Professional Practice is a RIBA Part 3 course and examination that allows successful candidates to register as architects with the Architects Registration Board (ARB). It is open to both AA graduates with RIBA Part 2 and eligible non-graduates. It is also available to registered professionals who may wish to refresh their knowledge of architectural practice through Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
The course is offered in two formats: in the Autumn, full-time over two weeks; and in the Spring on Saturdays starting in early January for ten weeks. The autumn session each year constitutes a full-time course conducted intensively over two weeks. Alternatively, for candidates who would prefer to take more time to study or for whom weekday attendance may be difficult, the spring session is taught as a part-time course on Saturdays over a ten-week period. Registering early for either course is highly recommended, and the examination process and syllabus are the same for each format.
Accredited by the ARB and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the course covers all the topics that are central to professional practice, including business management, building legislation, planning and building regulations, running a small business and communication skills. The programme provides a condensed series of seminars, delivered by experienced speakers from practice and academia, and opportunities to consult with professional tutors. Candidates can then expand their professional development through the abundance of resources provided by the Part 3 course and the AA library.
Part 3 examinations take place at the end of each session and students register for them independently from the course itself. After attending the course, you have up to four years to sit the Part 3 exam (please note: from Spring 2026 onwards, this is will become two years). Additionally, exam candidates can register for an optional two-day course, the Building Contract Game, which involves teams working together to devise strategies to overcome contract issues and practical problems during project negotiations.
Candidates who are ready to sit the examination must prepare a Professional Experience Submission for assessment (formerly named the Initial Assessment). This includes their Professional Experience Development Record (PEDR) or the AA’s Certificate of Professional Experience (CPE).
The programme does not require a case study; instead, candidates are assessed through a set of scenario-based papers. In order to be successful, we expect candidates to supplement their learning with independent and collaborative studying and encourage them to be open-minded and critical as they reflect on their practical training throughout the assessment process. Prospective candidates must read the Part 3 Programme Guide and Part 3 Handbook, which provides all course and exam details.