ARB Professional Criteria: What Assessors Are Looking For
A breakdown of all 10 ARB Professional Criteria for Part III with guidance on evidence and competencies expected in the professional interview and written submissions.
The ARB and RIBA jointly prescribe ten Professional Criteria (PCs) that all Part III candidates must satisfy.
PC1 — Professionalism: Demonstrate competence and integrity; understand ARB and RIBA codes; navigate ethical dilemmas.
PC2 — Clients, Users, and Delivery of Services: Establish, manage, and deliver services; demonstrate duty of care and client briefing experience.
PC3 — Legal Framework and Processes: Experience of planning applications, building control submissions; understanding of CDM and BSA roles.
PC4 — Practice and Management: Office management, fee structures, resource planning, and quality assurance systems.
PC5 — Building Procurement: Knowledge of JCT/NEC contracts; experience of procurement routes; contract administration.
PC6 — Contract Administration: Experience issuing instructions, certificates, and reports; chairing site meetings; managing practical completion.
PC7 — Management of Self and Others: Managing relationships with contractors, consultants, and clients; personal development planning.
PC8 — Design and Technical Competence: Design decision-making; understanding of building systems, structure, and envelope.
PC9 — Communication: Examples of presentations, reports, specifications, and professional correspondence.
PC10 — Data, Technology, and Innovation: BIM competence; digital information management; awareness of AI and emerging tools.