ARCHITECTS

As an overseas qualified architect, you will need to gain qualification recognition from the AACA. If you are from Canada, Japan, Singapore, the United States or the United Kindgom, please click the 'Mutual Recogntion' button below. If successful in this way, you will not need to complete the APE.

 

For all other overseas qualifications, please see the pathways to registration below. The most common way to gain registration in Australia is to complete the Architectural Practice Exam (APE), however, those with extensive experience may be able to apply for the Expereince Practitioner Assessment. According to your circumstance, you will need to begin your application for registration via one of the following pathways:​

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​Overseas Qualifications Assessment (OQA) leading to the APE: for those who cannot apply for mutual recognition or the APE to determine if your overseas qualification is equivalent to the Ausralian standard. You are required to have a 5-year tertiary qualification (Master of Architecture) that permits a graduate of the degree to be registered in the country of the awarding institution, as well as 6-months of paid architectural work experience (excluding course integrated work experience). In some cases, a 4-year degree will be accepted with additional documentation and experience. 

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The OQA includes two parts:

1. Assessment of tertiary qualifications that would allow for registration in the awarding country.

2. Competency Assessment Interview that includes the submission of a Portfolio of 3 to 4 projects with written statements addressing the National Standard and an Assessment Interview. 

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If your OQA is unsuccessful, your outcome will include advice regarding deficiencies and you may resubmit evidence to the AACA for further assessment. You must complete this within given time restrictions. 

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​National Program of Assessment (NPA) leading to the APE: for those whose qualifications are not recognised as equivalent to Australian standards according to the AACA. You can complete the NPA to prove your skills and knowledge.

 

This is completed in two stages: 

1. Eligibility: Candidates must satisfy academic, English language, work experience and residency requirements. Candidates who are successful in Stage 1, will be invited to participate in Stage 2 - Design Brief.

2. Response to the Design Brief: Candidates must respond to the Project Brief by addressing particular Performance Criteria in the context of the National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA). Submissions take the form of a report and companion drawings. Candidates work alone in responding to the Project Brief and are given one opportunity to submit questions to the Management Group on the Project Brief.

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​Once this is successfully completed, you may apply for the APE. 

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Experienced Practitioner Assessment - Overseas (EPA): for those with a Master of Architecture not recognised in mutual recognition agreements and a minimum of 10 years post-graduate architectural practical experience at a Principle Decision-Making level on complex projects. This includes a review for eligibility and content verification, followed by a Competency Assessment Interview. If successful, you will not need to complete the APE.

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