Did you know that when working on architectural projects or construction, it is necessary to issue an RRT, that is, the Technical Responsibility Registration?

If you still have doubts about when and how to complete this registration, don't worry! We will explain in a simple way everything you need to know to follow the process without complications.

Continue reading and see:

• What is RRT? 

• When to complete the RRT?

• Types of RRT

• How to register your RRT?

• How much does it cost to issue an RRT?

• What are the consequences of not issuing an RRT?

• How to look up an RRT?

• What is the difference between ART and RRT?

• FAQ: frequently asked questions about the Technical Responsibility Registration​​​​​​​

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What is RRT? 

RRT stands for Technical Responsibility Registration (Registro de Responsabilidade Técnica), and is intended for Architects, Urban Planners, and Occupational Safety Engineering Specialists.

It is a mandatory document to certify that a construction, project, or service has a qualified manager with active registration with the Council.

- Read also: Jobsite Technical Visit Report: what is it and how to do it?

When to complete the RRT?

There are some specific situations, according to the "RRT GUIDE":

1. Every time the professional performs a technical task from the following groups 

• Project;

• Execution;

• Management;

• Specific activities of Architecture and Urbanism;

• Occupational Safety Engineering (only engineers in the area);

• Teaching and Research;

• Environment and Regional and Urban Planning.

2. The professional must register their technical responsibility before or by the completion of other activities

This rule is only invalid when there is an official emergency situation. In this case, the RRT can be completed afterwards. 

3. When an Architecture and Urbanism or Engineering professional performs activities in different groups, they need to issue an RRT for each one

For example, if they are designing and also executing the construction, they will need to issue two RRTs: one for the project and another for the execution. 

4. All professionals participating in an activity – whether in the design, the execution of the construction, or any other technical service – must issue the RRT

This means that if several people are working on the same project, everyone is responsible for that work and must formalize this responsibility in the RRT. 

Types of RRT

There are 4 different types of RRT (Technical Responsibility Registration): simple, multiple monthly, minimum, and derived. Understand them better:

1. Simple RRT

This is the most common option. It is where you must indicate which of the seven activity groups you will be responsible for in the construction. In this type, it is possible to include several subtasks within the same group, but only if they are all performed in the same location.

2. Multiple Monthly RRT

The Multiple Monthly RRT is used to register specific technical activities, such as surveys, reports, or assessments carried out during the month. 

It is useful for professionals who do occasional work, even if completed on different days, as long as it is for the same client. 

Occupational Safety Engineering specialists can also use it for activities such as reports and inspections. 

3. Minimum RRT

This mandatory document is slightly different from the others, as it is intended for projects and executions of smaller works, up to 70 m². The Minimum RRT is also aimed at architects and urban planners who will work on social housing projects for the Brazilian government. 

4. Derived RRT

If you worked on a project before 2012 and used ART (Technical Responsibility Annotation), you can register these activities now, updating your professional history. This mode is free and only needs to be approved by the CAU.

- Read also: Service Verification Sheet (FVS): what is it and what is it for?

How to register your RRT?

• The first step is to enter the website of the CAU Information and Communication System (SICCAU);

• Find the option for Technical Responsibility Document Model;

• Under “Registration Form”, select the option “Initial RRT” (if you want to register a new one. If it is to correct one, use the “Rectifying RRT” option).

How much does it cost to issue an RRT?

The RRT is not free. For each registration, it is necessary to pay a fee set by the Council of Architecture and Urbanism (CAU) of the state where the professional is registered.

The value may vary according to the type of RRT chosen and also in accordance with the regulations of each CAU/UF. On average, the fee ranges between R$ 90 and R$ 120 per registration.

Payment is made via bank slip, generated directly in the SICCAU system at the time of issuance. The document only becomes officially valid after the fee is paid.

Important: the Derived RRT, used to update activities registered before 2012 with ART, is free of charge.

What are the consequences of not issuing an RRT?

Failing to issue the RRT can cause serious problems for both the professional and the client. See the main risks:

• Fines and penalties: the architect or urban planner can be fined by the CAU, face ethical-disciplinary proceedings, and have to pay fines;

• Irregularity of construction or service: without registration, the activity is considered irregular before the Council, even if the professional is qualified;

• Lack of legal backing: the client will have no way of proving that they hired a registered professional, which can generate insecurity and even lawsuits;

• Loss of credibility: professionals who do not issue the RRT transmit less trust to the market, which can impact future contracts.

In other words, the RRT is not just bureaucracy. It is a guarantee of technical and legal security for all parties involved.

How to look up an RRT?

The RRT lookup process is simple and completely online. To do this:

• Access the SICCAU website (CAU Information and Communication System);

• Click on the “Public RRT Consultation” option;

• Enter the requested data, such as the RRT number, CPF, or CNPJ of the technical manager;

• The system will display information about the professional, the type of activity registered, and the validity of the document.

This query is useful for clients, contractors, and even inspection bodies, who need to confirm whether the work or service is in compliance with legal standards and if there is a regular technical manager before the CAU.

What is the difference between ART and RRT?

ART or RRT? Many people still confuse these documents, but it is important to understand that, although both have the same function of formalizing a professional's responsibility over a job or service, each is intended for a different field:

• ART (Technical Responsibility Annotation): is used by engineers, agronomists, and other professionals linked to CREA (Regional Council of Engineering and Agronomy);

• RRT (Technical Responsibility Registration): is used by architects, urban planners, and occupational safety engineering specialists registered with the CAU (Council of Architecture and Urbanism).

In other words, the difference is basically in the professional council to which the technician is linked. Both have the same objective: to guarantee that a certain activity is being conducted by a qualified professional who can be technically responsible for the service.

In practice, if the person responsible for the project or construction is an engineer, they must issue an ART. If they are an architect or urban planner, they must issue the RRT.

- Read also: Construction manager: what they do, importance, and responsibilities

FAQ: frequently asked questions about the Technical Responsibility Registration

Check out the main questions about the Technical Responsibility Registration. Some have already been answered throughout the text, but we have gathered everything in this section for better reference!

What does RRT stand for?

RRT stands for Registro de Responsabilidade Técnica (Technical Responsibility Registration).

What is RRT?

The RRT is a mandatory registration made with the CAU (Council of Architecture and Urbanism) that ensures that a certain job is being conducted by a qualified and regularized professional.

What is the difference between ART and RRT?

The ART (Technical Responsibility Annotation) is used by engineers and professionals linked to CREA, while the RRT is used by architects, urban planners, and occupational safety engineering specialists linked to CAU; both have the same function of formalizing technical responsibility.

When is RRT necessary?

The RRT must be issued whenever the professional performs technical activities such as design, execution, management, teaching, research, specific activities of Architecture and Urbanism, Occupational Safety Engineering, or environment and regional and urban planning.

Who issues the RRT?

The RRT is issued directly by the professional architect, urban planner, or occupational safety engineer through the CAU online system (SICCAU).

Who pays for the RRT?

Payment of the RRT fee is the responsibility of the professional who registers the activity, and they may or may not pass this cost on to the client in the service agreement.

What is the CAU RRT fee?

It is the amount charged by CAU to validate the RRT registration, which varies according to the state and the type of RRT issued, averaging between R$ 90 and R$ 120; the slip is generated within the SICCAU system itself.

What does unregistered RRT mean?

An unregistered RRT indicates that the work or service was completed without proper registration with the CAU, which leaves the professional and the client in an irregular situation, without legal backing and subject to penalties.

What does derived RRT mean?

The derived RRT is used to update activities carried out before 2012 that were registered with an ART, ensuring that the professional history is maintained at CAU; this type of registration is free.

What is an extemporaneous RRT?

The extemporaneous RRT is a registration completed after the deadline, in exceptional situations, such as completed constructions or services that need to be regularized before the CAU.

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