Competence to practise : when the ARB may take CPD into account

Attached is a paper on section 9 of the Architects Act where it is suggested that if the board prescribes the amount of recent practical experience to be gained, and that amount is gained, then the board may not make further inquiry concerning competence to practise.

On 11 May 2006 the Board nevertheless proposed an amendment to its General Rules, Rule 20, which appears to express the Board's current expectations regarding maintenance of competence rather than an intent to put the requirements of section 9 into effect.  A second paper on the proposed amendment explains where this rule change contradicts the Act and makes suggestions for correcting and improving the proposal.