New Chartered Architectural Technologist Professional Standards Competency Framework

The 2019 Professional Standards Framework (PSF), which provides information and guidance on the Educational, Practice and Professional standards for those seeking to qualify as Chartered Architectural Technologists, has now been phased out. The PSF has now been superseded by the Professional Standards Competency Framework (PSCF). Professional Assessment applications cross referenced against the PSCF will be accepted from 1 May 2025.

The CIAT Qualifying in Architectural Technology films provide insight and details on the requirements to qualify via the Professional Assessment. These can be viewed here and here. The phase out only affects Associates and Affiliates who were planning to submit a Professional Assessment application by 30 April 2025.

The Professional Standards Competency Framework (PSCF), which outlines the standards and competencies to qualify as a Chartered Architectural Technologist, was published on 1 May 2025.

These standards and competencies are defined within:

• Stage 1 – Educational Standards,
• Stage 2 – Practice Standards
• Stage 3 – Professional Standards

The framework underwent a periodic review following the revision of the Quality Assurance Agency Subject Benchmark Statement for Architectural Technology, which was published in 2022. It emphasises fire and health and safety, as well as materials, building performance and regulations. In addition to this, ethics, behaviour, professional conduct and CPD have been amplified in the document.

The title of the PSCF was also modified to indicate that it assesses the competence of applicants. These are assessed at a threshold level with the expectation that Chartered Architectural Technologists will continue to learn and advance in their career, thus further improving their capabilities.

Chartered Architectural Technologist - Professional Standards Competency Framework

The review began in spring 2023 with the support of a Review Group comprising of Honorary Fellows, Fellows, Chartered Members, Associates, Affiliates from varying spheres of the profession, in academia and industry, based in the UK and internationally.

“It is a real testament to the strength of our membership when you see initiatives like this come together,” said Usman Yaqub FCIAT, President-Elect of CIAT.

Associates and Affiliates have been notified of the phase out process to qualify under the 2019 PSF through the Professional Assessment qualifying process which ends on 30 April 2025. Anyone wishing to qualify from 1 May 2025 must meet the standards outlined in the PSCF.

“The new framework holds great importance for CIAT, Architectural Technology, and Architectural Technologists,” said Paul Laycock MCIAT, Vice-President Education & Chair of Moderators. “This is not just a guideline, but a transformative tool that will ensure the profession evolves to meet future demands around sustainability, technical innovation and ethical considerations. It reaffirms the importance of maintaining high standards, of encouraging personal and professional growth, and of ensuring Architectural Technology remains at the forefront of construction and design in the built environment.”

Professor Sam Allwinkle PPBIAT FCIAT, Chair of Education Board, agreed, saying, “The 2025 PSCF is a significant and important reference document for CIAT, Architectural Technology and Architectural Technologists and I am confident that these standards will help challenge, change and drive forward our profession in the next decade.” An external facing PSCF is currently in development, ready to be used to promote the profession and discipline.

If you would like further details on the PSCF or the 2019 PSF phase out, contact membership@ciat.global

This article appears in the AT Journal Spring issue 2025 as "Publication of new Chartered Architectural Technologist Professional Standards Competency Framework' and was written by James Banks CMGr FCMI, Head of Membership.

--CIAT

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