The term "substantial equivalency" identifies a program as comparable in educational outcomes in all significant aspects, and indicates that it provides an educational experience meeting acceptable standards, even though such program may differ in format or method of delivery. The designation is valid for six years beginning 1 January of the year in which the final visit (Visit 3) took place. In order to maintain the designation, the program must be visited again in the sixth year of the designation.
At the February 2017 meeting of the National Architectural Accrediting Board, the Board reviewed the Visiting Team's Report from visit three to Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University and granted the Bachelor of Architecture degree (170 credits) Substantial Equivalency for a period of six years. The Substantial Equivalency term is effective from January 1, 2016.