Examination for Architects in Canada

Resources + Tips

PRINCIPLE ExAC RESOURCES

• CHOP

  Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects, 3rd edition, 2020, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.

• NBC

  National Building Code of Canada, 2015 Edition - without provincial adaptations, National Research Council.

• IAP

  Internship in Architecture Program, 2020, 4th edition, Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada.

• Canadian Standard of Competency for Architects

  ROAC document that provides an overview of competencies required for being licensed.

  
  *Make sure to read everything the ExAC website lists under References and Resources (not just Principle Resources).
  The reference list on the ExAC website is a guide to help you prepare. Remember that the intent of these exams is to test your knowledge and experience in professional practice; as such, questions may not necessarily relate directly to any one of the resources listed.
  

SEMINARS

• CHOP - Introduction to the 3rd Edition

  Offered by RAIC (free for members)

• NBC Part 3 + Part 9 webinars with live Q+A

  Offered by RAIC ($449 for intern members)

• Navigating Contracts

  Offered by RAIC ($35 for intern members)

• Sustainable Design Fundamentals for Buildings

  Offered by RAIC (Free for members!)

• ExAC Prep Courses

  Offered by Simply Exam
  *These study materials are guidelines and outlines of the ExAC key objectives; they are not enough to pass the ExAC and do not form part of its references. Please refer to the ExAC website for a complete list of approved references.

• Check the regulator websites for Con-Ed sessions on Contracts and Construction Administration to help prepare for the 4th exam

• If you are in the GTA and are a foreign licensed architect, you may be able to apply to the iPLAN program, offering courses on topics covered in the ExAC. This program will also help you prepare for licensure and find employment.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

• You can download a free electronic copy of the NBC from the NRC website.

  You can also purchase a physical copy (which you will need to bring into the exam with you) from there as well!

• Looking for some NBC sample questions to help study for the ExAC?

  While there are no example questions or worksheets for the ExAC specifically, here is an OBC (Ontario Building Code) exam sample question workbook you can use to help test your NBC knowledge and learn to navigate the code! Just skip any Ontario-specific questions.

REMEMBER TO START STUDYING EARLY. GOOD LUCK!