Joint Media Statement
06
July 2026
United
States and South Africa Implement New Reciprocity Agreement
The
agreement expands international practice opportunities for qualified
architects.
Washington,
DC—Effective 6 July 2026, the National Council of Architectural Registration
Boards (NCARB) and the South African Council for the Architectural Profession
(SACAP) have implemented a new Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), increasing
international practice opportunities for U.S. architects.
The
agreement provides a new path for architects to become reciprocally licensed
and expand their careers in each country.
“NCARB
is excited to broaden international practice opportunities for U.S. architects
through a new agreement with our MRA partner in South Africa, further
strengthening the value of the NCARB Certificate as a global passport for
practice,” said FY26 NCARB President Edward T. Marley, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP.
“This Mutual Recognition Agreement between
SACAP and NCARB represents far more than a pathway for professional mobility.
It establishes a common framework for cooperation between our regulatory
authorities, enabling greater recognition of the equivalence of professional
qualifications, competencies and licensing requirements.
By
aligning our standards, we are contributing to the harmonisation of
architectural education, training and professional practice across borders.
Ultimately, this agreement supports the progressive liberalisation of
professional services, strengthens global market integration, and promotes
fair, transparent regulatory systems that reduce unnecessary barriers for
qualified professionals while maintaining the highest standards of public
protection," said SACAP President Charles Nduku Pr.Arch, M.Arch.”
The
agreement is based on shared competencies obtained at the point of licensure
and accepts architects from a variety of backgrounds, including all of those
who hold the NCARB Certificate, whether licensed via a traditional path or
through the Education Alternative or International Architect Path. This latest
MRA is modelled after similar arrangements between NCARB and Australia, Canada,
New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. To apply for a reciprocal license in
either country, architects must:
• Be licensed and in good standing in a
participating jurisdiction in their home country
• For U.S. architects, hold an active
NCARB Certificate
• For South African architects, be
licensed at the level of “professional architect”
Architects
initially licensed in their home country, whether the U.S. or South Africa—by
means of a separate MRA with another country are not eligible for reciprocity
under this agreement.
NCARB
enters into MRAs with countries based on a thorough review of their regulatory
requirements for licensure as an architect, including an evaluation of
competencies required and assessed through education, experience, examination,
and continuing education. This agreement was approved by NCARB’s member
licensing boards during the organization’s 2025 Annual Business Meeting and
signed by both parties in April 2026.
Because
each U.S. jurisdiction is responsible for the regulation of architecture within
its borders, each U.S. jurisdiction must individually determine if it will
accept the MRA. NCARB assumes that acceptance of the NCARB Certificate by a
jurisdiction includes acceptance of MRAs, unless that jurisdiction specifically
opts out or is legally prohibited from accepting such agreements. A list of
jurisdictions participating in the agreement is available on ncarb.org and will
be updated as additional jurisdictions confirm their participation.
To
learn more about earning a license to practice architecture abroad, visit www.ncarb.org/international.
About
NCARB
The
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ membership is made up of
the architectural licensing boards of the 50 states, the District of Columbia,
Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
NCARB, in collaboration with these boards, facilitates the licensure and
credentialing of architects to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the
public.
To
achieve these goals, NCARB works with its Member Boards and volunteers to
develop and facilitate standards for licensure, including the national
examination and experience program. NCARB also recommends regulatory guidelines
for licensing boards and helps architects expand their professional reach
through the NCARB Certificate. Connect with NCARB on Instagram, LinkedIn,
Facebook, and YouTube.
About
SACAP
The South African Council for the Architectural
Profession’s
vision is for transformed architectural leaders to serve society in a
sustainable built environment. Its mission is for a SACAP that is inclusive and
transparent; an architectural profession recognized as a global leader in the
built environment; and a clear understanding of its mandate amongst other
regulators and stakeholders toward comprehensive, conclusive delivery. www.sacapsa.com.
END