to have a top 10 US architectural school certified was stupid.

Date:  Mar 20, 2008
User: asling
Age: 29

Certification of an accredited degree is redundant and discourages recent graduates, saddled by student loans, from continuing with the intern architect program.

Date:  Mar 20, 2008
User: Nathalie
Age: 41

Requiring the accreditation of architectural degrees which are already accredited suggests we either don't trust our own accreditation process, or the universities that grant these degrees. The degrees should be valued as such, and not require additional "certification" unless there is reasonable doubt.

Date:  Mar 21, 2008
User: nbnb
Age: 27

It is a waste of money, time and paper to duplicate the process.

Date:  Mar 23, 2008
User: s z
Age: 35

this requirement seems like unnecessary redundancy

Date:  Mar 24, 2008
User: Derek Newby
Age: 35

Only degrees from unaccredited schools need be reviewed.

Date:  Mar 25, 2008
User: D. Cardinal
Age: 34

CACB does seem redundant.

Date:  Mar 25, 2008
User: gilbert
Age: 28

If the school of architecture is accredited, then it should not be necessary to get a separate number for your degree.

Date:  Mar 26, 2008
User: r.m.odell
Age: 31

two stones, one bird.

Date:  Mar 27, 2008
User: Gaby
Age: 26

i am personally starting a bachelors of architecture and already have an architectural technologist diploma, accreditation of an architectural degree should only be assesed based on merit, specially if already graduated from an accredited university. after all this study there is only a certain social stratus that could possibly overcome all these financial hurdles..

Date:  Mar 27, 2008
User: mcatari
Age: 33

How does CACB rate school from U.S. institutions

Date:  Mar 27, 2008
User: david agro
Age: 44

If the program of a school is certified, why duplicate the process twice. It seems to me that certification should apply to degrees from other areas to evaluate the education and experience of candidate who wish to practice in Ontario (or Canada for that matter). The process should help the candidates identify deficiencies so that they can correct them and help.

Date:  Mar 27, 2008
User: vickybeltrano
Age: 26

CACB accredits the architecture programs at the schools, so why the repeat?

Date:  Mar 28, 2008
User: Name with held
Age: 30

Degrees are not the problem in this process

Date:  Mar 28, 2008
User: Ctrl-Z
Age: 28

The $100+ fee seems too steep. There is a redundancy of certification here.

Date:  Mar 28, 2008
User: neil.white
Age: 38

It would be interesting to hear what the CACB's views on this are. Do they not trust the schools that they themselves have accredited? As part of the accreditation process, have they not reviewed that schools curriculum and faculty? Isn't it simple enough to have periodic reviews of each school? I echo many here when I say that this is an obviously unnecessary step in the process.

Date:  Mar 28, 2008
User: slk123
Age: 30

duh!

Date:  Mar 28, 2008
User: erin
Age: 25

I thought it was just another process of the paper work on my way to getting my intern status. I have know that the schools are accredited by the CACB and even took part in some of the events...why apply when the school is certified? If the school is not, then it would sufice that another route is needed.

Date:  Mar 29, 2008
User: Cory Stechyshyn
Age: 44

If they already accredit the schools, this is redundant.

Date:  Mar 29, 2008
User: mustafa
Age: 35

what is the reason for studying in canada when you have to get your own degree certified

Date:  Apr 01, 2008
User: Meshah
Age: 39

Canadian Architectural degrees from pre-accredited universities is totally redundant, I strongly agree to eliminate that. That will reduce the workload for CACB and help accreditation of foreign degrees, get evaluated at a faster pace with lower costs.

Date:  Apr 01, 2008
User: r2co
Age: 36

Finally! A great idea, remove the duplication.

Date:  Apr 01, 2008
User: jayleb
Age: 27

I have the degree from an accredited school and can prove it to the OAA free of charge... Enough said!

Date:  Apr 01, 2008
User: Raje
Age: 46

Doesnt make sense!

Date:  Apr 02, 2008
User: Denise Lepage
Age: 49

Eliminating this process might mean closing the door to foreign trained architects and alternative forms of architectural education. The CACB currently provides a mechanism for candidates educated in other countreis or in the RAIC Syllabus program to have their academic credentials reviewed and certified. Further somebody needs to monitor what the schools are doing and ensure Canadian wide equivalencies in level and quality of education are maintained. Students are given some curriculum choice, so there is individual variation in the academic profile. The CACB certification process ensures that a basic academic profile is achieved.

Date:  Apr 02, 2008
User: Masato
Age: 35

There is not need to do it two times.

Date:  Apr 02, 2008
User: Amber
Age: 25

If a student graduates from an Accredited School, having the CACB certify an already certified degree, quite honestly seems like a MONEY GRAB!

Date:  Apr 04, 2008
User: internarchitect
Age: 28

Clearly redundant.

Date:  Apr 05, 2008
User: 1hk1
Age: 37

The certification process was a real burden for interns living outside of Ontario and is unnecessary.

Date:  Apr 07, 2008
User: Robertoz1
Age: 39

There are only 10 accredited architecture schools in Canada, if one is a graduate of one of these schools, then your degree should already be accredited.

Date:  Apr 09, 2008
User: wing nut
Age: 39

Certification is beurocratic duplication of something CACB should already have well in hand. Celan up their act, eliminate the fee and move on.

Date:  Apr 10, 2008
User: deanna
Age: 28

the paper shuffling took over 3 months for my accreditation.

Date:  Apr 11, 2008
User: jlhr
Age: 27

I just went though this process and it was outrageous. I have no memory of anyone ever telling me throughout my education that I would have to then certify my degree from an accredited university - and I was an informed student on the Student Council for several years. Finding the extra money was also difficult. That an I mistakenly wrote the check out for $115. Not $115.50 which became an issue and I had to send a whole new cheque!

Date:  Apr 11, 2008
User: jsbaker
Age: 35

The CACB certification for a Canadian degree is absolutely pointless; an added cost and added paperwork for no value whatsoever.

Date:  Apr 11, 2008
User: rhizome
Age: 44

If the school is certified why duplicate the process for individuals after graduation? This should be automatic.

Date:  Apr 14, 2008
User: toronto_intern
Age: 37

This solution considers Canadian graduates only, and once again does not consider the growing number of architects who have studied abroad.

Date:  Apr 14, 2008
User: Michelle
Age: 26

Either you graduated or you didn't, why not just use your diploma as proof of completing academic requirements?

Date:  Apr 15, 2008
User: TomK
Age: 32

I don't understand what the purpose of the CACB is post graduation. I also remember paying a fee at a difficult time.

Date:  Apr 15, 2008
User: dc arch
Age: 30

Why is this duplicated? If a school is certified, that should be enough.

Date:  Apr 15, 2008
User: markazi
Age: 54

EACH SHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE SHOULD BE ACCRIDATED BY CACB (IF IT IS MUST) BEFORE STUDENTS GRATUATION BECAUSE AFTER ENTERING THE MARKET AND WORKING FULL TO PAY DUES (MOST OF THE TIME WORKING HOURS FOR OUR BUSINESS IS MORE THAN 8 HOURS A DAY) THERE IS NO BRAIN TO FUNCTION PROPERLY TO READ OR TAKE COARSES

Date:  Apr 15, 2008
User: evelyn
Age: 33

Certification is necessary because unfortunately schools do not provide the necessary education, experience and practice an architect requires. If schooling was more reflective with the practice of architecture then yes, perhaps no Certification would be a possibility.

Date:  Apr 19, 2008
User: Slagglepuss
Age: 37

just like Engineers, this process should be taken care of by the Schools - absolutely, and retroactively given in arrears to each Graduate of Architectural Schools!!!

Date:  Apr 24, 2008
User: ravk
Age: 32

I think it is required for the architecture programs as I find the programs vary in terms of years and course curriculum from school to school. I have not done my education in Canada, I'm not so familiar with the cacb's role at the school level.

Date:  Apr 24, 2008
User: joeleafsfan
Age: 27

There should be a final check from the the governing body to verify that the intern has graduated from the specified program, but a full review of the credits is redundant.

Date:  Apr 25, 2008
User: D. Watson
Age: 34

Paying for the CACB certification was my first experience with the excessive and bewildering fees necessary to advance in this profession. A number of my fellow graduates have stated that they won't pay the CACB because they can't afford it, and are delaying admission into their provincial association indefinitely as a result.

Date:  Apr 26, 2008
User: Chris
Age: 38

I agree. There is no obvious additional discernment provided at the individual level - and it begs the question how an individual can succeed in an accredited degree program but (potentially) not have their personal degree accepted. Is this a hold-over from appreticeship, how does it relate to syllabus?

Date:  Apr 26, 2008
User: senior
Age: 53

Certification of Architectural Institution is more important then individual professional degrees. Work of students must be assessed by Jury members nominated from professional association to satisfy the standard of competence. There is need for joint venture Practising Architects, Institution & Provincial association in recognition (Certification) of professional Institution.As individual is certified further by NCARB or ExAC.

Date:  Apr 28, 2008
User: rima
Age: 41

Since the CACB sets well defined parameters for accrediting the Canadian architectural school, this requirement can be waived, as long as this system is adhered to continuosly, and any proposed changes to the programme are approved by CACB.

Date:  Apr 28, 2008
User: Jayant
Age: 32

The certification is valuable because it limits fraud. A single institution assigning certification for university degrees has some merit. However, in my opinion, the CACB certification should be handed out with the academic degree. The application for graduation from a professional program should also include the application for the the certification. The university should take care of this paper work with CACB on the behalf of students when they are graduating. This will encourage students to jump right into their internship rather than being confused or frustrated by the current system.

Date:  May 02, 2008
User: nguyenMSA
Age: 27

No duh - you just answered your own question. Redundancy is never to anyone's benefit, and is always a waste of time, money, and lots of trees.

Date:  May 02, 2008
User: cvriend
Age: 39

I recall having to have my degree certified by some agency I had never heard of before (or since) after graduating from an accredited Canadian university seemed like a pretty obvious cash grab.

Date:  May 03, 2008
User: Dacad
Age: 58

As I can see 'broadly-experienced professional' category can obtain professional designation without seeing any university from inside. So to certify acctual real dagrees (diplomas) is a nice insult to any idea of education. This neat place corporation canada (yes where is a constitution?) reached 30,000,000 people in same time sout of the border place (a life line) reached 300,000,000. And why is that? Wheather? I do not thonk so.

Date:  May 06, 2008
User: Tmac
Age: 37

I guess just to make sure the paper isn't counterfeit

Date:  May 14, 2008
User: Salvatore
Age: 44

The schools are certified, Why duplicate the process?

Date:  May 15, 2008
User: S.B.G.
Age: 25

I agree it is a duplication of effort and unnecessary waste of time and money for both the intern and board.

Date:  May 23, 2008
User: eddyson
Age: 54

Certification process should be made less tedious. Currently it is a herculean task and very discouraging especially for foreign-trained professionals

Date:  May 30, 2008
User: H.H.
Age: 33

This is one extra step of the process that should be eliminated entirely. Schooling in a Canadian institution that grants degrees in architecture should be sufficient.

Date:  Jun 02, 2008
User: SK_C
Age: 38

I am new to Canada. I saw several institutions providing Architectural education in oee form or the other. And the way Education works here, anyone can take any course and bank credits, until core subjects are covered. CACB I beleive brings this together and fills the gaps.

Date:  Jun 26, 2008
User: jmaw
Age: 24

It’s the licensing procedures that come after our degree that are painful! If you are serious about being an architect you should be able to take the technical exams while in school, these should be accredited by the CACB. We should have technical classes which are followed by a professional exam, which is recognized nationally (recognized by all provincial architectural associations). The conceptual component to an architectural education should be up to the individual institution. Like a good architect each has his/her own way of exploring, representing, and processing the world around them.

Date:  Jul 20, 2008
User: edcuhaci
Age: 78

I trust the Canadian Universities

Date:  Jul 30, 2008
User: Licutus of Borg
Age: 45

Yeah, why pay another $300-400 for somebody to certify something I just spent $35,000 on. I bet you the people at the OAA live better then we do. Another reason to justify ones existence.

Date:  Aug 21, 2008
User: sonya
Age: 33

This should be obvious.

Date:  Aug 22, 2008
User: elizabeth
Age: 57

The current certification process is a duplication of effort; the CACB should monitor the architecture programs in the schools and if they have concerns address them with the schools; students may be asked to add courses to supplement inadequate performance by their schools. I do think it is time that the profession and the schools recognize that architecture is not a single "stream" profession; much as engineering and medicine, we need to recognize that a variety of training and professional development/experience is acceptable even desirable.

Date:  Sep 10, 2008
User: nato
Age: 25

This process just seems like a money grab. If the CACB really needs the cash to continue operations, perhaps the fee could be swallowed up in the tuition fees for attending a certified professional degree

Date:  Oct 06, 2008
User: joelb
Age: 34

Reasoning says it all. This irked me when I had to have certification twice. Waste of everybody's time.

Date:  Oct 26, 2008
User: hchan-wzmh
Age: 39

Another governing body to answer to? When does anyone actually have time to practice architecture?

Date:  Mar 22, 2009
User: jimes
Age: 32

Schools are already accredited or not. They also watch over your elective courses so you're not taking too many secondary subjects. There is no use to this.