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The RIBA validates programmes of architecture at over 40 UK schools on a four-year cycle.

RIBA Validation is a peer review process that monitors compliance with internationally recognised minimum standards in architectural education and encourages excellence and diversity in student achievement.
 
The RIBA has had a long-standing involvement in promoting high quality and innovative architectural education throughout the world. Through validation, the RIBA identifies courses and examinations which achieve the standards necessary to prepare students for the professional practice of architecture.
 
Visiting Boards visit schools of architecture to assess the output standard of courses for exemption from the RIBA's examinations in architecture. The boards are composed of practising architects, academics, architecture students, and construction team co-professionals. From September 2003 the RIBA assumed sole responsibility for Visiting Boards in the United Kingdom. 

Validation procedures

The procedures used by the RIBA to validate courses can be viewed in the PDF below.

Criteria for validation

The current criteria for validation are held jointly by the RIBA and the Architects' Registration Board, can be found here|.

These criteria are currently under joint review by the RIBA and the ARB.

Validated courses of architecture

Courses in architecture across the world which are currently validated by the RIBA are listed in the PDF below.

International validation

The RIBA also validates courses outside the UK. Find out more about our International Validation service|.