APEC Architect Project
Outline of Domain Specific Test in Japan

The following outlines the requirements for an APEC Architects whose Home Economy is other than Japan to be registered as 1^st-class Kenchikushi (architect) in Japan, procedures to take Domain Specific Test for APEC Architects, and how to render professional service as 1^st-class Kenchikushi.
Those who are eligible for the application shall be from the economies that have signed a mutual recognition agreement with Japan, therefore only the APEC Architects from Australia and New Zealand are eligible for taking the following Domain Specific Test at this time.

1. Requirement to be registered in Japan as 1^st-class Kenchikushi (Architect)

In Japan the title of "1^st-class Kenchikushi" is equivalent to that of "architect" in other economies. "1^st-class Kenchikushi" is an exclusive license given by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism according to the Kenchikushi Law of Japan, and is authorized to design buildings, superintend construction works and offer other related services under the title of "1^st-class Kenchikushi".
The registered APEC Architects are entitled to obtain registration / license as "1^st-class Kenchikushi" in Japan by satisfying the following conditions:

A) Currently enrolled in the APEC Architects Registry;
B) Successfully pass the domain specific test imposed in Japan and obtain a certificate from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT; see 2. below). This certificate shall endorse that an applicant satisfies the requirements to be registered as 1^st-class Kenchikushi.
C) Agree to:

i) abide by the laws, rules and regulations being in force in Japan;
ii) satisfy the requirements to assure the continuing competency imposed in Japan (including participation in the periodic training programs according to the Kenchikushi Law);
iii) observe any relevant code of professional conduct, conform to ethical standards of truth, honesty and integrity as the basis for ethical practice including, at a minimum, abiding by the ethical standards in the host economy;
iv) fulfill obligations such as provision of information in accordance with the bilateral agreement on reciprocal recognition of registered/licensed architects;

D) Apply for registration at JFABEA and pay the prescribed fee and tax.

2. Procedures of Domain Specific Test

2.1 Application procedure is as follows:
i) Where to Apply:

The Japan APEC Architect Project Monitoring Committee Secretariat
The Japan Architectural Education and Information Center (JAEIC)
102-0094 Kioicho Park Bldg. 3-6 Kioicho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Japan
Fax : 813-6261-3320
E-mail : iad@jaeic.or.jp

ii) When to Apply : Accepted at any time
iii) Test dates: Scheduled to be held maximum four times a year
The test date will be notified to an applicant individually.
iv) Application Fee: 55,000 yen (Tax inclusive; remittance charge shall be borne by applicant.)
v) Necessary Documents (All the documents listed ① to ⑥ should be in one envelope and sent by recorded delivery):

(1) Prescribed Application Form filled out with the necessary information;

(2) Copy of APEC ARCHITECT REGISTER;

(3) Documents provided upon application for registration of APEC Architect (including the "record of at least seven-year period of professional experience as a registered architect and at least three-year experience of playing a responsible role in that seven-year period");

(4) Copy of Architect Registration Certificate in home economy

(5) Academic qualifications in architecture (i.e. copy of the certificate of diploma)

(6) Copy of the payment voucher issued by the financial institution
*This must show that the application fee of 55,000 yen.
*Remittance charge should be born by applicant.
*Where to transfer the fees above:
Mitsubishi Tokyo UFJ Bank Head office
Checking Account # 7644430
"Mr. Katsunori Inoue, President
The Japan Architectural Education and Information Center"

2.2 The domain specific test will be operated by the Japan APEC Architect Project Monitoring Committee, which results shall be reported to MLIT. The MLIT then will review the results, make a final decision and issue certificates for the successful applicants.

2.3 Test process is as follows:

i) Applicants will write short essays to answer three questions (the comprehensive 1^st-class Kenchikushi exam will be exempted);
ii) Applicants are given 6 hours in total and are free to walk out anytime upon completion of the essays;
iii) The questions will be in both English and Japanese. The applicant can submit the essays either in English or in Japanese at the testing site. However, if submitted in English, the applicant shall bring back the copy of the answers, have them translated into Japanese and submit the Japanese version of the original with the name of the translator to JAEIC by the fixed date (approximately within three weeks).

2.4 The test will be held in Tokyo(JAEIC Head office "MAP".).

2.5 The details of the domain specific test should be referred to the file, "Contents of Domain Specific Test in Japan". Applicants can bring in and refer to "THE KENCHIKUSHI LAW" and "The Building Standard Law of Japan" when writing essays. See also, "Law books permitted for use".

2.6 Unsuccessful applicants in the test may appeal the result.

3. Registration Procedure as 1^st-class Kenchikushi and Provision of Professional Service

3.1 Application for registration as 1^st-class Kenchikushi should be submitted to the Central Designated Registration Body, Japan Federation of Architects & Building Engineers Association. 60,000 yen as the registration and license tax and as the prescribed registration fee is required.
*Japan Federation of Architects & Building Engineers Association (http://www.kenchikushikai.or.jp/)

3.2 The registered 1^st-class Kenchikushi can provide professional service across the country.

3.3 Requirement for rendering service
According to the Kenchikushi Law, when rendering a professional service of design and other related works, 1^st-class Kenchikushi is required to: 1) belong to a Kenchikushi office that is registered with the prefectural governor or designated office registration body; or 2) establish a Kenchikushi office that is registered with the prefectural governor or designated office registration body.
Kenchikushi office is required to have a full-time Kanri Kenchikushi. 1^st-class Kenchikushi who wish to be KanriKenchikushi shall have engaged in design and other services for at least 3 years and subsequently have completed the training program. The details shall be referred to the JAEIC website (in Japanese).

3.4 The license of 1^st-class Kenchikushi is permanent, however all the practicing 1^st-class Kenchikushi will be required to participate in the periodic training programs designated by law every three years according to the Kenchikushi Law. The details shall be referred to the JAEIC website (in Japanese).

3.5 Professional liability insurance is not legally required.

4. Visa

When performing paid work in Japan , a working visa is required. The application shall be submitted to an Embassy of Japan or its Consulate along with his/her passport, the Certificate of Eligibility*1*2 (when already obtained) and other necessary documents. Please refer to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html) for details.
*1 When entering and residing in Japan, his/her activities while in Japan must fall under one of the status of residence categories in the Immigration Control Act. The activities in which a foreign architect intends to engage in Japan could fall under the status of residence of "engineer" when satisfying certain requirements. The details shall be referred to the website of the Immigration Bureau of Japan.
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/hourei/index.html
*2 When applying for a visa , this certificate would expedite the examination of application. The application can be submitted by his/her representative at the local immigration office. The details shall be referred to the website of the Immigration Bureau of Japan.
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/index.html
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/kanri/shyorui/01.html

5. Information Reference

・Introduction to the Building Standard Law

APEC Architect Project Monitoring Committee, Japan

APEC Architect Project Outline of Domain Specific Test in Japan

1. Requirement to be registered in Japan as 1st-class Kenchikushi (Architect)