How to Become an Architect in Nova Scotia
Do you need a licence?
Licence required
You must be registered with the Nova Scotia Association of Architects to work as an architect in Nova Scotia or to use a protected title.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“Only architects licensed with the Nova Scotia Association of Architects can legally practice in Nova Scotia and call themselves “architects”.”
From nsaa.ns.ca/architects-and-the-public, checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Licence required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 7 steps
- Licensed in another province: 5 steps, listed one-time fees $1,365
- Trained outside Canada: 2 steps, listed one-time fees $1,365
- Annual fees
-
- Licensed Architect membership dues: $1,070
- Retired Architect: $65
- Associate Member: $480
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 7 done
- 7 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $1,615
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The applicant obtains certification from the Canadian Architectural Certification Board.
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The applicant completes an application for Intern Architect membership.
Source
“Complete an Application for Intern Architect Membership.”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/intern-architect -
The applicant pays the application fee by cheque or credit card.
Source
“Pay the fee for the application by cheque or credit card.”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/intern-architect -
The NSAA approves the application.
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While enrolled in the program, the intern acquires at least 3,720 hours of specified experience and submits experience records in Canadian Experience Record Books.
Source
“Acquire a minimum of 3,720 hours of specified experience in a variety of categories as listed in the IAP Manual, and submit experience records in the form of Canadian Experience Record Books upon the accumulation of 900-1,000 hours of experience (roughly 6 months)”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/intern-architect -
The intern passes the Examinations for Architects in Canada.
Source
“Pass The Examinations for Architects in Canada (ExAC)”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/intern-architect -
The intern has a successful interview with members of the Board of Registration.
Source
“Successful interview with members of the Board of Registration”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/intern-architect
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Nova Scotia Association of Architects
7 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees: $1,615 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total.
- Licensed Architect membership dues: $1,070
- Retired Architect: $65
- Associate Member: $480
Licensed in another province
0 of 5 done
- Listed one-time fees: $1,365
- 4 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $1,615
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The applicant submits the appropriate application completed in full.
Source
“Submit the appropriate application completed in full”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/licensed-architect -
All jurisdictions where the applicant is currently licensed submit Confirmation of Registration/Licence Forms directly to the NSAA.
Source
“Have all jurisdictions in which you are currently licensed/registered submit Confirmation of Registration/Licence Forms directly to the NSAA”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/licensed-architect -
The applicant submits a valid certificate of insurance showing appropriate professional liability insurance coverage, if applicable.
Source
“Submit valid Certificate of Insurance demonstrating appropriate Professional Liability Insurance coverage (if applicable)”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/licensed-architect -
The applicant submits an application for a Corporate Permit, if applicable.
Source
“Submit application for Corporate Permit (if applicable)”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/licensed-architect -
The applicant submits the appropriate payment.
- Licensed Architect application: $295
- Licensed Architect membership cost: $1,070
Listed fees for this route
One-time total listed: $1,365
| Fee type | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Application | $295 | 22% |
| Registration | $1,070 | 78% |
| One-time total | $1,365 | 100% |
4 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees: $1,615 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total.
- Licensed Architect membership dues: $1,070
- Retired Architect: $65
- Associate Member: $480
Trained outside Canada
0 of 2 done
- Listed one-time fees: $1,365
- 1 step without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $1,615
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The foreign architect applies for BEFA Certification through an online self-assessment and an interview with licensed architects.
Source
“Foreign architects who meet the Program eligibility requirements can apply for BEFA Certification through a process which consists of an on-line self-assessment and an interview with licensed architects.”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/licensed-architect -
Once the BEFA process is successfully completed, the applicant may apply to the NSAA as a Licensed Architect.
- Licensed Architect application: $295
- Licensed Architect membership cost: $1,070
Source
“Once an applicant has successfully completed the above process, they may then make application as a Licensed Architect to the NSAA.”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/licensed-architect
Listed fees for this route
One-time total listed: $1,365
| Fee type | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Application | $295 | 22% |
| Registration | $1,070 | 78% |
| One-time total | $1,365 | 100% |
1 step without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees: $1,615 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total.
- Licensed Architect membership dues: $1,070
- Retired Architect: $65
- Associate Member: $480
Other listed fees
The regulator lists these without tying them to one step, so they are not in the route totals above. Check which apply to you.
- Temporary License: $3,020
Requirements
Education
An applicant must have educational qualifications certified by a designated architectural certification board.
Source
“have educational qualifications certified by a designated architectural certification board”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/intern-architectAn applicant must submit evidence of holding a certificate from a designated architectural certification board or other education the Board deems equivalent.
Source
“submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that such individual holds a certificate from a designated architectural certification board or has completed such other education as the Board deems equivalent”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/licensed-architect
Experience
An intern architect must acquire a minimum of 3,720 hours of specified experience in a variety of categories.
Source
“Acquire a minimum of 3,720 hours of specified experience in a variety of categories as listed in the IAP Manual”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/intern-architectA foreign architect must have at least seven years of post registration or licensure experience in architecture within the last twelve years to be eligible for the BEFA program.
Source
“Do you have at least seven years of post registration or licensure experience in architecture within the last twelve years?”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/licensed-architectAn applicant must submit evidence of having completed the practical work experience required by the Board.
Source
“submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that such person has completed practical work experience required by the Board”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/licensed-architect
Insurance
An applicant must submit a valid certificate of insurance demonstrating appropriate professional liability insurance coverage, if applicable.
Source
“Submit valid Certificate of Insurance demonstrating appropriate Professional Liability Insurance coverage (if applicable)”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/licensed-architect
Good character
An applicant must provide evidence establishing that they are of good character to safely and ethically engage in the practice of architecture.
Source
“provide evidence satisfactory to the Board to establish the applicant is of such good character as to safely and ethically engage in the practice of architecture”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/licensed-architect
Other
An applicant must have two references complete and return the reference form to the NSAA.
Source
“Have two references complete and return the reference form to the NSAA”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/licensed-architect
Already licensed in another province?
Direct transfer
An architect licensed in another Canadian jurisdiction submits an application, confirmation of registration from all jurisdictions where licensed, insurance if applicable, a corporate permit application if applicable, and payment, with no additional exam or competence assessment stated. Source
“This application is for a licensed architect who is licensed in another Canadian jurisdiction (province or territory) and wants to practice architecture in Nova Scotia.”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/licensed-architect
Submit application
Source
“Submit the appropriate application completed in full”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/licensed-architectConfirmations of registration
Source
“Have all jurisdictions in which you are currently licensed/registered submit Confirmation of Registration/Licence Forms directly to the NSAA”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/licensed-architectSubmit insurance certificate
Source
“Submit valid Certificate of Insurance demonstrating appropriate Professional Liability Insurance coverage (if applicable)”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/licensed-architectSubmit corporate permit application
Source
“Submit application for Corporate Permit (if applicable)”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/licensed-architectSubmit payment
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Association of Architects
Credential assessment
CACB Certification
certifies academic qualifications for entry into the Internship in Architecture Program
Exams
-
The Examinations for Architects in Canada (ExAC)
Source
“Pass The Examinations for Architects in Canada (ExAC)”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/intern-architect
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Association of Architects
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Association of Architects
Supervised practice
Required · 3,720 hours
An intern architect must acquire a minimum of 3,720 hours of specified experience in a variety of categories and submit experience records in Canadian Experience Record Books. Source
“Acquire a minimum of 3,720 hours of specified experience in a variety of categories as listed in the IAP Manual, and submit experience records in the form of Canadian Experience Record Books”
nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/intern-architect
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Scotia | $25.00 | $40.87 | $50.55 | Moderate (3 of 5) |
| Canada | $26.44 | $38.94 | $74.52 | — |
Architects in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Licence required
- Alberta Licence required
- Saskatchewan Licence required
- Manitoba Licence required
- Ontario Licence required
- Quebec Licence required
- New Brunswick Licence required
- Prince Edward Island Licence required
- Newfoundland and Labrador Licence required
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Licence required
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Sources checked
- Architects and the Public - Nova Scotia Association of Architects nsaa.ns.ca/architects-and-the-public · fetched October 10, 2026
- Intern Architect - Nova Scotia Association of Architects nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/intern-architect · fetched October 10, 2026
- Licensed Architect - Nova Scotia Association of Architects nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership/licensed-architect · fetched October 10, 2026
- Types of Membership - Nova Scotia Association of Architects nsaa.ns.ca/types-of-membership · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as an architect in Nova Scotia?
Yes. Registration with the Nova Scotia Association of Architects is required to practise in Nova Scotia.
Which exams are required?
The Examinations for Architects in Canada (ExAC).
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