US-UK Mutual Recognition Agreement

The image shows a split flag with the United States flag on the top left and the United Kingdom flag on the bottom right.

In April 2023 the US-UK Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) launched, enabling US architects to pursue UK licensure, and vice-versa.

Please find below further information, links, articles, and advice on pursuing reciprocal licensure.

In the UK the process is coordinated by the UK Architects Registration Board (ARB), so please liaise with them directly.

The process for US-licenced architects seeking UK recognition is as follows as of 2025:

  • Determine eligibility. 

  • Check to ensure your state participates.

  • Obtain a National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) certificate if you do not already hold one.

  • Instruct NCARB to transmit your record to the ARB - essentially the same process as seeking reciprocity with another US state.

  • Complete the Adaptation Assessment with the ARB.

  • Join the Register.

UK Adaptation Assessment Advice

Glenn Harmon AIA, RIBA, the first candidate to go through the UK Adaptation Assessment, shares the following top tips in relation to those individuals who are qualified American architects now seeking British registration:

  • Gain work experience prior to applying if possible. Although the principles of good design are timeless and universal, context is critical and having even a small amount of time in a British practice is invaluable.

  • Make a real effort with your Reflective Career Summary. It’s far more than a CV, and is the best opportunity you have for proving you can be entrusted with the responsibilities of a licenced architect.

  • Take the time to download and digest all the materials suggested for tackling the Scenario Based questions. They were informative and up to date

  • Don’t sweat the Interview - it is more of a discussion amongst like-minded colleagues trading shared experiences of the profession than a formal Q&A

  • Join the Register directly. If you aren’t on it, you’re not an architect

  • Join RIBA, since just as in the US where AIA after your name means Architect though being a member is not a requirement, the average man in the street thinks RIBA is synonymous with Architect as well.

Group of seven people, five men and two women, standing in front of British and American flags, with a framed painting behind them.

Preparing to Take the MRA Exam

AIA UK hosted a session in April 2025 led by Bryan Oknyansky, AIA and Alex Miller, AIA RIBA on Preparing to Take the Mutual Recognition Exam - the recording of which is available here.

We have amended the slides from that presentation into a guide for those looking to undertake the process and begin preparation for the UK Adaptation Assessment Exam, which is available here.

MRA Articles

Find our articles on MRA news and AIA members’ experiences of applying for UK licensure below.

Looking Ahead

The ARB has consulted on proposals to change the process further in 2027 with the introduction of competence-based assessments in a modernised format, simplified eligibility criteria, and a single point of entry to the Register. The ARB says, “the changes aim to align international registration routes with ARB’s new UK education and training framework, while simplifying the process and removing unnecessary barriers for those seeking to join the UK Register from abroad.” 

For more information and personalised advice on the MRA, your best sources are NCARB and the ARB. Please contact them here:

NCARB - https://www.ncarb.org/contact-us

ARB - https://arb.org.uk/contact-us/.