What is ARB (Architects Registration Board)?

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is the UK statutory body that maintains the register of architects and protects the title "architect". Only individuals registered with the ARB may legally call themselves an architect in the UK under the Architects Act 1997; using the title without registration is a criminal offence. Registration requires completing Parts 1, 2 and 3 of an ARB-prescribed qualification (typically a five-year degree plus two years' professional experience and a professional practice examination). ARB is separate from RIBA, which is a voluntary professional membership body conferring Chartered status. Both are relevant when engaging an architect for a building project.