APEC Architect Project Monitoring Committee, Japan ＞ CURRENT REPORT / SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FROM JAPAN ＞ APEC Architect Project Outline of Domain Specific Test in Japan (2010)

APEC Architect Project
Outline of Domain Specific Test in Japan (2010)

April, 2010
The Japan APEC Architect Project monitoring Committee Secretariat

The following outlines the requirements of eligibility to be registered as 1st-class Kenchikushi (architect) in Japan, procedures to take Domain Specific Test for APEC Architects from an economy other than Japan, and how to render professional service as 1st-class Kenchikushi.
Only APEC Architects from those economies that have agreed to extend reciprocal exemptions to APEC Architects from Japan are eligible, and those who wish to practice in Japan are required to successfully undertake a domain specific professional examination. Currently only APEC Architects registered in Australia or New Zealand are eligible for taking the following domain specific test.


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

In Japan the title of “1st-class Kenchikushi” is equivalent to that of “architect” in other economies. “1st-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 “1st-class Kenchikushi”.

The registered APEC Architects are entitled to obtain registration / license as “1st-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 1st-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 periodical training seminars 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)
104-0031 Kanematsu Bldg. 2-14-1 Kyobashi Chuo-ku, Tokyo Japan
Fax : 813-5524-3223 E-mail : pri@jaeic.or.jp
ii) When to Apply : Accepted at any time
iii) Schedule of the 1st TEST:
* Domain Specific Test is scheduled to be held four times a year (maximum). The details of 2010 test schedule will be notified to the applicants individually.
iv) Application Fee: 54,000 Japanese Yen (Tax inclusive; remittance charge shall be borne by applicant.)
v) How to Apply: All the documents listed under vi) should be in one envelope and sent by recorded delivery.
vi) Documents required to submit :
  1. Completed Application Form (Form should be downloaded from JAEIC website.)
  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)
    　* Above documents are acceptable in the original language
  6. Copy of the payment voucher issued by the financial service
    Applicant should pay the application fee of JY54,000 and translation fee (see 2-3 iii) below) of JY25,200 when wishing to use a translation service (from English to Japanese) to the account below. (Remittance charge should be born by applicant.)
    Where to transfer the fees of application and translation service (upon request):
    　Mitsubishi Tokyo UFJ Bank Head office
    　Checking Account # 7644430

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 1st-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 essays should be written in Japanese in principle; however applicants can submit them in English and have them translated into that can be arranged by the Secretariat with an additional fee.

2.4 The test will be held at headquarter of JAEIC in Tokyo. The details of the test will be individually notified.

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” (please inquire at JAEIC about these books) when writing essays.

2.6 Applicants will be notified of the test results within three months (12weeks) after the test by post. A certificate will be enclosed in the notice for the successful applicants.

2.7 Unsuccessful applicants in the test may appeal the result.

2.8 Roadmap of the Domain Specific Test is as follows:


3. Registration Procedure as 1st-class Kenchikushi and Rendering Professional Service

3.1 Application for registration as 1st-class Kenchikushi should be made to Central Designated Registration Body* as needed. Application fee will be JY 60,000 as licensing tax plus JY 19,200 as registration fee.

*Japan Federation of Architect& Building Engineers Associations (http://kenchikushikai.or.jp)

3.2 The registered 1st-class Kenchikushi can render 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, 1st-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 Managing Kenchikushi. 1st-class Kenchikushi who wish to be Managing Kenchikushi should participate in the designated seminars. The details of the seminars will be announced on the JAEIC website.

3.4 The license of 1st-class Kenchikushi is permanent, however all the practicing 1st-class Kenchikushi will be required to participate in the periodical seminars designated by law every three years according to the Kenchikushi Law. The details will be announced on the JAEIC website.

3.5 Professional liability insurance is not legally required.

4. Visa

Appropriate work visa should be required. Visa status could be either “Engineer” or “Investor/Business Manager”.
The details should be checked on the internet website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html) or Embassy of Japan in Australia (http://www.au.emb-japan.go.jp/e_web/embassy_guide/Visa.htm).

5. Information Reference