Fast Track Pathways to Registration
The AACA has introduced two fast track pathways to registration as an architect for experienced practitioners: The Overseas Architect Assessment Program and the National Program of Assessment for Locally Experienced Practitioners.
The Overseas Architect Assessment Program was developed by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) in association with the Architect Registration Boards around Australia in response to data that indicates only around 30% of overseas architects resident in Australia complete the process of registration as an architect.
The National Program of Assessment for Locally Experienced Practitioners program was developed with the support of the Architect Registration Boards around Australia in response to the need to encourage experienced practitioners to access registration by offering an alternative pathway to the Architectural Practice Examination (APE).
Overseas Architect Assessment Program (OAAP)
The OAAP is an alternate pathway to registration for overseas architects with relevant experience at executive level in complex projects who are not eligible for registration under existing mutual recognition agreements.
Overseas architects applying for this program must meet a number of criteria:
- a minimum 5-year (or equivalent) professional qualification in architecture
- 7 years relevant professional postgraduate experience
- minimum of 3 years as an architect practising at executive level
- 12 months relevant professional experience in Australia within the last 3 years
- resident in Australia and proficient in English
The OAAP requires applicants to demonstrate through a portfolio of complex projects an applied understanding of the required Performance Criteria from the National Standard of Competency for Architects; appropriate experience and practice of architecture at an Executive Level; and a capacity to exercise professional skill as an architectural practitioner in Australia.
See the AACA website for more information.
National Program of Assessment for Locally Experienced Practitioners
This program has been developed as an alternate pathway to registration for graduates of Australian accredited architecture programs with relevant experience at executive level in complex projects.
Local practitioners applying for this program must meet a number of criteria:
- a minimum 5-year (or equivalent) professional qualification in architecture
- 7 years relevant professional postgraduate experience with a minimum of 3 years practising at executive level (principal decision maker)
- 12 months relevant professional experience in Australia within the last 3 years
- resident in Australia
Successful completion of this program allows applicants to bypass the Architectural Practice Examination (APE) and apply directly for registration as an architect to the Architect Registration Board in the relevant State or Territory. Applicants submit their applications directly to the Architect Registration Board in the State or Territory where they wish to practise.