Frequently Asked Questions

Migration Skills Assessment

How can I have my overseas qualifications in architecture assessed for migration purposes?
Details about the process and the application form – Form M – can be downloaded from the Migration Skills Assessment page

Can you tell me whether my overseas qualification is recognised by AACA?
AACA considers applications on a case by case basis. We are, therefore, unable to provide advice on a qualification until a full application together with supporting documentation and payment of the fee has been received. Details about AACA’s assessment process is provided in the Explanatory Notes accompanying Form M.

Can I send my application and documents to AACA electronically?
AACA accepts only applications and documents which are provided in hard copy and are certified in accordance with the requirements set out in Form M. Electronic documents are not accepted.

If my overseas qualification is assessed as not suitable for the occupation architect for migration purposes, will AACA advise me how I can upgrade my qualifications to be able to meet the requirements.
AACA does not advise applicants, whose overseas qualifications have been assessed as ‘not suitable’ for migration purposes, on how those qualifications can be upgraded.

I had a skills assessment for migration purposes a few years ago but my qualifications were found to be not suitable. Now that I have more experience I’d like to apply again.
AACA does not consider applications for skills assessment for a second time, unless an applicant has obtained a new qualification. AACA’s assessment of qualifications for migration purposes considers qualifications only – it does not consider work experience or third party references, and it only considers qualifications obtained by coursework.

I’d like to have my qualifications assessed but am waiting for my university to provide one of the required documents. Can I submit my application now and send the remaining document later?
No, applications must be complete when submitted, with all supporting documents in the required format. Clear instructions about documentation is provided in the Explanatory Notes which accompany AACA’s application forms.

How long is my skills assessment valid for?
AACA’s Skills Assessments currently do not have an expiry date.

What is the level of English language competency required by AACA?
For Skills Assessments for Migration purposes AACA has no English language requirement. However, applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the requirements of the migration authorities.

How long does it take to process an application for skills assessment?
Generally it takes less than sixteen weeks to process applications once complete applications are received. If documentation is not complete, not properly certified or translated, or the fee is not paid in the prescribed way, the assessment may take longer as assessments cannot be completed until all documentation requirements have been fully met.

I’ve recently completed an accredited Australian architecture qualification, having previously completed a Bachelor of Architecture overseas. I’d like to have my qualifications assessed for migration purposes. What type of assessment do I apply for and what documents should I provide?
You should apply for a verification of your Australian qualification using Form M. You must provide certified copies of the degree certificate and academic transcript for your Australian qualification, plus the degree certificate and academic transcript evidencing satisfactory completion of all previous architecture studies completed, including overseas architecture studies. If the overseas documents were issued in a language other than English, you must also provide certified copies of official translations of those documents into English.

How long does it take to process an application for verification of an Australian qualification for migration purposes?

Applications for verification of Australian qualifications for migration purposes usually take no more than four weeks to complete, provided the fee and complete documentation is provided in accordance with AACA’s requirements. The requirements are set out in the Explanatory Notes which accompany the application form – Form M.

Back to top

divider

Review of Academic Equivalence

How long does it take to process an RAE application?
It could take two to three months before an interview can be arranged in the jurisdiction where you reside.

What documentation is required to be submitted with an RAE application?
Full details of the requirements for the RAE are provided in the application form – Form RAE or through links from the Architect Registration page.
NB: You may have provided some of the documents for another AACA assessment process. As the RAE is a separate assessment process these certified copies of the documents will need to be provided with the RAE form.

How am I notified for an interview?
The Architects Board in the jurisdiction that you reside will notify you for an interview arrangement.

What is the payment mode for the RAE application fee?
The payment can be made by either money order or bank cheque in Australian dollars.

I have changed my mailing address after submission of my RAE application.  Do I need to notify AACA of my new mailing address?
Yes, you need to notify AACA your new mailing address since all written communications are made to your nominated mailing address.

I am going away or on leave. Can AACA accommodate to not schedule an interview during the period that I am away?
Yes, you need to notify AACA about your anticipated leave as early as possible before an interview is arranged.

I wish to withdraw my RAE application. Can I ask for a refund of the application fee?
The application fee is not refundable.

Back to top

divider

Registration

I’ve been involved with building design for many years but I have no architecture qualifications. Can I become registered as an architect?
The National Program of Assessment (NPrA) was introduced for people who have no formal qualification in architecture, or whose qualification has not been assessed as equivalent to an accredited qualification, but who have substantial skill and experience in the architectural profession. The NPrA is recognised by all Australian registration authorities as an alternative to successful completion of an accredited professional Australian qualification in architecture. Following success in the NPrA you will be required to successfully undertake the Architectural Practice Examination (APE) before applying to a State and Territory registration board to become registered as an architect.  See NPrA on the main menu for full details.

I have overseas architecture qualifications, more than 10 years experience as an architect and have permanent residence. I’d like to apply for the RAE to eventually become registered, but no longer have my student academic portfolio. What can I do?
Currently, the only routes available to achieving an equivalent qualification as required for acceptance into the registration process is to undertake the NPrA or undertake further recognised studies. However, AACA is currently developing a new pathway for recognition of overseas qualifications, to be known as the RGE. Details will be available from this website shortly.

Back to top

divider

Architectural Practice Exam (APE)

When are the APE Part 2 exams held?
The exams are generally held twice yearly:  the first Tuesday in April and the last Tuesday in September. You can contact the Architect Board in your jurisdiction to ascertain the dates.

Are there any training courses available prior to undertaking the APE?
Most Registration Boards offer relevant preparatory briefing sessions for the APE; details can be obtained by contacting the Board direct. Briefing sessions 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.

Are there any sample APE Part 2 (NEP) exam papers available for prospective APE candidates?
A sample NEP and corresponding answers are available from the publications page.

How important is my statement of practical experience?
Your statement of experience is most important and should be well considered and clearly expressed. It is important that this statement encompasses your overall experience.

Back to top

divider

Logbook of Practical Experience

Can the order of the logsheets be re-sequenced or additional pages added later?
Sequential date order of logsheets is not mandatory.

What are the submission requirements for the Electronic Logbook?
Please read the Guide for Candidates and the Logbook Information Booklet. Check with the Architecture Board in your jurisdiction for submission requirements.

There is insufficient space to log all my experience; can I add additional logsheet pages?
There are 80 pages in the Logbook; this should be sufficient.

Is there a password for the Logsheets so that I may unlock them for my editing purposes?
No, the Electronic Logbook is a locked document and is in a set format.

Can I transfer my logged experience from a manual logbook to an electronic logbook?
Yes. 

Can I still submit using a manual logbook?
Electronic submission of Logbooks will be mandatory from 1 January 2012.

Back to top

divider

Mutual Recognition

I have a New Zealand qualification and my partner is registered as an architect in New Zealand.  How can we become registered in Australia?
Mutual recognition agreements are in place between Australia and New Zealand registration authorities, for recognition of architecture qualifications and registration. Further details are available from International Issues.

I have an overseas architecture qualification and have been registered and practicing as an architect overseas for several years. My qualification is from my nation’s top university and was issued in accordance with the Bologna Framework. Will my qualification be recognised by AACA?
AACA has inter-recognition agreements with New Zealand and Singapore to recognise specific accredited qualifications. Qualifications issued by institutions in all other countries are assessed by AACA on a case-by-case basis to establish their equivalence with an accredited Australian architecture qualification.

Back to top

divider

How to find an architect

How can I check whether an architect is registered?
In each State and Territory 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 in that jurisdiction. You can search the architect rolls in most Australian jurisdictions by going to the Architect Rolls button on the main menu. Alternatively you can contact the Architect Board in your state and Territory through the Links button.

Back to top

divider

Duplicate Copies of Documents

I have lost or no longer possess an original copy of my provisional or skills assessment letter. Can I request a duplicate copy?
Yes, you may request a duplicate copy of your provisional or skills assessment letter. However, you will have to provide the following before the duplicate can be issued:

  • a Statutory Declaration stating the reasons why you need a copy of the Skills / RAE / NPrA assessment letter, your full name and date of birth, the name of your qualification, date of graduation and institution from which the qualification was obtained.
  • A fee of AU$55.00, payable by bank cheque or Australia Post Money Order.
Print print this page



Designed and developed by Osky Interactive