The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA)

The Ontario Association of Architects is a self-governing body regulated by the Architects Act, which is a statute of the Government of Ontario. The Association is required to administer the Architects Act so that the public interest may be served and protected. The OAA is also dedicated to promoting and increasing the knowledge, skill, and proficiency of its members.

The OAA ensures public safety by setting standards for admission and by issuing Licences and Certificates of Practice to practice architecture, as well as by regulating the practice of architecture in Ontario. The rules concerning the licensing of architects in Ontario are contained in provincial legislation - the Architects Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.A.26 and in Ontario Regulation 27 under the Architects Act, as amended.

Architects Act

To engage in the practice of architecture in Ontario, you must have a licence issued by the OAA. In Canada, it is illegal to use the title "Architect" or offer your services as an architect if you are not licensed and have not received a Certificate of Practice with a provincial or territorial architectural association. In Ontario, this organization is the OAA.

The Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB)

Though the practice of architecture in Ontario is governed by the OAA, it is a national organization, the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) that assesses the academic qualifications of internationally educated professionals who want to become licensed. The CACB was established by agreement of the provincial and territorial architectural associations to assess and certify the academic qualifications of individuals holding a professional degree or diploma in architecture who intend to apply for a licence as an architect in Canada.