Alternative routes to registration
No qualified education? There are various possibilities to register as an architect
If you don't have a (master's) diploma that qualifies for registration, there are several other (special) routes available to register in the architects' register:
Passing an exam.
Registering for another title.
Obtaining a 'certificate of outstanding achievement'.
We explain how these alternative routes can lead to registration.
Exam
If you have been working in the field in which you wish to register for at least seven years, it is possible to take an exam. This exam takes place once per calendar year and consists of two parts. In the first part, the examination board assesses whether the candidate possesses sufficient design capability and experience to successfully complete the second part. This initial component is a portfolio interview, during which three to five projects completed by the candidate are discussed. The second part of the exam consists of writing a thesis and completing a design assignment. Both are evaluated during a final interview with the board.
The first part of the exam takes place at the beginning of the year. The second part takes place in the summer (thesis) and autumn (design assignment). The design assignment is conducted over eight working days at the office of the Architects' Register in The Hague. The exam is of academic level. The certificate confirming successful completion of the exam provides access to the Architects' Register.
The costs of the exam are €1,435 for the first part and €2,875 for the second part (excluding a one-time registration fee of €85 for the Architects' Register). Once registered, the annual fee is €79.50. Registration for the exam is possible until 31 December of the year preceding the year in which you wish to take the exam. The criteria assessed by the examination board are detailed in the Examination Regulations of the Architects’ Title Act.
Note
The certificate of the architect exam is not automatically recognized in all EU countries
To be admitted to the exam, you need to submit the following documents:
A list of independently designed and realized works within the field of the desired title. This list must contain at least three projects that you have executed from start to finish. The list must demonstrate that you have worked as a designer for at least seven years in the field in which you want to take the exam. This seven years of experience does not need to be consecutive but can also be accumulated in different periods. However, the experience must be relevant to the respective discipline, and internships do not count. The works on the list must be accompanied by years, nature of the work, and clients. You must also provide a written declaration that the designs listed are your own. If the works were not independently designed, the list should indicate the tasks for which you were responsible.
If you have been (or are) self-employed during the mentioned seven years: an extract from the Chamber of Commerce.
If you have been (or are) employed during the mentioned seven years: an employer's statement indicating the period and nature of the work performed in employment.
A curriculum vitae, maximum 2 pages long.
Registration additional title
The procedure 'Registration additional title' is only intended for those who are already registered in the architects' register but wish to be registered with another or additional title.
Furthermore, a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in the field of the other title is required. These 7 years of experience must have been acquired within 15 years prior to submitting the registration request.
The Additional requirements for registration in the Architects' Register under additional title (NL) describes the documents you must provide for this procedure. If you are admitted, you will receive an invitation to a meeting with the committee. This multidisciplinary committee evaluates your projects and vision of the profession based on the 'Additional requirements' and advises the Architects' Register on the decision to be taken.
The fee for processing a request for registration under another title is €1.600 (excluding the one-time registration fee of €85 in the architects' register). After registration in the architects' register, you will have both your existing and your new title and you will pay €79,50 annually per registration
Certificate of outstanding achievement
The Architects' Register has the option to grant a certificate of 'outstanding achievement' to exceptionally talented designers. This means that someone can also be registered based on exceptional competence in the relevant field. The certificate entitles the holder to registration in the architects' register. For more information about this procedure, please contact us.