An APEC Architect is a person who is registered, licensed or otherwise professionally recognized as an architect in a participating economy, and whose name is enrolled on the APEC Architect Register maintained by that economy.

The criteria adopted by the Central Council for admission to the APEC Architect Register, and use of the title"APEC Architect", are based on identification of common criteria among the participating economies which consist of:

• An accreditation or recognition procedure for education programs in architecture;

• A minimum period of post-baccalaureate practical experience, with specified requisites;

• Fulfillment of registration, licensing or other requirements for full professional recognition;

• A minimum period of professional practice as a registered or licensed architect, with specified requisites.

Architects deemed by the Central Council to fulfill these are eligible for registration as an APEC Architect. To retain their registration, APEC Architects must comply with obligations imposed by their home economies for observing codes of professional conduct and for maintaining professional competence and currency of practice through continuing professional development.

Host economies may chose to impose special requirements for the recognition of APEC Architects for practice in their economies, but any such requirements must be fully transparent.