The built environment has an urgent role to play in responding to the climate emergency, and ensuring architects are equipped with the right knowledge is now a professional necessity rather than a voluntary opt-in.
As the sector strives to cut carbon, improve building performance and meet national net zero targets, we have introduced a pilot Climate Literacy Test for Chartered Members in anticipation of a formal mandatory competency launch on climate literacy in the future.
Designed to raise the threshold of understanding across the profession, the test reflects a broader shift towards accountability, performance-based design, and the need for architects to lead on climate‑positive solutions.
Why has RIBA introduced the pilot Climate Literacy Test?
The pilot Climate Literacy Test is being launched in anticipation of the mandatory competency assessments required of practising Chartered Members of RIBA. The test has been created in order for Chartered Members to demonstrate awareness and understanding in priority subjects defined within our Education and Professional Development Framework.
By introducing the test, we’re seeking to establish a consistent baseline of climate knowledge across the profession, ensuring that architects are equipped to respond to the climate emergency, meet client expectations, and play a leading role in delivering low‑carbon, resilient buildings. We are launching the test as a ‘pilot’ to assess the effectiveness of the questions (and answers), and to help evaluate the clarity of the test.
The pilot will close in June 2026 to enable any necessary clarification edits to be made, before the test is formally launched in the future.
What knowledge does the RIBA Climate Literacy Test assess?
Climate literacy knowledge will be tested at a high-level on the following areas: global legislation and fundamentals of climate science, human wellbeing factors, circular economy, sustainable outcomes, energy and carbon, biodiversity, water and connectivity.
The test is a randomly generated bank of 40 multiple choice questions, connected to our Climate Guide and other RIBA produced resources. Members will have 60 minutes to complete the test and they must achieve 32 correct questions to pass (a question with multiple answers counts as one point).
When do I need to take RIBA’s pilot Climate Literacy Test?
As this is a pilot test, we have a closing date to assess its effectiveness and therefore once enrolled members must complete the test by 30 June 2026. If you pass the pilot test, this will be valid for five years from the date you receive your pass, so you will not need to retake the test when it is launched formally with the mandatory competence later in the future.