Professional Architects' Council Registration (Mauritius)

Following the 2021 amendment to section 18(1) of the Professional Architects' Council Act 2011, who may practise architecture in Mauritius?

• AAny holder of a five-year architecture degree from a school recognised by the Internation…
• BAny firm registered as a local consultant with the Construction Industry Authority
• COnly a person registered as a professional architect with the Council
• DA trainee architect enrolled under section 23, provided the client consents in writing

A developer asks a professional architect to sign and stamp plans for a 400 m² house that were drawn by an unregistered draughtsman. The architect neither designed nor supervised them. Under Part I, paragraph 9 of the PAC Code of Practice, what should the architect do?

• ARefuse to sign or stamp the plans, because they were not designed or supervised by the ar…
• BSign them after checking that they comply with the minimum building standards
• CSign them, because plans for a building over 150 m² must carry a professional architect's…
• DStamp them, provided the draughtsman is also named as author on the title block

What is the minimum age for registration as a professional architect under section 19(1)(a) of the PAC Act 2011?

• A18
• B20
• C25
• D21

Under section 9 of the PAC Act 2011, how is the Registration Board that assists the Council with registration applications composed?

• AA chairperson and 2 assessors, each with at least 10 years' post-registration experience
• BA chairperson and 2 assessors, all professional architects of at least 15 years' standing
• CA President who is a barrister of at least 10 years' standing, sitting with 2 architect a…
• DFive professional architects elected by all registered architects for a 2-year term

How much approved post-qualification experience must an applicant show before registration as a professional architect?

• AAt least 12 months
• BAt least 18 months
• CAt least 2 years
• DAt least 3 years

An architect is invited to design a private clinic for a company in which the architect's spouse holds a 40% shareholding. What does Part III, paragraph 10 of the PAC Code of Practice require?

• ADisclose it to the client, owner or contractor and ensure it compromises neither their in…
• BDecline the commission, because the Code bars any appointment in which a spouse or relati…
• CDisclose the shareholding only if the client asks directly about related-party interests…
• DRecord the shareholding in the practice's internal register; no disclosure is needed if t…

Under Part I, paragraph 11 of the PAC Code of Practice, which professional architects are not required to hold a professional indemnity insurance policy?

• AArchitects whose practice is incorporated as a private company
• BArchitects who design only buildings of 150 m² or less
• CArchitects in their first 2 years after registration
• DArchitects appointed by the Public Service Commission

A curtain-walling supplier offers a professional architect a 5% rebate on products the architect specifies for a client's office building. The client will not be told. Which PAC Code of Practice rule makes accepting the rebate improper?

• AThe rule that architects must, as appropriate, promote the allied arts and contribute to…
• BThe rule that an architect in private practice is remunerated solely according to the fee…
• CThe rule that an architect offering services as an independent consultant must not quote…
• DThe rule that an architect must notify another architect who already holds an appointment…

A Professional Conduct Committee reports that a charge against an architect in private practice has been proved. Under section 32(4)(a) of the PAC Act, what may the Council do?

• AImpose a fine of up to 50,000 rupees on the architect and suspend the architect from prac…
• BOnly give the architect a warning or a severe warning, since the Council cannot suspend a…
• CReprimand or severely reprimand the architect, suspend them for up to 2 years, or deregis…
• DApply whichever sanction the Professional Conduct Committee recommended in its report to…

A client asks an architect to take over a house project because the client has fallen out with the architect currently appointed. Under Part V, paragraph 8 of the PAC Code of Practice, what must the new architect do?

• ANotify the architect who holds the current appointment for the same project
• BObtain the current architect's written consent before accepting
• CAccept only after the client proves that the current architect's fees are paid
• DTake no action, because the client alone decides whom to appoint

An insurer appoints a professional architect to give an opinion on another professional architect's design, and no litigation is contemplated. What does Part V, paragraph 9 of the PAC Code of Practice require?

• ARefuse the appointment, because the Code forbids criticising another architect's work
• BObtain the other architect's consent before giving the opinion
• CNotify the PAC Registrar instead of the other architect
• DNotify the other architect of the appointment

According to the PAC Trainee Architect's Log Book (June 2023), who should act as a trainee's Employment Mentor?

• AAny registered professional architect in the firm, whatever their length of registration
• BA professional architect with at least 10 years' post-registration experience in design a…
• CA professional architect with at least 15 years' experience who also sits on the Registra…
• DAny senior architect or engineer who directly employs the trainee

Which eligibility condition formerly listed in section 19(1)(a) of the PAC Act was repealed with effect from 1 October 2021?

• ABeing a citizen of Mauritius or, if not a citizen, a resident in Mauritius
• BHaving attained the age of 21
• CNot having been convicted of an offence involving fraud or dishonesty in any country
• DNot having been deregistered for professional misconduct in any country

Under the PAC CPD Core Curriculum 2023, what annual CPD must a practising Professional Architect undertake?

• A35 hours and 50 points a year, with at least 20 hours on PAC-accredited structured courses
• B20 hours and 50 points a year, all supported by attendance certificates
• C10 hours and 100 points a year, with at least 6 hours on the 3 mandatory core topics
• D10 hours every 3 years, with no minimum number of hours on core topics

Which is one of the three mandatory topics in the PAC CPD Core Curriculum 2023?

• ABuilding Information Modelling
• BMarketing and business development
• CHeritage conservation technology
• DSustainable architecture

What does the PAC CPD Core Curriculum 2023 say about evidence of CPD?

• AArchitects must submit PAC-accredited certificates for all hours when paying the annual f…
• BArchitects must keep their own records; the PAC audits records but does not require atten…
• COnly courses delivered by the PAC count toward the 10-hour requirement
• DCPD is voluntary and records are not audited

A professional architect has not paid the annual fee by 30 November. What follows under section 21 of the PAC Act?

• AThe annual fee plus a 50% surcharge becomes payable by 31 January, failing which the Coun…
• BRegistration lapses automatically on 1 January and a new Registration Board interview is…
• CA 10% surcharge applies and the Registrar automatically suspends the architect until paym…
• DThe Registrar must refer the non-payment to a Professional Conduct Committee

When the Council investigates a complaint of professional misconduct under section 28 of the PAC Act, what must it do regarding the architect concerned?

• ASuspend the architect's registration until the investigation ends, to protect the public
• BPublish the complaint in the Gazette and in 2 daily newspapers before hearing the archite…
• CNotify the architect of the complaint's nature and, if summoning the architect, allow a l…
• DRefer the complaint straight to the Supreme Court for judicial review before any hearing

A client who appointed an architect as contract administrator tells the architect to reject every contractor claim for extension of time, whatever its merits. Which PAC Code of Practice duty is most directly at stake?

• AThe duty to keep the client's affairs confidential unless the client consents or lawful a…
• BThe duty not to quote a fee as an independent consultant without first receiving an invit…
• CThe duty to involve oneself in civic activities and promote public awareness of architect…
• DThe duty to ensure a conflict does not interfere with impartial judgment of others' contr…

A person refused registration by the Council wants to challenge the decision. Under section 44 of the PAC Act, as replaced with effect from 5 January 2026, what route is available?

• AAn appeal to the Environment and Land Use Appeal Tribunal within 21 days of the decision
• BAn application for judicial review under Sub-part VIA of Part II of the Courts Act
• CAn appeal to the Minister responsible for public infrastructure, whose decision is final
• DA rehearing of the application before a Professional Conduct Committee of the Council

According to the PAC Registration Procedures 2023, what do the Registration Board assessors test at the registration interview?

• AWhether the candidate can pass a timed written paper on building regulations, contract la…
• BWhether the supporting material stems from sufficient understanding, shown by orally expl…
• CWhether the portfolio includes a minimum number of completed buildings of more than 150 m…
• DOnly whether the hours recorded in the logbook add up to the statutory 2 years of experie…

Under Part III, paragraph 6(1) of the PAC Code of Practice, what must a professional architect agree in writing with the client before undertaking professional work?

• AThe scope of work and the fee only; the remaining terms of the appointment may be agreed…
• BThe scope of work, the fee and a guaranteed maximum construction cost for the project
• CThe fee, the professional indemnity cover amount and the venue for any arbitration
• DScope, allocation and any limitation of responsibilities, fees or fee method, and termina…

To whom does the written-terms requirement in Part III, paragraph 6(1) of the PAC Code of Practice not apply?

• AA professional architect appointed by the Public Service Commission
• BA professional architect engaged by a Government-owned company
• CA professional architect whose total fee is below MUR 100,000
• DA professional architect engaged under the PAC Model Agreement for Architectural Services

In the PAC Outline Plan of Work (approved 10 July 2023), which statutory application closes Work Stage A, Brief and Concept Design?

• AThe application for an occupation certificate
• BThe application for a Building and Land Use Permit
• CThe application for Outline Planning Permission
• DThe application for registration with the Construction Industry Authority

Under the PAC Outline Plan of Work 2023, in which work stage are tender documents prepared and the Building and Land Use Permit applied for?

• AStage A – Brief and Concept Design
• BStage B – Spatial Coordination and Technical Design
• CStage C – Tender Action
• DStage C – Project Planning

Which PAC work stage includes letting the building contract, issuing information to the contractor and arranging site handover to the contractor?

• AProject Planning
• BTender Action
• CConstruction
• DHandover

Under the PAC Outline Plan of Work 2023, which task belongs to the Handover sub-stage?

• AObtaining and appraising tenders and recommending one to the client
• BArranging site handover to the contractor
• CReviewing information provided by contractors and specialists before Practical Completion
• DAssisting the building user during the initial occupation period and reviewing project pe…

In PAC Work Stage A, when is the Project Brief completed?

• AAt the start of the Brief sub-stage, before any feasibility studies
• BAt the end of Spatial Coordination, together with the updated outline specifications and…
• CDuring Concept Design, after the Design Brief has been implemented and the concept prepar…
• DDuring Tender Action, when tenders are appraised

A PAC Model Agreement sets the Basic Fee at 6% of a Construction Cost of MUR 35,000,000, split by stage as A 20%, B 45% and C 35%. How much Basic Fee, excluding VAT, has been earned by the end of Stage B?

• AMUR 945,000
• BMUR 1,365,000
• CMUR 1,575,000
• DMUR 2,100,000

Under item K of the PAC Model Agreement for Architectural Services, how may the client suspend or terminate the architect's services?

• ABy giving the architect at least 7 days' written notice stating the reason
• BBy giving 30 days' written notice, without stating reasons
• COnly for the architect's material breach, after a 14-day remedy period has expired
• DOnly with the prior approval of the PAC Registrar

Under item K of the PAC Model Agreement, which is a permitted ground for the architect to suspend or terminate the Services on 7 days' written notice?

• AThe architect has been offered a more profitable commission elsewhere
• BThe contractor has fallen behind the construction programme
• CThe client has rejected the architect's preferred design option
• DThe client has failed to pay fees or other amounts due by the Final Date for Payment

Under item H of the PAC Model Agreement, how are the architect's payments to the local authority for planning and Building and Land Use Permit submissions normally recovered from the client?

• AThey are treated as part of the Basic Fee for Stage B, Spatial Coordination and Technical…
• BThey are charged to the client at the hourly time rates set out in item G
• CAs disbursements, at net cost plus the percentage of net cost agreed in item H
• DThey are paid by the contractor and recovered through the building contract preliminaries

Under the PAC Model Agreement, a client asks in writing for more Stage C site inspections than the number agreed in the Particular Conditions. How are the extra inspections charged?

• AThey are absorbed in the Stage C Basic Fee
• BAt the time charges set out in item G
• CAs an automatic 10% uplift on the Construction Cost
• DThey cannot be charged, because the Code of Practice requires site supervision until comp…

Under item M of the PAC Model Agreement, the architect agrees to supply native CAD and BIM files as well as PDFs. Which statement reflects the agreed position?

• AThe PDFs take precedence, and the architect is not liable for losses from translating fil…
• BThe native files take precedence over the PDFs, because they contain the full model and l…
• CSupplying native files transfers copyright in the design to the client for the project
• DNative files may be supplied only where the project has adopted an agreed BIM protocol

In Particular Conditions item E of the PAC Model Agreement, the civil and structural engineer, M&E engineer, quantity surveyor, landscape architect and interior designer are listed as appointments made by whom?

• AThe architect, as sub-consultants paid out of the architect's fee
• BThe main contractor
• CThe client
• DThe Construction Industry Authority

Under section 7 of the Copyright Act 2014 of Mauritius, which moral rights does the author of a work keep, independently of the economic rights?

• AA right to a resale royalty on each sale of the finished building, payable by the seller
• BA right to veto any alteration or extension the owner later makes to the completed buildi…
• CNone, because the Act's moral rights cover only literary, dramatic and musical works
• DTo claim authorship, and to object to distortion or derogatory action prejudicial to hono…

Under Part V, paragraph 2 of the PAC Code of Practice, what may a professional architect not do with another professional architect's design ideas?

• AVisit and photograph a completed building designed by that architect for a lecture
• BAppropriate their intellectual property, or unduly exploit their ideas, without express a…
• CCite the building as a precedent in a design statement, crediting its architect by name a…
• DComment on the design in a fair and honest professional review in a journal

After tenders are returned, the lowest tender is 18% above the architect's latest cost plan. Under Part III of the PAC Code of Practice, what must the architect do?

• APromptly inform the client of the issue affecting cost and advise on the options before t…
• BRecommend the lowest tender without comment, because tender prices are the client's comme…
• CReduce the specification during construction, without telling the client, to bring the co…
• DWait until the final account stage to explain the overrun

A private hospital group invites a professional architect with no healthcare experience to lead a new hospital design. What does Part III, paragraph 1 of the PAC Code of Practice require?

• AAccept, because PAC registration authorises the architect to design any building type
• BDecline, because the Code forbids designing a building type the architect has not designe…
• CAccept only if the architect, with any consultants engaged, has the qualifications, exper…
• DAccept, provided the fee is discounted to reflect the architect's lack of healthcare expe…

After the Building and Land Use Permit application has been lodged, a client asks for major layout changes that were not in the agreed scope. What is the most appropriate response under the PAC Code of Practice?

• AMake the changes to preserve goodwill without mentioning fees, then add the cost at final…
• BRefuse all changes, because scope cannot be varied once the permit application has been l…
• CWithdraw the permit application and stop all work until the client pays an advance fee
• DAdvise in writing on the effect on programme, cost, permit and fees, and agree the varied…

A trainee architect asks why Part III, paragraph 5 of the PAC Code of Practice matters when giving a client independent advice on procurement. What does it provide?

• AThe architect may disclaim responsibility for any advice given free of charge
• BThe architect must accept responsibility for the independent advice given to the client
• CProcurement advice may be given only by a registered quantity surveyor, not an architect
• DAdvice becomes binding on the client only when countersigned by the PAC Registrar

Under section 16(2) of the Construction Industry Authority Act 2023, which buildings' plans and drawings must be drawn up and signed electronically by a professional architect?

• ABuildings with a floor area of more than 150 square metres
• BBuildings with a floor area of 100 square metres or more
• CBuildings with a floor area of more than 250 square metres
• DAll commercial buildings, whatever their floor area

To which body is an application for a Building and Land Use Permit made under section 117 of the Local Government Act 2011?

• AThe Construction Industry Authority, which checks plans against section 15 of its Act
• BThe Economic Development Board, which runs the National Electronic Licensing System
• CThe relevant municipal or district council, via the National Electronic Licensing System
• DThe Ministry responsible for housing and land use planning, through its planning division

Under section 117(7) of the Local Government Act 2011, within what time must the Permits and Business Monitoring Committee normally decide a Building and Land Use Permit application?

• A5 working days from the effective date of receipt of the application
• B14 working days from the effective date of receipt
• C30 calendar days from the date of submission
• D3 months from the date of submission

A local authority refuses a client's Building and Land Use Permit application. Under section 117(14) of the Local Government Act 2011, what can the client do?

• AApply to the PAC Council for a review of the local authority's decision
• BAppeal to the Independent Review Panel within 14 days of the decision
• CSeek judicial review only, because the Act provides no statutory appeal
• DAppeal to the Environment and Land Use Appeal Tribunal within 21 days of notification

A 600 m² office building is complete. Under section 120C of the Local Government Act 2011, what must accompany the permit holder's application for an occupation certificate?

• AA clearance certificate from the principal agent confirming the building matches the perm…
• BA compliance certificate issued by the Construction Industry Authority after its final in…
• CThe contractor's agreed final account and the architect's final certificate
• DA fresh Building and Land Use Permit covering the occupation of the building