Professional Qualification
The professional qualification system forms part of the Estonian qualifications framework, which connects the education system to the labour market and promotes lifelong learning as well as the development, assessment, recognition, and comparison of professional competence.
In Estonia, the Estonian Association of Architects and its established professional committee are responsible for awarding the architect’s professional title. The architect’s professional title is issued at four levels in Estonia. Graduates from the EKA architecture and urban planning curriculum receive the title of Certified Architect, Level 7. To progress to the next level (Authorized Architect, Level 7), one must have at least five years of relevant work experience within the last ten years and a strong professional portfolio.
The levels of architectural professional qualifications in Estonia is as follows:
Certified Architect, Level 7
A Certified Architect, Level 7 architects hold a master’s degree, which complies with the current professional standard for certified architects and the “Framework Requirements for Medical, Veterinary, Pharmacy, Dental Education, Midwifery, Nursing, Architectural, and Civil Engineering Education” authorised by Government Regulation No. 312 of 25 October 2004, or the applicant has completed architectural studies at an educational in architecture institution listed in the Annex to Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and the Council on professional qualifications.
A Level 7 certified architect is a specialist with higher education in architecture who, under the supervision of a licensed architect or independently, on their own responsibility and within their competence, prepares plans and the architectural components of construction projects for buildings, including comprehensive solutions for both interior and exterior design. A Level 7 certified architect acts as the lead designer for construction projects within their scope when needed. They conduct building and environmental audits, develop and assess spatial visions, and participate in preparing spatial decisions in the public sector within their area of competence.
When making decisions about construction projects and area planning for buildings that are architecturally and functionally complex and of significant public interest in the public sector, a Level 7 certified architect involves a Level 8 authorised architect-expert. The scope of competence of a Level 7 certified architect is detailed in Appendix 1 of the professional standard.
Further information: https://www.kutseregister.ee/ctrl/et/Standardid/vaata/11338245
Authorised Architect, Level 7
A Level 7 authorised architect is an experienced specialist who independently and responsibly prepares a plan, supervises its development, conducts expert assessments of both the plan and the construction project, and prepares the architectural component of the construction project. The scope of a Level 7 authorised architect’s competence includes the planning, design, and evaluation of any land areas and buildings.
A Level 7 authorised architect is qualified to work in government agencies at both national and local levels as a leading expert in architecture, spatial planning, and spatial design. They also serve as the lead designer of a construction project when required.
To qualify for Level 7 authorised architect status, an applicant must have at least five years of professional experience as a Level 7 certified architect within the past ten years.
More information: https://www.kutseregister.ee/ctrl/et/Standardid/vaata/11338619
Authorised Architect-Expert, Level 8
A Level 8 Authorised Architect-Expert is a leading specialist and recognised creative professional who independently and responsibly prepares planning documents, supervises their creation, provides expert assessments of planning documents, prepares the architectural elements of construction projects, supervises their development, and offers expert evaluations of construction projects. The scope of a Level 8 Authorised Architect-Expert also encompasses the planning, design, and assessment of buildings and land areas that are architecturally and functionally complex and attract heightened public interest.
A Level 8 Authorised Architect-Expert is qualified to operate within state and local government agencies as a leading expert in architecture, spatial planning, and spatial design. When required, a Level 8 Authorised Architect-Expert acts as the chief designer of a construction project.
Requirements for the Applicationon for Qualificati
To apply for the Level 8 Certified Architect-Expert qualification, the applicant must have at least 7 years of professional experience as a Level 7 Certified Architect within the past 15 years.
Furthermore, the applicant must fulfil at least nine of the following requirements, which are accessible in more detail through the attached link.
More information: https://www.kutseregister.ee/ctrl/et/Standardid/vaata/11338656
For more detailed information on the professional certification system and the awarding of certifications, visit the Estonian Association of Architects website or the SA Kutsekoja website.