Review of the National Competency Standards in Architecture (NCSA)

The AACA conducts a review of all its processes at five yearly intervals to ensure their continuing relevance.  As part of that process a review of the National Competency Standards in Architecture (NCSA) is underway.  The NCSA Review Work Group has prepared a brief document to provide background to the Review and a series of questions to focus responses.  Submissions are invited from interested parties by 19 July 2013.  Responses should be emailed to ncsareview@aaca.org.au and include the submitter’s name and contact email.

Review of the AACA Architectural Practice Examination (APE)

A review of the Architectural Practice Examination (APE) is currently underway.  A draft Report will be available shortly.

AACA Architectural Practice Examination (APE)

The AACA Architectural Practice Examination (APE) is generally conducted twice each year in each State and Territory of Australia.

Candidates intending to apply for admission to an APE should contact the Architects Registration authority in the State or Territory in which they reside.

Documentation relating to the APE may be downloaded from the publications page, including the Logbook in Architectural Practice (NCSA/LB)

On 21 July 2011 the 80 page Logbook was updated.  If you have been using a version of the Logbook published prior to that date  click here for information about how it may affect you.

No action is required if your completed Logbook will require 40 pages or less.

From 1 January 2012 electronic submission of Logbooks will be mandatory.

Review of Australian Architecture Schools Accreditation Procedure

The review of Australian Architecture Schools Accreditation Procedure document was completed in April 2012 .

A copy of the revised document - the Australian and New Zealand Architecture Program Accreditation Procedure (ANZ APAP) – is available from the Publications Page.

Migration Skills Assessment

AACA is aware that a number of reforms to the Department of Immigration & Citizenship’s (DIAC) General Skilled Migration program took effect from 1 July 2011.  Details are available from the DIAC website at http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/whats-new.htm

In response to the DIAC reforms, the AACA application form for Assessment of Academic Qualifications in Architecture for Migration Purposes – Form M – was revised and must be used for applications for skills assessments lodged after 1 July 2011.

Recognition of Hong Kong Qualifications

Australia has signed a mutual recognition agreement with Hong Kong for recognition of two Hong Kong architectural qualifications.  The agreement is effective from December 2010.

APEC Architect

Australia has now signed Bi-lateral Agreements under the APEC Architect framework with Chinese Taipei and Japan, and a Tri-lateral Agreement with Singapore and New Zealand.

Review of Graduate Equivalence (RGE)

AACA has developed a new process, as part of the  assessment of overseas academic qualifications in architecture for the purpose of meeting the academic requirements leading to the process of registration as an architect in Australia.   People with overseas qualifications in architecture who no longer have their student portfolio, but who meet certain other criteria, including a prior Provisional Assessment, can obtain a final assessment of their qualifications through this process.   Further details can be accessed from the Overseas Educated page.