PUBLIC INTEREST INCORPORATED FOUNDATION

THE
JAPAN
ARCHITECTURAL
EDUCATION
AND
INFORMATION
CENTER

[JAEIC]
 KENCHIKUSHI LICENSING SYSTEM
■More than 60 years have passed since
1ST-CLASS KENCHIKUSHI the Kenchikushi Law was enacted in
2ND-CLASS KENCHIKUSHI 1950. The law established the 1st-class
MOKUZO KENCHIKUSHI and the 2nd-class Kenchikushi licensing
systems, and the Mokuzo Kenchikushi
licensing system was subsequently added
in 1984. During this period, Japan
witnessed a remarkable improvement in
living standards, social development,
economic growth, and technological
progress, prompting rapid changes in the
building construction industry.
Building structures have grown not only in
numbers, but also in diversity and size, as
well as in sophistication and technology.
Consequently, the roles and duties of
Kenchikushi have increased both in
quantity and quality, and Kenchikushi are
expected to take a leading role in the
effort to create a comfortable living
environment.
■On January 30, 1984, the Japan
Architectural Education and Information
Center (JAEIC) was designated as the
Centrally-Designated Examination
Organization by the Minister of
Construction under the Kenchikushi Law,
to conduct affairs related to the qualifying
examination for 1st-class Kenchikushi.
JAEIC has been administering the
examination every year since February 1,
1984. On April 1, 2001, the Minister of
Land, Infrastructure, Transport and
Tourism (“the Minister”) designated JAEIC
as the Centrally-Designated Examination
Organization under the Kenchikushi Law
Enforcement Regulation. This designation
has continued since November 28, 2008
ROUTE TO OBTAIN 1ST-CLASS,
under the Ministerial Order Concerning
2ND-CLASS OR MOKUZO the Centrally-Designated Registration
KENCHIKUSHI LICENSE Organization and Other Organizations
Based on the Kenchikushi Law.
in n
n
m tio
io
TYPES AND SERVICES OF
KENCHIKUSHI
■Kenchikushi
●1st-class Kenchikushi
A 1st-class Kenchikushi is licensed by the
Minister to perform design, construction
administration and other services with the
title of 1st-class Kenchikushi.
●Structural Design 1st-class
Kenchikushi
A Structural Design 1st-class Kenchikushi
performs the structural design of buildings
larger than the prescribed size, or
assesses whether a structural design
prepared by a 1st-class Kenchikushi who
is not qualified as a Structural Design
1st-class Kenchikushi meets relevant laws
and regulations. To qualify, a 1st-class
Kenchikushi must engage in structural
design for five years or more, complete
the designated training program, and
obtain a Structural Design 1st-class
Kenchikushi certificate.
●MEP Design 1st-class Kenchikushi
An MEP Design 1st-class Kenchikushi
performs the MEP design of buildings
larger than the prescribed size, or
assesses whether an MEP design
prepared by a 1st-class Kenchikushi who
is not qualified as an MEP Design
1st-class Kenchikushi meets relevant laws
and regulations. To qualify, a 1st-class
Kenchikushi must engage in the services
of MEP design for five years or more,
complete the designated training
program, and obtain an MEP Design
1st-class Kenchikushi certificate.
●2nd-class Kenchikushi
A 2nd-class Kenchikushi is licensed by a
prefectural governor to perform design,
construction administration and other
services using the title of 2nd-class
Kenchikushi.
●Mokuzo Kenchikushi

■Between October and December of

at
xa ica

A Mokuzo Kenchikushi is licensed by a

r e pl

1985, the governors of all prefectures prefectural governor to perform design,

fo Ap

formally recognized JAEIC as the construction administration and other

Prefecturally-Designated Examination services relating to wooden buildings
ic

Organization under the Kenchikushi Law,

em

using the title of Mokuzo Kenchikushi.

ad

and since January 1, 1986, JAEIC has

■Kanri Kenchikushi
ac

been administering the annual qualifying

on

examinations for 2nd-class Kenchikushi A Kanri Kenchikushi is responsible for

on
i

managing a Kenchikushi office in

t
ec a

and Mokuzo Kenchikushi.

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s
ub m

accordance with the provisions of the

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■Based on the Kenchikushi Law, JAEIC

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Kenchikushi Law. To qualify, a

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has since FY2008 been conducting

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ar ec n o p

Kenchikushi must engage in the

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training programs for Structural Design

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prescribed services for three years or

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1st-class Kenchikushi, MEP Design

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more and complete the designated

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1st-class Kenchikushi and Kanri

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training program.
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Kenchikushi, and periodic training

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programs for 1st-class Kenchikushi,

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2nd-class Kenchikushi, and Mokuzo

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Kenchikushi. Since FY 2011 JAEIC has

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been conducting periodic training

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programs for Structural Design 1st-class

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●Scope of services
Structure Wooden and other structures except those Reinforced concrete, steel, stone masonry,
● ̶̶ 1st-class Kenchikushi listed in the right column brick masonry, concrete block,
When a building is subject to Article 20 item (1) plain concrete construction
or (2) of the Building Standard Law, a Structural
Design 1st-class Kenchikushi must perform its Height 13 m or less in height and 9 m More than 13 13 m or less in height and More than 13
structural design or otherwise assess whether it or less in height of eaves m in height or 9 m or less in height of m in height or
complies with relevant laws and standards. more than 9 eaves more than 9
When a building has three stories or more and m in height of m in height of
a floor area exceeding 5,000 m2, an MEP eaves eaves
Number of
design 1st-class Kenchikushi must perform its floors 1 2 3 or more 2 or less 3 or more
MEP design or otherwise assess that it
complies with relevant laws and standards． Total floor area (m2)
● ̶̶ 1st-class or 2nd-class Kenchikushi ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
● ̶̶ 1st-class 2nd-class or Mokuzo 30
Kenchikushi (the latter only for ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
wood-constructions) 100
● ̶̶ No license is required ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
200
Total floor area: In regard to renovation, the ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
total floor area refers to the expanded or 300
renovated area. ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Additional restrictions may be imposed by 500
ordinances． ●★ ●★ ●★ ● ● ● ●
1000
★ ̶̶ Only a 1st-class Kenchikushi can ●★ ● ● ● ● ● ●
design and perform construction
administration for a building to be used
as a school, a hospital, a theater, a
movie theater, a grandstand, a public
hall, an assembly hall (except that
without an auditorium) or a department
store.

QUALIFYING EXAMINATION FOR KENCHIKUSHI

●Eligibility
1st-class Kenchikushi 2nd-class Kenchikushi and Mokuzo Kenchikushi
★The academic requirement for taking a
qualifying examination for Kenchikushi has Academic background (must Academic background (must
been changed from “having graduated after Years of practical Years of practical
have completed the designated experience  have completed the designated experience 
completing the designated program” to subjects and graduated) and subjects and graduated) and
“having graduated after completing (former requirements) (former requirements)
others others
architecture-related subjects designated by 2 years or more*
the Minister (designated subjects)”. The (2 years or more for University
University
change applies, in principle, to students (including former college) graduates of an (including former college)
entering universities and other educational architecture or civil
institutions in FY2009 or later. engineering program)
3 years or more*
For applicants “who have already graduated (3 years or more for No requirement*
3-year junior college (no requirement for
the designated universities” at the time of (except evening classes) graduates of an
revision of the Kenchikushi Law or “who architecture or civil graduates of an
were enrolled in the designated universities engineering program) architecture program /
at the time of the revision and graduated 1 year or more for
4 years or more* Junior college graduates of a civil
after the revision,” the former requirement (4 years or more for engineering program)
applies. 2-year junior college graduates of an
architecture or civil
★The new requirement now narrows the engineering program)
scope of practical experience from 4 years or more*
“building-related experience” to practical College of technology (4 years or more for College of technology
experience that will help obtain knowledge (including former vocational graduates of an (including former vocational
and skills necessary for conducting design training school) architecture or civil training school)
and construction administration. engineering program)
The former requirements were effective until 3 years or more*
November 27, 2008, and the new ones have (3 years or more for
applied since November 28, 2008. Practical High school
graduates of an
experience gained before and after the (including former junior high
architecture program /
school)
revision can be added. civil engineering
program)

2nd-class Kenchikushi 4 years or more No academic background in 7 years or more

regard to architecture

Deemed by the Minister to be qualified Deemed by the prefectural governor to be qualified

(MLIT Notification No. 745, 2008, and others) (those who satisfy Article 15 item (3) of the
Kenchikushi Law)
Building Mechanical and 4 years or more Building Mechanical and No requirement
Electrical Engineer Electrical Engineer
*When meeting the requirement of the designated *When meeting the requirement of the designated
subjects subjects
●Examinations Qualifying examination for 1st-class
Kenchikushi
(1) Examination on Academic subjects ̶̶
I Planning II Environment / MEP systems
III Related laws and regulations
IV Structure V Construction work
(2) Examination on design and drawing ̶̶
Preparation of design and drawing based
on the design assignment announced
prior to the examination
Qualifying examination for 2nd-class
Kenchikushi and Mokuzo Kenchikushi
(1) Examination on Academic subjects ̶̶
I Architectural planning
II Related laws and regulations
III Building structure IV Building
construction
(2) Examination on design and drawing ̶̶
Preparation of design and drawing based
on the design assignment announced
prior to the examination

●Pass rate

1st-class Kenchikushi 2nd-class Kenchikushi Mokuzo Kenchikushi

Successful Pass rate Successful Pass rate Successful Pass rate

Applicants Applicants Applicants
applicants [%] applicants [%] applicants [%]

2003 55045 4477 8.1 45673 12103 26.5 807 373 46.2
2004 51898 5470 10.5 41949 11586 27.6 766 403 52.6
2005 49976 5548 11.1 38633 9018 23.3 865 464 53.6
2006 48301 3579 7.4 37145 9451 25.4 1069 348 32.6
2007 46204 3705 8.0 36529 7178 19.7 1132 505 44.6
2008 51323 4144 8.1 39787 8901 22.4 1083 436 40.3
2009 46942 5164 11.0 36386 8298 22.8 1206 406 33.7
2010 43520 4476 10.3 31730 7706 24.3 1035 383 37.0
2011 39020 4560 11.7 28393 7039 24.8 790 277 35.1
2012 34511 4276 12.4 26446 6115 23.1 705 234 33.2

NUMBER OF REGISTERED KENCHIKUSHI

1st-class Kenchikushi:348,435
As of September 30, 2012
As of September 30, 2011 2nd-class Kenchikushi:731,071

Mokuzo Kenchikushi:16,794

ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR IMPLEMENTING THE KENCHIKUSHI EXAMINATIONS

orf

̶̶̶̶Some tasks are entrusted to

cil

＊
un

prefectural Architects & Building

Co

The Japan Architectural Education And Information Center Engineers Associations

i w
sh ie
ku ev
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Examination committee
nc tra
Ke en
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●Examination for
s
on

Centrally-
er

1st-class Kenchikushi WG on academic subjects Preparation and implementation of

ni

ist

Designated
pi

the examination for 1st-class

in
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Examination WG on design/drawing Kenchikushi＊

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Th

Designation Organization

Designation Examination committee

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s

er ra
on

WG on academic subjects
r
ov tu

Prefecturally-
ni

Preparation and implementation of

G efec
pi

Designated Committee WG on design/drawing

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examinations for 2nd-class and

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●Examinations for Examination of WG chairs SWG on design/drawing Mokuzo Kenchikushi＊

2nd-class and Organizations Regional WGs
iku iew

Mokuzo Kenchikushi
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r K ra
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Co
 ESTABLISHMENT OF TRAINING
PROGRAMS
TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR ■Following the exposure of the false
KENCHIKUSHI structural calculation scandal in
November 2005 and other similar
incidents, the Building Standard Law of
Japan and the Kenchikushi Law were
revised in 2006 in order to restore public
confidence in the safety of buildings and
the Kenchikushi system.
The revised Kenchikushi Law was
enforced on November 28, 2008. Its
purposes include “improvement of quality
and capability of Kenchikushi”, “design by
highly skilled Kenchikushi (structural
design / MEP design)” and “proper
execution of design and construction
administration services and information
disclosure to consumers”. Various training
programs for Kenchikushi were
established under the revised Kenchikushi
Law.
DESIGN BY HIGHLY SKILLED
KENCHIKUSHI (STRUCTURAL
DESIGN AND MEP DESIGN)
■The revised Kenchikushi Law
established the new titles of Structural
Design 1st-class Kenchikushi and MEP
Design 1st-class Kenchikushi, and
mandated the participation of Structural
Design 1st-class Kenchikushi and/or MEP
Design 1st-class Kenchikushi in the
structural and MEP designs of certain
buildings that require advanced
professional capability.
To qualify as a Structural Design 1st-class
Kenchikushi or an MEP Design 1st-class
Kenchikushi, a 1st-class Kenchikushi
must engage in the services of structural
design or MEP design for five years or
more and subsequently complete the
respective training program.
PROPER EXECUTION OF DESIGN
AND CONSTRUCTION
ADMINISTRATION SERVICES AND
INFORMATION DISCLOSURE TO
CONSUMERS
■A Kanri Kenchikushi is responsible for
managing a Kenchikushi office and
overseeing technical matters in the office.
The revised Kenchikushi Law raised the
requirements for becoming a Kanri
Kenchikushi : a Kenchikushi must now
engage in prescribed services as a
Kenchikushi for a minimum of three years
and subsequently complete the training
program for Kanri Kenchikushi.
REGISTERED TRAINING
ORGANIZATION
■JAEIC obtained registration as a
Registered Training Organization on
November 28, 2008, from the Minister.
Since then JAEIC has been providing
periodic training programs for 1st-class,
2nd-class and Mokuzo Kenchikushi;
training programs for Structural Design
1st-class and MEP Design 1st-class
Kenchikushi; and training programs for
Kanri Kenchikushi.
In regard to the training programs for
Structural Design 1st-class Kenchikushi,
MEP Design 1st-class Kenchikushi and
Kanri Kenchikushi, JAEIC offered the
so-called “de facto training programs”
prior to enforcement of the revised
Kenchikushi Law. On September 16,
2011, JAEIC also obtained registration
from the Minister as a Registered Training
Organization to conduct periodic training
programs for Structural Design 1st-class
Kenchikushi and MEP Design 1st-class
Kenchikushi and has been conducting
these training programs since.

IMPROVEMENT OF QUALITY AND

CAPABILITY OF KENCHIKUSHI
■Kenchikushi who engage in the
business of offering design or
construction administration services are
required to have mastered the skills and
knowledge necessary to perform such
services. In order to maintain their
professional skills, 1st-class, 2nd-class
and Mokuzo Kenchikushi who are
employed by a Kenchikushi office must
take a training program every three years.
Structural Design 1st-class Kenchikushi
and MEP Design 1st-class Kenchikushi
must take a training program every three
years regardless of their employment
situation.
 SERVICES AND DUTIES OF FLOWCHART OF THE TRAINING
KANRI KENCHIKUSHI PROGRAM

ra r
og fo
KANRI KENCHIKUSHI TRAINING

m
■A founder of a Kenchikushi office must

pr n

y
g tio

ilit
PROGRAM

in a
ensure that his/her 1st-class Kenchikushi

ib
in lic

lig
tra App

re
office, 2nd-class Kenchikushi office or

fo
Mokuzo Kenchikushi office has a

g
in
en
1st-class Kenchikushi, 2nd-class

re
Sc
Kenchikushi or Mokuzo Kenchikushi

t)
es
respectively who is employed on an

tt
en
exclusive basis to manage the

hi m
em
ac ra
Kenchikushi office (Kanri Kenchikushi).

ev
& rog
es p
■A Kanri Kenchikushi must oversee

ur ng
ct ini
technical matters related to the services

(le Tra
of the Kenchikushi office where he/she is
employed. A Kanri Kenchikushi must

ul
provide to the founder of the Kenchikushi

sf
es
office any input necessary to ensure the

cc
su
smooth and proper operation of services

of
nt
from the technical point of view.

s e
nt em
ica c
pl un
a p nno
KANRI KENCHIKUSHI TRAINING

A
PROGRAM
■Eligibility

er
ist
in
A person is eligible to take the Kanri

M
e
Kenchikushi training program if he/she

th
to
has engaged in any of the following

lts
su
services for a minimum of three years:

re
(1) Building design

e
th
(2) Construction administration

rt
po
Re
(3) Affairs related to building construction
contracts
(4) Supervision of building construction
work
(5) Inspection or appraisal of buildings
(6) Agent services for procedures required
by laws and regulations or ordinances
related to building construction
★Management of building construction (e.g.,
preparation of shop drawings, safety
administration) is not accepted.

ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK ■Training program

FOR IMPLEMENTING THE KANRI ●Lectures (total of 5 hours)
The Kenchikushi Law and other related
KENCHIKUSHI TRAINING laws and regulations: 90 minutes
PROGRAM Building quality assurance: 210 minutes
●Achievement test (1 hour / true-false
test / 30 questions)
JAEIC Questions on the Kenchikushi Law and
(Registered Training Organization)
other related laws and regulations
Questions on building quality assurance
ku t
hi tes
ra Ke en or

i
sh
og ri em f
m nc t
pr n v ee
g Ka chie mitt

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS WHO

in the a m
tra of the Co

COMPLETED THE TRAINING

PROGRAM
115,193 as of March 21, 2013 (including
in

33,917 who completed the de facto

training programs)
n
io
g at
in t
in en
ra m
i t le
sh mp
ku i
hi nd
nc a
s ＊ e ion
m i K at
ra anr ar
og K ep
pr of Pr

＊ ̶̶Some tasks are entrusted to the Japan

Association of Architectural Firms
 SERVICES AND DUTIES OF FLOWCHART OF THE TRAINING
STRUCTURAL DESIGN 1ST-CLASS PROGRAM

ra r
TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR

og fo

y
m
KENCHIKUSHI

ilit
pr n

ib
g tio
STRUCTURAL DESIGN 1ST-CLASS

lig
in a
■When a building* falls within the

in lic

re
tra App
KENCHIKUSHI AND MEP DESIGN

fo
exclusive domain of 1st-class Kenchikushi

g
in
1ST-CLASS KENCHIKUSHI and requires advanced expertise, a

en
re
Structural Design 1st-class Kenchikushi

Sc
must either perform the structural design

t)
es
of such a building, or, where the structural

tt
en
design has been performed by a

hi m
em
ac ra
ev
1st-class Kenchikushi who is not qualified

& rog
es p
as a Structural Design 1st-class

ur ng
ct ini
Kenchikushi, assess the structural design

(le Tra
to ensure that it satisfies relevant laws
and regulations.
*Buildings that require advanced structural

l
fu
ss
calculations are those buildings that are

ce
uc
stipulated by Article 3 paragraph 1 of the

fs
to
Kenchikushi Law and are subject to item 1 or

en
2 of Article 20 of the Building Standard Law

s m
nt ce
of Japan. These include wooden buildings

ica n
pl ou
with a height exceeding 13 m or with a height

a p A nn
of eaves exceeding 9 m, steel buildings with

sh /
iku ign
four stories or more, and reinforced concrete

i
s
nc e D
buildings with a height exceeding 20 m.

Ke al
h
s ur

d
t

te
las uc

na
t-c tr
1s S

ig
STRUCTURAL DESIGN 1ST-CLASS

es
h e

tio D
tra is e gn f t
KENCHIKUSHI TRAINING

-
gi M fica es e o

iza lly
n )
an tra
Re The erti P D anc
PROGRAM

rg en
i
c ME su

n r (C
■Eligibility

Is

t
tio te
O
A person is eligible to take the Structural

er
i

ist
Design 1st-class Kenchikushi training

in
s

M
program if he/she has engaged in the

e
th
services of structural design for five years

to
lts
or more as a 1st-class Kenchikushi. The

su
re
following services are also acceptable:

e
th
(1) Construction administration pertaining

rt
po
to structures;

Re
(2) Assistance for structural design;
(3) Structure-related building confirmation
services and related assistance;
(4) Structural calculation review and its
assistance
★A “person qualified as a structural
calculation reviewer” may request to take only
the subject of General Theory of Structural
Design and be exempt from taking other
subjects pertaining to building structure in the
lectures and the achievement test.
■Training program
●Lectures (2 days)
General Theory of Structural Design;
Laws and Regulations on
Structure-related Matters and Conformity
Assessment; The Basics of Structural
Design; Evaluation of Seismic Capacity /
Seismic Reinforcement; Structural Design
in Detail
●Achievement test (1 day /
multiple-choice test and written test)
Questions on structure-related provisions
(conformity assessment)
Questions on building structures
(structural design)

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS WHO

COMPLETED THE TRAINING
PROGRAM
8,869 as of December 19, 2012
(including 6,677 who completed the de
facto training programs)
 SERVICES AND DUTIES OF MEP
DESIGN 1ST-CLASS
KENCHIKUSHI
■When a building* requires advanced
expertise, an MEP Design 1st-class
Kenchikushi must either perform the MEP
design of such a building, or, where the
MEP design has been performed by a
1st-class Kenchikushi who is not qualified
as an MEP Design 1st-class Kenchikushi,
assess the MEP design to ensure that it
satisfies relevant laws and regulations.
*Buildings having a total floor area exceeding
5,000 sq m and three or more stories.

MEP DESIGN 1ST-CLASS

KENCHIKUSHI TRAINING
PROGRAM
■Eligibility
A person is eligible to take the MEP
Design 1st-class Kenchikushi training
program if he/she has engaged in the
services of MEP design for five years or
more as a 1st-class Kenchikushi. The
following services are also acceptable:
(1) Construction administration of MEP
works;
(2) Assistance for MEP design;
(3) MEP-related services provided in the
capacity of a Building Mechanical and
Electrical Engineer (including MEP-related
services performed before qualifying as a
1st-class Kenchikushi);
(4) Building confirmation services relating
to MEP systems and assistance for such
ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK services;
FOR IMPLEMENTING THE ★A candidate with the experience described
in (3) may be exempt from taking the subjects
TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR related to MEP systems in the lectures and
STRUCTURAL DESIGN / MEP the achievement test.
DESIGN 1ST-CLASS
■Training program
KENCHIKUSHI ●Lectures (3 days)
Design of Electrical Systems; Design of
JAEIC
Air Conditioning/Ventilation Systems;
(Registered Training Organization) Design of Water Supply, Drainage and
Hygiene Systems; Design of
Transportation Systems; Laws and
r
fo

Regulations on MEP Systems; General

l
ra
Ke E fo g e

sh ign tu
s / M s in tte

Theory of MEP Design; Conformity

ku s c
hi De tru
las ign ram rain mi

Assessment
nc P r S
t-c es og e t m
1s D pr th Co

●Achievement test (1 day / writing test

i

and drawing test)

Questions on MEP-related provisions
(conformity assessment)
Questions on MEP systems (design and
drawing)

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS WHO

COMPLETED THE TRAINING
PROGRAM
4,459 as of December 12, 2012
(including 2,727 who completed the de
facto training programs)
n
m in itte ing io
t

ra tra m en iss
ok n

ev on
en
bo o
s

og e m re m
em

r
xt G

st hi G

fo
pr th co sc Ad
te W

te ac W

in e
g
 PERIODIC TRAINING PROGRAMS FLOWCHART OF THE TRAINING
FOR 1ST-CLASS KENCHIKUSHI, PROGRAM
PERIODIC TRAINING PROGRAMS 2ND-CLASS KENCHIKUSHI AND

ra r
og fo
m
FOR KENCHIKUSHI

pr n
MOKUZO KENCHIKUSHI

g tio
in a
in lic
■Eligibility

tra App
1st-class Kenchikushi, 2nd-class
Kenchikushi or Mokuzo Kenchikushi

t)
es
tt
■Who must take the periodic training

en
hi m
m
program

a
e
r
v
g
e
o
Kenchikushi who are employed by a

s pr
a c
re g
Kenchikushi office

&
n
ct ini
(le Tra
■Training program

l
fu
●Lectures (total of 5 hours)

ss
ce
・Same for all 1st-class, 2nd-class and

s uc
Mokuzo Kenchikushi

f
n to
Laws and regulations pertaining to

e
m
building construction

nt ce
ica n
pl ou
s
Design and construction administration

ap Ann
●Achievement test (1 hour / true-false

er
ist
in
test)

M
・1st-class Kenchikushi (40 questions)

t he
・2nd-class Kenchikushi (35 questions)

t o
ts
・Mokuzo Kenchikushi (30 questions)

s ul
r e
he
■Number of participants who have

r tt
completed the training program (as of

po
Re
March 29, 2013)

ye for
1st-class Kenchikushi periodic training

s)
ar
re m
program 100,810

th gra
e
ry ro
2nd-class Kenchikushi periodic training

ve g p
program 75,116

i (e in
sh ain
Mokuzo Kenchikushi periodic training

ku tr
hi ic
program 1,418

nc iod
Ke Per
ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK PERIODIC TRAINING PROGRAMS PERIODIC TRAINING PROGRAMS
FOR IMPLEMENTING THE FOR STRUCTURAL DESIGN FOR MEP DESIGN 1ST-CLASS
PERIODIC TRAINING PROGRAMS 1ST-CLASS KENCHIKUSHI KENCHIKUSHI
FOR KENCHIKUSHI ■Eligibility ■Eligibility
Structural Design 1st-class Kenchikushi MEP Design 1st-class Kenchikushi
JAEIC ■Who must take the periodic training ■Who must take the periodic training
(Registered Training Organization) program program
1st-class Kenchikushi who have obtained 1st-class Kenchikushi who have obtained
a Structural Design 1st-class Kenchikushi an MEP Design 1st-class Kenchikushi
iku ng t
ch ini es
r K ic e r
fo d m fo
en tra nt t

certificate certificate
s rio ve e

i
sh
m e ie itte

■Training program ■Training program

ra e p ch m
og th a m

●Lectures (total of 5 hours) ●Lectures (total of 5 hours)

pr of the Co

Structure-related provisions MEP-related provisions

Structural design MEP design
●Achievement test (1 hour / true-false ●Achievement test (1 hour / true-false
test / 40 questions) test / 40 questions)
Questions on structure-related provisions Questions on MEP-related provisions
Questions on structural design Questions on MEP design
■Number of participants who have ■Number of participants who have
completed the training programs (as of completed the training programs (as of
November 14, 2012) 5,516 November 14, 2012) 2,824
m on
ra ati
s
og nt
pr e
g m
in le
in mp
i ＊ tra d i
sh ic an
iku iod n
ch er tio
en e p ara
r K th ep
fo of Pr

＊ ̶̶Some tasks are entrusted to theJapan

Federation of Architects & Building
Associations and the Japan Association of
Architectural Firms
 BMEE SYSTEM ROUTE TO BECOME A BMEE
■The BMEE system was established
BUILDING MECHANICAL AND when the Kenchikushi Law was revised in

n
io
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER (BMEE)

at
1983 to accommodate the increasingly

in
m
advanced and complex mechanical,

xa
re
electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems

fo
n
and to ensure that the design and

ity
tio

i l
b
ica
construction administration services

)
g

ts
pl

eli

ec
Ap
pertaining to MEP systems are performed

or

bj
f

su
in an appropriate manner.

n g

ic
i
en

em
From 1986 to 2005 JAEIC conducted the

re

ad
Sc
affairs related to the examination for

a c
(
BMEE based on the designation by the

n
io
at
Minister of Construction. Since 2005 this

in

l
m

fu
has continued based on the registration

ss
ex

e
cc
by the Minister (Article 17-18 item (1) of

g e

su
ta
the Kenchikushi Law Enforcement

g)
t-s

o f

in
rs

nt

aw
Regulation).

Fi

dr
s m
nt ce

n/
ig
lic un

es
o

(d
ap Ann
SERVICES OF BMEE

o n
p

i
■BMEE is a title given to a person who

at
in
am
has acquired general knowledge and

ex

l
fu
ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK skills pertaining to MEP systems in

ss
ge

e
ta

cc
FOR IMPLEMENTING THE BMEE buildings, and who is capable of giving

-s

su
nd
EXAMINATION appropriate advice to Kenchikushi on

f
co

to

ts
Se

en
design and construction administration

en
s m

m
er

nt ce
pertaining to advanced and complex MEP

ire
ist

ica n

qu
in

pl ou
systems.
M

re
ap Ann
e

e
Th

■If a Kenchikushi consults a BMEE on

th
fy
tis
design and construction administration

sa
related to MEP systems, he/she must

) o
er h
ist w
state that fact in the application form for

in se
M o
building confirmation and other relevant

e th
t b ite E
th o
forms.

se (lim ME
y dt
B
■When a founder of a Kenchikushi office
is contracted to perform design and other
The Kenchikushi Law
Enforcement
services, the name of the BMEE who will
Regulation provide the service must be stated in the
documents delivered to the client.

JAEIC
(Registered Examination Administering
QUALIFYING EXAMINATION FOR NUMBER OF LICENSED BMEEs
Organization) BMEE OVER THE YEARS
●Eligibility
io E e
at M te
n E
in e B mit

A person is eligible to take the qualifying

am th m

2012:
ex for Co

examination for BMEE if he/she has: 38,783

(1) the necessary academic qualifications
(i.e. completed an official program in
architecture, mechanical or electrical 2011:
engineering at a university/college, junior 38,314
college, high school, special training
college or another academic institution 2010:
and subsequently graduated from the 37,847
institution);
(2) the required license (e.g. first-class 2009:
Kenchikushi); or 37,259
(3) practical experience pertaining to MEP
systems. 1988:
*Prescribed number of years of practical 27,188
experience pertaining to MEP systems is
required for (1) to (3) respectively. 1987:
●Examinations 18,366
(1) First-stage examination (academic
examination)
General knowledge of architecture,
building-related laws and regulations and
MEP systems
1986:
(2) Second-stage examination (design
g
in

11,709
aw

and drawing)
dr

MEP pre-schematic design and MEP

n/
sig

schematic design and drawing

de
bj de on

on
ts ic
ec m
su aca G

G
W

W

INTERIOR PLANNER SYSTEM
■The Interior Planner system was
INTERIOR PLANNERS established in 1987 to award the title of
Interior Planner to those who engage in
interior design. This system aims to
increase the knowledge and skills of
qualified Interior Planners so that they can
provide high-quality and comprehensive
interior design and satisfy consumers’
diversified needs for interior design. JAEIC
operated this system as a
Minister-approved evaluation/certification
service until FY2000.
■Since FY2001, after the Ministerial
Notification forming the basis of the
Ministerial approval system was repealed
as part of administrative reforms, JAEIC
took over the system and has been
offering an independent system in
accordance with the “Outline of the
Interior Planners Qualification System.”
■To obtain the title of Interior Planner, it
is necessary to pass the qualifying
examination for Interior Planners
conducted by JAEIC and complete the
registration.
■The registration is valid for five years.
To renew the registration, one must
complete the training program conducted
by JAEIC prior to the expiry of
registration. Otherwise, the registration is
cancelled.
ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK
FOR IMPLEMENTING THE SERVICES OF INTERIOR PLANNER
INTERIOR PLANNER
Interior Planners typically work at interior
EXAMINATION design offices, architectural design
offices, construction companies and
●Examinations
(1) Academic examination
Interior planning, interior equipment,
interior construction, interior codes and
regulations and architecture in general
(2) Design and drawing examination
Effective utilization of open space in
buildings and interior design that evokes
an image of a lifestyle
INTERIOR PLANNER REGISTRATION
●Registration requirements
A person is eligible to register as an
Interior Planner if he/she successfully
passes the academic and design/drawing
examinations and satisfies that he/she
has:
(1) the necessary academic background
(i.e. must have graduated from a
university/college, high school or technical
school majoring in interior design or
architecture);
(2) the required license (e.g. Kenchikushi);
or
(3) practical experience in interior design.
Prescribed years of practical experience
in interior design are required for (1) to (3)
respectively.
Persons to whom the disqualification
provisions apply cannot obtain
registration.
ROUTE TO BECOME AN INTERIOR
PLANNER

am
interior-related firms. Interior Planners

ly
on

ex
JAEIC provide professional services that focus

am
ee

am ic
ex m
itt

ex
on a wide range of buildings, including

g e
m

in cad
ic
m

office buildings, public facilities, shops m

co

aw a
de

dr th
and residential homes. Services include
n

ca
io

n/ ob
ra
at

ly ing
the following:

sig for

am /d for
alu

fo

on w
Ev

ra
s

de s

ex n s
(1) Interior planning
nt

d t

sig nt
n
ica

an ica

de ica
Interior Planners apply their expertise to
pl

pl

pl
Ap

Ap

Ap
plan the interior by giving appropriate
advice to clients and creating concrete r
fo

design images envisioned by clients

m tion

utilizing various methods of expression.

ex lica

(2) Interior design

p
a
Ap

Based on the design images created sig

n
during the planning stage, Interior
de

Planners plan the spatial organization and

d
an

indoor environment, select interior

e am am

y]
da

construction methods and finishing

ex ex

e
on ing ic
n

materials, design and select components,

m
al o
n

sa
eld w e
w ee
ee tio

[h dra ad

ul

and prepare necessary drawings and

ra ng ne itt
itt a

f
h

ss
Ac
m in

og ini re m

t
m am

specifications.
ce
pr tra the om

c
co Ex

su
/
C

(3) Construction administration of

of

interior work
s

nt
m

e
m

Interior Planners perform construction

nt ce

itle

administration to make sure that the work

lic un
s

rt
pp no

is completed according to the drawings

ne
t
a
n

en
A

lan
m

and specifications.
re

rP
a

ui

rio
q
re

te
In
n
io

of

NUMBER OF REGISTERED
at

n
r
ist

io

INTERIOR PLANNERS
at
g
Re

r
st
gi

As of October 1, 2012, there were 10,428

am
Re

gr
n

(including 1,914 women) Interior Planners

g ig

ro
in es

s) p

active in Japan.
aw d

ar ing
ec e on

dr on

ye in
c

e ra
bj ad G

d G
ts mi
su ac W

an W

fiv l t
ry wa
n of

QUALIFYING EXAMINATIONS FOR

ve e
tio l

(e Ren
ra a
st ew

INTERIOR PLANNERS
gi n
re Re

●Eligibility
Those who are 20 years of age or older
as of April 1 of the year

APEC ENGINEER PROJECT
■The purpose of the APEC Engineer
IN RESPONSE TO Project, launched in FY2000, is to
INTERNATIONALIZATION OF recognize and register as APEC
QUALIFICATIONS Engineers those engineers who meet
certain qualifications, such as practical
experience, and to support their
international activities.
■Japan has participated in the APEC
Engineer Project in 11 engineering
disciplines. 1st-class Kenchikushi who
specialize in building structure fields
(building structural engineers) are eligible
to apply in the building structure fields of
the Structural Engineering discipline.
The Japan APEC Engineer Monitoring
Committee (Secretariat: the Institution of
Professional Engineers, Japan) entrusts
the assessment and registration of the
building structural engineers to the
Building Engineer Qualification
Committee, and JAEIC has been serving
as its secretariat.
APEC ARCHITECT PROJECT
■APEC Architect Project, launched in
FY2005, awards a title commonly
recognized within the APEC region to
architects who meet certain qualifications
and practical experience and registers
qualified architects. The aim of this project
is to facilitate the mobility of architects
throughout the APEC region and to
support their international activities.
SURVEY / RESEARCH
■JAEIC has been conducting research
SURVEY / RESEARCH / and surveys on various topics, including:
EDUCATION AND INFORMATION how the Kenchikushi licensing system
should function; improvement and
streamlining of the Kenchikushi
examination methods; architectural
culture and landscape; the improvement
of the quality of building engineers and
their effective employment; and
architectural education.
■JAEIC also has been studying overseas
qualification systems of architects, MEP
engineers, interior designers and other
professionals working in the building field,
and has prepared reports on the U.S.,
Canada, European countries including
U.K., Germany and France, and Asian
countries including Korea, based on
collected materials and field surveys.
■Other research and surveys conducted
by JAEIC include the following:
“An international comparative research
and review of architects/building
engineers qualification and education
systems”
“Studies on the standards of
remuneration for the services of
Kenchikushi offices”
“Studies on the guidelines for
construction administration services”
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT (CPD)
■JAEIC has been promoting the CPD
systems as the secretariat for the
Architectural CPD Operation Committee
■JAEIC has been serving as the
secretariat for the Japan APEC Architect
Project Monitoring Committee, which is
responsible for the assessment and
registration of APEC Architects.
EMF INTERNATIONAL ENGINEER
PROJECT
■Japan has been participating in the
international registration system of
engineers based on the Engineers
Mobility Forum (EMF) agreement, a
multi-national agreement among private
engineers associations from 15 countries
and regions. The EMF agreement aims to
facilitate international activities of
experienced engineers who satisfy certain
requirements and to register them as
International Professional Engineers.
■Japan began the registration of building
structural engineers in FY2008. The
Japan EMF Engineer Monitoring
Committee (secretariat: The Institution of
Professional Engineers, Japan) entrusts
the assessment and registration work to
the Japan EMF Engineer (Building
Structure) Qualification Committee, and
JAEIC has been serving as its secretariat.
and the CPD Council of Organizations of
Building Mechanical and Electrical
Engineers (BMEEs). The Committees
were established by relevant
organizations in order to maintain and
improve knowledge and skills of
Kenchikushi and BMEEs respectively and
are each responsible for the certification
of CPD programs, comprehensive
management of the CPD records, and
issuance of certificates demonstrating
achievement under the CPD program.
ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION
AND INFORMATION FUND
■In FY 1989, JAEIC established the
Fund for Architectural Education and
Information to improve the knowledge
and skills of engineers in the architectural
field. This Fund is used to subsidize basic
and public interest surveys and studies
and publicity campaigns, for the purpose
of contributing to education in and
dissemination of architectural knowledge.
COUNCIL OF PEOPLE-FRIENDLY
ARCHITECTURE AND HOUSING
■Together with the Foundation for Senior
Citizens’ Housing, JAEIC has been
serving as the secretariat for the Council
of People-Friendly Architecture and
Housing. This Council was established by
relevant organizations nationwide with the
aim of improving and promoting buildings
and houses that accommodate the
elderly and persons with physical
disability.

PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHMENT
Society’s needs for building design and
AN OVERVIEW OF THE JAPAN construction administration are becoming
ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION increasingly sophisticated and complex,
AND INFORMATION CENTER as people’s lifestyles and economic
activities grow in diversity.
It is critical, therefore, to improve the
quality of architects and building
engineers to ensure that Kenchikushi and
other professionals can meet these
increasingly diverse needs.
At the same time, the emergence of
administrative simplification and
streamlining as one of the major policy
issues has prompted an urgent need to
establish an organization entrusted with
the following tasks: more effective
administration of the qualifying
examinations for Kenchikushi conducted
at both national and prefectural levels for
a vast number of applicants; better
management of the examination system;
and improvement of the quality of
Kenchikushi. To address these
challenges, and with great expectations
from the national and prefectural
governments as well as architectural
industrial circles, the Japan Architectural
Education and Information Center was
established on September 10, 1982, with
contributions from architecture-related
organizations.

ACTIVITIES
September 1982 ●
Established the Japan Architectural November 1994
Education and Information Center (JAEIC) Began publishing the journal Kenchiku
● Fukyu & Shikaku (Architectural Information
October 1983 & Qualifications)
Established the Research Institute for ●
Education of Architects within JAEIC November 1996
● Launched the JAEIC website
February 1984 The journal Kenchiku Fukyu & Shikaku
Began administering the examination for was renamed QUA Qway (discontinued in
1st-class Kenchikushi FY2005)
April 1984 ●
Set up seven branch offices throughout November 2000
the country Began administering the APEC Engineer
● Project
January 1986 ●
Began administering the examinations for July 2005
2nd-class and Mokuzo Kenchikushi Began administering the APEC Architect
Began administering the examination and Project
the seminar for BMEEs (the seminar ●
ended in December 1988) April 2006
August 1986 Began operation of the architectural CPD
Started editing textbooks for the information system
designated training programs for ●
Kenchikushi and managing participants’ April 2008
data Began administering the Structural/MEP
● Design 1st-class Kenchikushi training
February 1987 programs and the Kanri Kenchikushi
Began offering the registration service for training program (de facto training
BMEEs (the service was transferred to the programs prior to enforcement of the
Japan Building Mechanical and Electrical revised Kenchikushi Law in 2008).
Engineers Association in October 1990) November 2008
March 1987 Began administering the Structural/MEP
Began administering the Interior Planner Design 1st-class Kenchikushi training
examination and training programs (the program, the Kanri Kenchikushi training
training programs ended in FY1990) program and periodic training programs
● for 1st-, 2nd- and Mokuzo Kenchikushi
March 1988 December 2008
Started registration services for Interior Began administering the EMF
Planners International Engineer Project
● ●
January 1989 June 2010
Began administering the training Revised the operation guidelines for the
programs for the renewal of the BMEE Fund for Architectural Education and
title (the training programs ended in 2002) Information and began providing funding
April 1989 for research, studies and publicity
Established the “Fund for Architectural campaigns selected from public
Education and Information” to support submissions
research/survey and public relations ●
activities by subsidy September 2011
● Began administering the periodic training
January 1990 programs for Structural/MEP Design
Established the Interior Planning Award 1st-class Kenchikushi
(ended in FY2006) ●
● April 2013
January 1993 Transitioned to a Public Interest
Began administering the training program Incorporated Foundation.
for the renewal of the Interior Planner title
 CHART
ORGANIZATIONAL

Bo B Au Pr
ar Di oar dit es
d re d or id
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EDUCATION AND INFORMATION

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CENTER (JAEIC)
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Sta inza
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Kanematsu Bldg., 2-14-1,

Kyobashi, Chuo-ku,

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Sta
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Tokyo 104-0031 JAPAN

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Tel: +81-3-5524-3105
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Daigo Bldg., 5-11, Odori Nishi,
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Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi,
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Hokkaido 060-0042 JAPAN

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Tel: +81-11-221-3150
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Tohoku Branch
Miyagi-ken Kensetsu Sangyo
Kaikan, 2-48, Hasekura-machi,
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Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi

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980-0824 JAPAN
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Tel: +81-22-223-3245
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Kanematsu Bldg., 2-14-1,

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Tokyo 104-0031 JAPAN

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Tel: +81-3-5524-2176
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Tokai-Hokuriku Branch
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Showa Bldg., 4-3-26, Sakae,

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Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi,
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Osaka 540-6591 JAPAN

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Tel: +81-6-6942-2214
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Chugoku-Shikoku Branch
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Shin-otemachi Bldg., 2-11-15,

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Ote-machi, Naka-ku,
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Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima
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730-0051 JAPAN
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Tel: +81-82-245-8055
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Kyushu Branch
Tofuku Dai-ni Bldg., 2-9-1
Hakata-eki Higashi, Hakata-ku,
Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka
812-0013 JAPAN
Tel: +81-92-471-6310

June, 2013