Mastering the PEDR: A Guide to Professional Experience Records
Comprehensive guidance on completing the PEDR effectively — from quarterly record sheets to the reflective experience summary — with practical advice for Part III students.
The Professional Experience and Development Record (PEDR) is the RIBA's mechanism for documenting professional experience of students progressing towards architectural qualification.
What is the PEDR?
The PEDR is an ongoing record completed by the student and countersigned by: (1) the employment mentor within the student's practice, and (2) your professional studies advisor (PSA).
The Quarterly Record Sheet
Every quarter, students document:
- Projects worked on during the quarter
- RIBA Plan of Work stages experienced
- Level of responsibility held
- Professional criteria addressed
- Key learning points and reflections
Advice for effective quarterly records:
- Be specific about your role and contribution
- Reference the professional criteria (PC1-PC10) explicitly
- Include both positive experiences and challenges
- Note any CPD activities undertaken
The Reflective Experience Summary
At the end of the qualification period, the Reflective Experience Summary (RES) must demonstrate breadth of experience across RIBA Plan of Work stages, development over time, and address all 10 professional criteria with specific examples.
The Employment Mentor
The employment mentor should meet the student at least once every three months, countersign records promptly, and act as a critical friend. If your mentor is unresponsive, speak to your PSA immediately.
Common Pitfalls
- Completing records retrospectively
- Describing projects rather than your specific contribution
- Failing to reflect on failures and challenges
- Not linking experience to the professional criteria
- Unexplained gaps in quarterly records