Major Overhaul of Architect Qualification Exam by 2032... 'Fewer Drawing Tests,' 'New Written Exam' Introduced

From Next Year, Exam Frequency Reduced from Twice to Once Annually
Eligibility Unified to Five-Year Program
Professional Training Requirements to Be Strengthened in 2028

The qualifying examination for architects will be reduced from twice a year to once a year starting next year. In 2032, a written test covering regulations and safety will be introduced, and the practical drawing test will be reduced from five problems to two.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on July 26 that it will gradually reform the architect qualification system from next year through 2032.

Starting next year, the exam will be held only once annually, in early March. The period during which those who have passed certain subjects may retake only the remaining ones will change in 2032, from 'five times within five years' to 'three times within three years.' Previous subject passes will be recognized only until 2031.

The eligibility criteria for candidates will also change. Until this year, those who have graduated from a high school or completed a two- or four-year architecture-related college program, passed the preliminary exam, and accumulated five years of practical experience can apply for the special admission track.

From next year, only those who have completed a five-year architecture program or a graduate program accredited by the Korea Architectural Accrediting Board, and who have completed at least three years of professional training at an architectural office, will be eligible to sit for the exam. The special admission track for those who have passed the preliminary exam will be abolished.

Beginning in 2032, the exam will be restructured into two written subjects and one practical subject. The written test, which will combine multiple-choice and essay formats, will assess knowledge in areas such as building codes, construction supervision, safety, eco-friendly architecture, building management, and equipment. A question bank system will also be introduced.

The practical exam will evaluate site planning, floor plans, and cross-sectional plans in a single subject. The number of questions will be reduced from five to two, and the answer sheets will be downsized from A3 to B4. Grid-lined paper will be used, allowing examinees to create drawings without drafting boards or rulers. The total duration of the exam will remain within the current limit of nine hours.

Professional training requirements will change for those registering from 2028 onward. The minimum training period will be reduced from 465 days to 420 days. However, trainees will be required to record the timing and content of their training and report every three months. The number of training subjects will increase from seven to eight, and categories will increase from sixteen to twenty. Trainees must gain experience in each category for at least five days, and work that is difficult to learn at an office can be substituted with up to 40 days of online or offline training.

Once the three-year training period is completed, candidates may take the exam even before accumulating the full 420 days of training. However, the qualification certificate will be issued only after completing 420 days of training, fulfilling all required education by category, and obtaining an accredited degree.

Lee Tak Kim, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stated, "This reform plan is the result of extensive discussions and agreements among academic circles, industry, and stakeholders in the architecture field. We hope that architects will actively respond to future changes in the sector and, as certified professionals who design safe and high-quality spaces, feel pride in their profession and that a culture of respect for their work will become established in society."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.