How to become an Architect & Pathways to Registration

The requirements for registration are consistent throughout Australia. Full details of the Pathways to Registration are available on the Architects Accreditation Council of Australian website.

The most common pathway to registration is completion of an accredited Australian architecture qualification followed by the Architectural Practice Examination.

In Tasmania the only currently accredited course is provided by the University of Tasmania – the Master of Architecture course.  Details of other Australian Accredited Architecture Qualifications

From 1 November 2023 the Amendments to the Architects Act and Regulation began operation.  Please refer to the page Architects Registration from 1 November 2023 for full details.

The following three steps outline the requirements for registration as an architect:

  • have a recognised academic qualification in architecture or a pass in the National Program of Assessment (NPrA);
  • have a period of training through experience followed by successful completion of the AACA Architectural Practice Examination (APE); and
  • apply for registration to the Architects’ Board in the State or Territory in which registration is sought

Policy regarding Re-registration and Transfer from Non-Practising to Practising

  1. Re-Registration in the same Class

Must provide a completed application form, pay appropriate fees, details of professional indemnity insurance cover, commit to CPD requirements, and

  • If within three years – if no CPD undertaken in the period not registered, undertake 50% of CPD requirements for the period not registered within 6 months,
  • If over three years and under 5 years – successfully complete an Experienced Practitioner Assessment interview and maybe required to undertake specified CPD within a specified period of time, or
  • If over 5 years –  successfully complete the Architectural Practice Examination

2.  Transfer from Non-Practising to Practising

Must provide a completed application form, pay appropriate fees, details of professional indemnity insurance cover, commit to CPD requirements, and

 If previously registered in Class-Practising Architect

  • If within three years – if no CPD undertaken in the period not registered, undertake 50% of CPD requirements for the period not registered within 6 months,
  • If over three years and under 5 years – successfully complete an Experienced Practitioner Assessment interview and maybe required to undertake specified CPD within a specified period of time, or
  • If over 5 years – successfully complete the Architectural Practice Examination.

 

If not previously registered in Class-Practising Architect and within the following periods of being registered:

  • If within three years – undertake 50% of CPD requirements for the period not registered in the Class – Practising Architect before being registered,
  • If over three years and under 5 years – successfully complete an Experienced Practitioner Assessment interview and maybe required to undertake specified CPD within a specified period of time, or
  • If over 5 years – successfully complete the Architectural Practice Examination

****Please Note  Fees change on 1 July each year, Please make sure you download the current application on the day you submit the application form and make the payment.