Architects will face a mandatory health and safety test says the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

The test will be implemented in the new year following the Grenfell Tower Fire in June 2017.

Those taking the new test will have year to pass before renewing their membership for the 2021 subscription year. Without a certification that demonstrates their competence, their membership is to be suspended.

The institute’s decision for these tests has subsequently arisen from the Hackitt Review, Dame Judith Hackitt’s final report following the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety: final report. Commissioned by the government, the review highlights and makes recommendations on the future regulatory system.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has also had a key role, and will continue to support architects by offering key knowledge and expertise.

Though the contents of the test have yet to be finalised, expected topics will include roles, responsibilities, legislation, personal health and safety among other key issues.

Key speakers from the RIBA have explained that this mandatory test will help safeguard their members pre and post construction, and will overall provide confidence in site and life safety.

These retakes follow previous initiatives stemmed from the government including the new Office for Product Safety and Standards which was created January this year, helping to manage responses to large scale product recalls and identify risks to consumers.