Experience and APE

If you have satisfied step one of the registration process as outlined in the "Architect Registration" page of this site, the following requirements (comprising step two) must then be taken:

A. PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
You must complete two years of recognised practical experience of which:

• one year must be after the completion of academic qualifications, and in Australia
• eighteen months of the minimum two year period should be gained under the direction of an architect in an architectural office
• the required period may be the summation of several periods in different offices, however periods less than the full-time equivalent of eight (8) weeks continuous duration in an architect's office or less than the full time equivalent of four (4) weeks continuous duration in a technical capacity on building or allied work will not be credited.

NB If you have gained the required experience, other than under the direction of an architect, the following procedure will apply

(a)     your Log Book and Statement of Practical Experience must be supported by a Statutory Declaration attesting to the accuracy of the logged experience

(b)     in addition to the minimum requirements of the Statement of Practical Experience, you will be required to include an adequate description of the nature of your experience.

may elect to apply for the APE upon successful completion of an accredited qualification in architecture from an Australian school of architecture, or upon successful completion of the National Program of Assessment.

Experience in Australia must be recorded in an AACA Log Book. Details of the Log Book can be obtained by referring to the Publications page. Details of other documents relating to the APE may also be obtained from the Publications page.

B. ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE EXAMINATION
After satisfying step one, and completing the practical experience requirements outlined above, you may apply to sit for the Architectural Practice Examination (APE).

The purpose of this Examination is to ensure that persons applying to be admitted to the Register of Architects have an adequate knowledge and understanding of the practice of architecture in Australia and a capacity to exercise professional skill.

The AACA Architectural Practice Examination (APE) has recently undergone a comprehensive review. Please refer to the What's happening page for further information

In addition the following reference may be of assistance to candidates:

Portability
As the APE is a national Examination, Boards in every State and Territory accept the results of the AACA APE regardless of where the Examination is undertaken.

How to Apply
Application forms for the AACA Architectural Practice Examination, setting out details of the submission requirements and the applicable fee, are available at any Registration Board office.

Briefing sessions/seminars
Most Registration Boards offer relevant preparatory briefing sessions for the APE. These should not be confused with the proliferation of practice courses promoted as preparation for the APE by other organizations; such courses are not endorsed by AACA. Attendance at these courses may benefit candidates in their preparation for the APE, but attendance is voluntary.