Registration Policy

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Introduction

A Professional Architect or Quantity Surveyor is a person who is registered as such in terms of the Architects’ and Quantity Surveyor’s Act (Act No. 13 of 1979, as amended by Act No. 11 of 1992) providing professional service in the construction industry.

The Namibia Council for Architects and Quantity Surveyors is the regulatory body constituted by the above mentioned Act. Part of its mandate is to register suitably qualified persons as Architects and Quantity Surveyors.

The NCAQS seeks to assure itself, through the Assessment of Professional Competence programme that only candidates capable to carry out competently and professionally the work of an Architect or Quantity Surveyor are registered.

This document is to be used as a guide by newly qualified graduates in Architecture/ Quantity Surveying who must complete a period of structured, supervised practical training, as well as any other assessment set out by the Namibia Council for Architects and Quantity Surveyors, including the Assessment of Professional Competence in order to register as an Architect/ Quantity Surveyor.

PEOPLE INVOLVED IN YOUR APC

The aim and objectives of the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) needs to be embraced by both the employer and the candidate if real benefits are to be derived.

Although candidates are responsible for charting their course through the APC, employers are responsible for providing the necessary facilities and guidance for the training and experience to be obtained.

The training period should be considered as a minimum. The objective is to gain the requisite experience in the profession and the actual time required may vary from candidate to candidate according to circumstances and/or qualifications.

If the employer faces conflict between short-term productivity and providing the breadth of experience, it is hoped that the short-term pressures will not be allowed to prevail over the long-term interest of the candidate.

The Namibia Council for Architects and Quantity Surveyors (NCAQS) attaches great importance to the need to instil a sense of professional practice, ethics and conduct. Candidates may not have had any experience of these during their period of academic training and it is important that they receive a thorough appreciation of these concepts during their period of professional experience.

Employer’s Responsibility

It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that the candidate acquires the necessary experience and professional independence. The candidate must be given guidance, advice and encouragement to fulfil the requirements of the APC.

Candidates are required to obtain the minimum professional experience as stipulated in Annexure A and B, respectively.

The candidate and the employer must satisfy the NCAQS that the candidate has received reasonably balanced professional training and experience. It is appreciated that some employers will not be able to provide the full breadth of experience required by the APC. In such circumstances, it is essential that the candidate is informed timeously. It is suggested that the employer investigate the possibility of seconding the candidate for a period to another office if the need arises.

It is accepted that work in certain sub-areas may not normally be carried out by the candidate unaided.

Candidates are required to maintain a monthly record of their experience, which is then reflected on to the practical training record forms to demonstrate that they have obtained the required breadth of experience.

The interim submissions are designed to demonstrate not only candidates’ experience, but also their ability to express themselves formally.

Employers are requested to ensure that the rules are obeyed and the spirit of the APC is not undermined.

The employer must permit the candidate, as part of their training and experience, the opportunity to attend at least 6 hours annually of Continued Professional Development.

Supervisors

The employer must assign a supervisor to every candidate.

The supervisor must ensure that the candidate receives the appropriate training and experience and that the candidate is allowed to develop an appropriate level of confidence and professional independence. The supervisor must countersign the candidate’s Practical Training Records/ Logbooks and certify the interim reports, which must be submitted to the NCAQS at the appropriate time. Candidates should discuss all problems with their supervisor.

Prior to the candidate’s application for the Final Assessment, the supervisor must certify that the candidate has achieved the required training in all areas.

The supervisor must be an Architect or a Quantity Surveyor registered with the NCAQS and will normally, but not necessarily, be the employer or a senior person within the employer’s organisation.

Candidates must notify the NCAQS immediately If their supervisor or employment change.