Architects Registration Board (ARB)
Statutory regulator — only ARB-registered professionals can use the title “Architect”.. Last reviewed April 2026 by the TradeMatch editorial team.
Architects Registration Board (ARB) is a UK accreditation body covering a range of UK trades. Statutory regulator — only ARB-registered professionals can use the title “Architect”. For UK homeowners, an ARB-registered tradesperson signals that the firm has been independently vetted for technical competence, insurance cover and adherence to a written code of conduct. Verification is free at the body's public register: arb.org.uk.
Visit Official Register ↗
What does ARB cover?
ARB accreditation typically covers technical competence, ongoing CPD requirements, insurance cover (typically £2M+ public liability) and a published code of conduct. Each ARB member is required to renew or be reassessed periodically — the exact cadence depends on the membership tier. The body operates a complaints route for homeowners: if a registered member fails to honour their commitments, ARB can investigate, mediate, and in serious cases revoke membership.
Verifying a ARB-registered tradesperson
- ARB membership number — verify on the public register before signing any quote
- Current insurance certificate (£2M+ public liability typical) — ARB requires this for active members
- Written quote with payment milestones — ARB members commit to written contracts, not verbal agreements
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- Held in escrowFrom the moment the deposit clears until the job is signed off.
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- Disputed = frozenIf something is wrong, the payment freezes pending review by our resolution team.
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ARB FAQ
What does ARB accreditation actually require?
Technical competence (typically a recognised qualification), evidence of trading history, current insurance, adherence to ARB's published code of conduct and a documented complaints procedure. Some tiers require independent audit; all require periodic reassessment.
How do I check if a tradesperson is ARB-registered?
Visit https://arb.org.uk/ and use the public register search. Always check before signing a contract — registrations occasionally lapse, and the public register is the authoritative source.
Is ARB membership legally required?
For most trades, no — UK trade accreditation is voluntary. The big exceptions are Gas Safe (legally required for gas work) and some renewable-energy schemes (MCS required for grant claims). For other trades, ARB membership is a strong quality signal but not a legal mandate.
What if I have a problem with an ARB member?
Raise it directly with the trader first, in writing. If unresolved, escalate to ARB via their complaints procedure. ARB can investigate, mediate and ultimately remove members who fail to meet the code. On TradeMatch, escrow-protected payments mean disputes are mediated before any release of funds — a faster route in practice.
Why ARB verification matters before any deposit
Lapsed accreditations are the most common silent failure on UK trade hires — registrations expire annually and not every trader updates their listing. Always verify the ARB number on the public register on the day you sign, not at first meeting. On TradeMatch, every ARB-registered tradesperson is independently re-checked before they can quote on your job, and the registration link is shown on their profile so you can confirm yourself.
Get a ARB-Verified Quote
Up to 5 quotes from UK tradespeople — every ARB-relevant member independently verified by TradeMatch. Escrow-protected payments. Reviews tied to completed jobs only.
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