TTIA Practice Examination
INTRODUCTION
The course is intended to elaborate and develop understanding of the main areas of the practice of the profession of architecture. It is intended to encourage confidence and competence in candidates taking the Professional Practice Examination.
View and download the Professional Practice Course Guide here. 
To contact the administrators of our Practice Examinations, please send an email to Mrs. Mary Lou Vital, our TTIA Administrative Officer at: mailto:administration@ttia-architects.org. Your email will be forwarded to both Arch. Mark Raymond (Course Administrator) and Mandilee Newton (TTIA Hon. Treasurer).
COURSE STRUCTURE The structure of the course is based upon new international guidelines in professional practice as outlined in the following :
- 'Recommended Guidelines for the Accord Policy on Demonstration of Professional Knowledge and Ability' International Union of Architects
- 'Recommended Guidelines for the UIA Accord on Recommended International Standards of Professionalism in Architectural Practice' International Union of Architects
- RIBA Outline Syllabus for the Part 3 Programmes in Architecture and Practice, April 1999 Royal Institute of British Architects
The course provides a grounding in 'generic management theory , contemporary business management, client communication, briefing and design management skills, commensurate with accepted international architectural practice '
The course consists of a series of talks and seminars. The seminars are intended to supplement the knowledge and experience built up by the candidates during the course of their academic and practical expeience.The bulk of the necesary work required for succesful completion of the course should be undertaken through individual and group study using the seminars as 'refreshers' in the various aspects of practice covered. Candidates are encouraged to form study groups to provide a basis for managing their study and sharing knowledge. Whilst the seminars are being conducted candidates are asked to prepare a case study of a building they have worked on and to prepare an evaluation of their professional experience.
View and download the Professional Practice Course Guide here.
THE PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE EXAMINATION
The examination and course is organised by the Education Committee of the Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Architects.
The rulesof the Institute require that once prospective candidates can demonstrate eligibility for membership they are required to sit an examination testing their knolwdge and ability in the following areas:
- Contracts
- Regulations and Procedures
- Conditions of Engagement and Code of Conduct
- Demonstrate ability to correspond and write reports.
In order to cover these areas the course is structured under the following headings: THE CONTEXT FOR ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE
Size and importance of the construction industry/ knowledge of interests of relevant organisations / the role of the architect/knowledge of range of advisory , consultative and gov't bodies which guide or control construction / principles underlying the law relevant to architectural practice and procurement/professional conduct/ concept of professionalism/codes and standards regulating architecture
THE MANAGEMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
Briefing/communication with client consultant and construction team/ability to assess variety and appropriateness of procurement and the implications architecturally and professionally/ assessment of architectural services required and establishment of appropriate contracts/management and information flow/ knowledge of fee structures/negotiation and fee bidding techniques
THE MANAGEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION
Project planning, documentation and execution/ procurement documentation/contract operation/ types; cost, time, quality / site organisation lines of communication/use of Architect's instructions and certificates, valuations / implications of collateral agreements and nomination of sub-contractors/ risk management; indemnities, insurances / decision making, arbitration and dispute resolution/post occupancy services
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Knowledge of finances and resources necessary for provision of professional services/ ability and awareness of information technology in relation to practice/different forms of practice; sole practitioner, partnership etc/ internal structures and procedures appropriate to different forms of practice/resource mangement/financial management financial control, cost planning, basic accounting procedures/ copyright, patent law, protection of intellectual property/ taxation, health and safety, employment contracts, civil liability/ marketing and promotion of architectural services awareness of international and regional trends for commissioning of buildings
Candidates are further required to attend an interview and discussion with (3) members of the Institute, two (2) of whom would have been involved in the preparation and marking of the examining paper.
CASE STUDY
The case study is to enable examiners to assess the candidate's ability to critically appraise and investigate a project and to formulate a report on its background and progress from inception to its present state. Candidates are expected to identify and form conclusions about the problems and successes encountered in the project. The Case Study is NOT a chronological history of the project, but is an informed appraisal which, by its commentary and conclusions indicates to the examiner the knowledge and experience the author has obtained by involvement in the project.
The selected project can be taken from any of the categories below. Candiates are free to choose as a subject for their case study , a project on which they are actively engaged or one which is currently in progress, but on which they are not working but can only act as observer. Use could be made of a project which has recently been completed and on which the candidate was involved. It is preferred that the subject will be one on which the candidate is or has been engaged.
The final choice of subject should be made with knowledge and agreement of the Course Co-ordinator and the choice of project should be known to the candidate's employers.
The Course Co-ordinator requires a proposal for the Case Study in the form of a simple synopsis of perhaps 2 - 4 pages.
- A completed building
- A substantial section of a completed building or partially completed complex of buildings
- A partially completed building which should preferably be at least 30% through the estimated contract period
The Course Co-ordinator will regularly review candidate's progress in the preparation of the Case Study, in order to provide constructive comment on the draft as it proceeds.
EVALUATION OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Candidates are required to submit a detailed account of their professional and educational experience in approximately 1500 words
ELIGIBILITY
Candidates must hold and provide evidence of a qualification in Architecture recognised by the TTIA in order to be eligiible for the examination . Candidates must also provided evidence of a minimum of two (2) years within a professional practice. REGISTRATION WITH THE BOARD OF ARCHITECTURE OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS
Candidates, on being informed by letter that they have passed the Professional Practice Examination are eligible to apply to the Board of Architecture of Trinidad and Tobago for Registration as a 'Registered Architect' under the Registration Act.
On successful completion of the examination, prospective members are announced at the next Business Meeting of the TTIA and admitted to the Institute.
REGULATIONS
Entry to the Professional Practice Course is open to Graduate Members of the Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Architects or candidates who satisfy the requirements of eligibility for Graduate Membership of the TTIA.
A candidate may withdraw from the Examination up to three (3) weeks from first submission date. Candidates may not withdraw from individual components of the examination.
FEES The fee for the Professional Practice Course 2007 is $ 1000.00 (ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS) The fee for the Professional Practice Examination is $ 500.00 (FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS)
In order to take the examination, candidates must provided a receipt from the Treasurer of the TTIA of full payment of fees. Cheques and payments should be made out to the Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Architects.
To contact the administrators of our Practice Examinations, please send an email to Mrs. Mary Lou Vital, our TTIA Adminsitrative Officer at: mailto:administration@ttia-architects.org and request it to be forwarded to both Arch. Mark Raymond (Course Administrator) and Mandilee Newton (TTIA Hon. Treasurer).
View and download the Professional Practice Course Guide here. | 
