This article originally appeared with the January 16, 2026, edition of Intern News, an e-newsletter for Intern Architects, Student Associates, Intern Technologists, and Student Technologists.
For participants of the OAA Technology Program (OTP) or the Internship in Architecture Program (IAP), all experience hours must be recorded via online portals: Experience Record Book (ERB) for the OTP or Canadian Experience Record Book (CERB) for the IAP. This streamlines processing of experience submissions and ensures accuracy, as well as easy access to records and faster review and approvals. Submissions by PDF may be accepted for approved exceptions—contact your respective program at iap@oaa.on.ca or OAATechProg@oaa.on.ca to confirm first.
This article offers some reminders and practical tips when completing record book submissions.
The architectural experience area descriptions and required activities within the appendices of the IAP Manual or OAA Technology Program Guide are for reference only (i.e. generic). Interns and Students should describe their specific experience activities in their own words. The OAA may refuse to accept text copied directly from these manuals into the record books, returning it for revision and re-approval by the Supervisor or Mentor.
A description of the activities you performed is required for each of the categories where you have logged hours. The absence of clear and comprehensive information regarding experience gained may delay the review of experience if the reviewers are unable to determine whether the Intern is satisfying the required scope of requirements of the program. Independent professional activities outside the office practice (e.g. LEED certification, courses, webinars, etc.) are not eligible for credit. The exception is the OAA Admission Course.
Interns must submit their architectural experience to the OAA for review upon completion of 900 to 1,000 hours of experience—every six months. In order to avoid late submission charges, they must also submit within eight weeks from the experience period end date.
Program Guidelines
For specific program guidelines, it is important to regularly review the OAA Website and specific documents.
For the IAP, participants can learn more about experience recording by clicking here. They can also access:
- IAP Manual Appendix A (architectural experience area descriptions and required activities);
- Appendix B (Ontario-specific guidelines); and
- Canadian Standard of Competency for Architects (nationally recognized standards of competence developed by the Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC), it offers information regarding expected experience competencies and associated comprehension for Architects).
For the OTP, there is additional information on the OAA Website as well as in:
Adhering to these guidelines ensures accurate reporting and smooth progression through the program.