Procedures for Issuance of architecture practicing certificates in Vietnam

Procedures for Issuance of architecture practicing certificates in Vietnam (Internet image)

1. What is practice of architecture?

According to Clause 6, Article 3 of the Law on Architecture 2019, practice of architecture refers to a professional activity of an entity or person providing architectural services.

2. Self-employed architects

Self-employed architects under Article 25 of the Law on Architecture 2019 is stipulated as follows:

- Self-employed architects are those architects with architecture qualification who are not under the control of entities practicing the architecture profession and act on their own account to render architectural services.

- Self-employed practicing architects shall render architectural services under contracts with entities and persons specified herein and other provisions of relevant law.

3. Test for grant of architecture practicing certificates in Vietnam

The test for grant of architecture practicing certificates according to Clauses 1, 2 and 3, Article 26 of the Law on Architecture 2019 is as follows:

- Socio-professional associations in architecture, research institutes and establishments providing training courses in architecture shall give the test for grant of architecture practicing certificates.

- The test for grant of architecture practicing certificates shall be designed to include the following questions:

+ Professional experience related to architecture;

+ Legal knowledge about the sector that examinees are practicing;

+ Specialized knowledge about architecture;

+ Knowledge about rules of professional conduct for practicing architects.

- Socio-professional associations in architecture, research institutes and establishments providing training courses in architecture are recognized to be qualified for giving the test for grant of architecture practicing certificates if they meet the following requirements:

+ They must be established under law;

+ Their business relates to the architecture sector;

+ They must have an adequate number of employees and physical facilities necessary for the test.

4. Requirements for issuance of architecture practicing certificates in Vietnam

According to Clause 1, Article 28 of the Law on Architecture 2019, the requirements for issuance of architecture practicing certificates shall be regulated as follows:

- The intended applicant must hold university or higher qualification in the architecture sector;

- The intended applicant must have at least 3 years of experience acquired from previous involvement in providing architectural services or partnership with other self-employed practicing architects;

- The intended applicant must successfully pass the test for eligibility to receive architecture practicing certificate.

5. Procedures for Issuance of architecture practicing certificates in Vietnam

Procedures for granting architectural practice certificates to individuals according to Article 29 of the Law on Architecture 2019 are as follows:

- Persons applying for issuance and renewal of architecture practicing certificates shall submit one set of documentation in person, online or by post to entities specialized in the architecture sector under the control of provincial-level People’s Committees.

- Regulatory authorities specialized in architectural activities that are put under the control of provincial-level People's Committees shall be authorized to establish a council to consider issuing and renewing architecture practicing certificates.

The council shall be composed of representatives of regulatory authorities specialized in architecture under the control of provincial-level People's Committees, socio-professional associations in practice of architecture or research institutes, establishments providing training courses in architecture and/or architecture experts.

- The council and members of the council authorized to consider issuing and renewing architecture practicing certificates shall bear responsibility before law and to the person making the decision on establishment of the council for its counsels and advices.

- Members of the council authorized to consider issuing and renewing architecture practicing certificates may hold multiple offices; the council shall be automatically closed after completion of assigned missions.

6. Authority to grant architecture practicing certificates; validity period of architecture practicing certificates in Vietnam

The authority to grant architecture practicing certificates; validity period of architecture practicing certificates according to Clauses 1 and 2, Article 27 of the Law on Architecture 2019 is as follows:

- Regulatory authorities specialized in architectural activities that are put under the control of provincial-level People's Committees shall be authorized to issue, renew, revoke and reissue architecture practicing certificates.

- Each architecture practicing certificate can be valid nationwide for the duration of 10 years.

Quoc Dat

>> CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE IN VIETNAMESE