Registering as an Architect in Australia

Contributed by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia

It is a legal requirement that any person using the title 'architect' or offering services to the public as an architect must be registered with the Architects' Board within their State.

To apply, you must:

1. have a recognised academic qualification in architecture or a pass in the National Program of Assessment (NPrA), or a pass in the relevant Registration Board Prescribed Examinations where offered
2. have a period of training through experience followed by successful completion of the AACA Architectural Practice Examination (APE)
3. apply for registration to the Architects' Board in the State or Territory in which registration is sought. 

Step 1: Confirm that you have satisfied the academic requirements, and obtain evidence.

Step 2: After you have satisfied the academic requirements, you will be required to undertake a period of practical experience, followed by the Architectural Practice Examination (APE). 

Step 3: Having completed the requirements of steps one and two, you must apply for registration to the Architects' Board in the State or Territory in which you wish to practice, pay the fees determined by the Board and provide all information as required by the Board.  For contact details for each Architects' Board, visit the AACA website.

Mutual recognition

Under Australian Commonwealth, State/Territory legislation and New Zealand legislation, designed to facilitate free trade in services, if you are registered as an architect in any Australian jurisdiction, or in New Zealand, you may apply for registration within Australia and New Zealand under these mutual recognition provisions without repeating the above steps. 

You should contact the Board in the State or Territory in which second or subsequent registration is sought to determine application procedures and applicable fees.