National Program of Assessment (NPrA)
(No Recognised Qualification)
The National Program of Assessment (NPrA) is a competency based assessment which provides an opportunity for those who have substantial skills and experience in the architectural profession but do not have a formal qualification in architecture, or whose qualification has not been assessed as equivalent to an accredited qualification, to undertake an assessment to determine whether their skills evidence equivalence to a recognised Australian architecture qualification.
The NPrA is recognised by all Australian registration authorities as an alternative to successful completion of an accredited professional Australian qualification in architecture. Successful NPrA Candidates may apply for the Australian Practice Examination (APE). They must successfully undertake the APE before applying to a State or Territory registration board to become registered as an architect.
NPrA
The NPrA is primarily a design exercise which takes the form of a complex architectural Project. NPrA Candidates must respond to the Project Brief, by addressing particular Performance Criteria in the context of the National Competency Standard in Architecture; their responses (Submissions) being in the form of a Report and companion drawings.
NPrA Candidates work alone in responding to the Project Brief and are afforded one opportunity to ask questions of the Assessors on the Project Brief, following its distribution.
Eligibility
It is expected that NPrA Candidates will be capable of demonstrating an ability to make judgements and decisions at a level appropriate to enable successful Candidates to apply for the Architectural Practice Examination (APE).
The NPrA process is designed to test Candidates’ competency in architecture on the basis of their acquired knowledge and experience. Essential to that is the Candidates’ abilities to make assumptions, exercise judgement, and make decisions.
Prospective Candidates are encouraged to self-assess their ability to adequately address the Competencies applicable to the NPrA.
To enrol for the NPrA, Candidates must satisfy academic, English language, work experience and residency requirements as prescribed in the NPrA application form.
NPrA DVD
A DVD about the NPrA is available for purchase from AACA at a cost of $15, including post and handling.
NPrA Applications
Applications for NPrA 19, to be conducted during 2013, have now closed.
The 2-part application form for NPrA 20, which will be conducted during 2014, will be available from this website no later than 1 November 2013 and must be used to lodge a valid application.
In the meantime the NPrA 19 application form, which is available from the Forms and Fees page, or the link below, can be used as a model by prospective applicants to self-assess their eligibility for the Program and as a basis for obtaining the documentation required as part of their application. The model form is accompanied by Explanatory Notes about the process, including eligibility.
Notes for prospective NPrA Candidates
- Admission to the Program cannot be taken as an indication of a successful outcome of the assessment process.
- Before embarking on the Program, you should carefully assess the abilities and knowledge you have gained during your eligibility period and make a judgement as to their appropriateness as background to complete what is a demanding and rigorous task.
- The current NPrA success rate is less than 50%.
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