ARB Consultation on Professional Practical Experience (PPE): What You Need to Know

On 15 January 2026, ARB launched a consultation on proposed changes to professional practical experience (PPE). The consultation runs until 15 April 2026 and represents a significant opportunity for trainees, employers, and learning providers to shape the future of architectural training.

Background: The PPE Commission

These proposals follow the independent PPE Commission, established in 2024 to investigate concerns about practical experience arrangements. The Commission, which reported in early 2025, found that:

• Current arrangements place too much responsibility and risk on individual trainees
• Practice was often inconsistent and inefficient
• Workplace culture issues were widespread
• The connection between academic and practical training needed strengthening

The Commission engaged with trainees, learning providers, employers, and professional bodies across the UK before making three headline recommendations.

Key Proposed Changes

1. Removal of Minimum Two-Year Duration

The current regulatory requirement for a minimum of two years' practical experience would be removed. However:

• Trainees will still need to demonstrate achievement of all Competency Outcomes
• Two years remains the expected typical duration
• This change focuses regulation on competence rather than time served

2. Learning Providers Take a Coordinating Role

Learning providers (universities and other accredited institutions) will be required to:

• Coordinate trainees' acquisition of all Competency Outcomes
• Designate an individual responsible for employer relationships
• Collaborate with practices on training and development
• Provide guidance on gaining practical experience and its link to registration

This represents a significant expansion of the learning provider's role beyond academic teaching.

3. Standardised Record of Competency (ROC)

A new standardised Record of Competency will replace diverse existing systems. The ROC will:

• Explicitly map to ARB Competency Outcomes
• Give weight to both experience and reflection
• Acknowledge prior learning
• Clarify supervision responsibilities
• Provide a basis for verifying achievement of Outcomes

ARB will set minimum standards that all learning providers must follow.

4. Removal of "Double Counting" Rule

The restriction preventing experience from contributing to multiple outcomes simultaneously will be removed, allowing more efficient acquisition of competencies.

5. New Recency Requirement

Trainees must have completed their final accredited qualification no more than two years before applying for registration. Those exceeding this timeframe may be examined by the ARB Competency Standards Group.

6. Adoption of "Trainee Architect" Title

ARB will adopt the term "trainee" in all communications. The Commission recommends legislative change to formally protect the title "trainee architect."

What's Not Changing

• The threshold standard for registration remains the same
• Two years of practical experience remains typical
• Supervision by a registered architect remains essential
• The Competency Outcomes framework remains the basis for assessment

How to Respond to the Consultation

The consultation invites responses from all stakeholders:

• Trainees and recently qualified architects
• Learning providers and educators
• Employers and practice leaders
• Professional bodies

Responses can be submitted through the ARB website until 15 April 2026. The consultation document outlines specific questions on each proposal.

Timeline Following Consultation

• April-Summer 2026: ARB reviews consultation responses
• 2026: Expected introduction of new Record of Competency
• Ongoing: Phased implementation of reforms alongside education changes

What This Means for Current Trainees

If you are currently completing practical experience, these changes will be phased in gradually. Your current progress and experience will continue to count. The key message is that the standard required for registration is not lowering — the mechanisms for evidencing competence are being improved.