Architectural Practice Examination (APE)
A nationally consistent competency based assessment process.
All candidates seeking registration as an architect in Australia are required to successfully complete the APE.
The APE has been developed and is maintained by AACA. It has been adopted by all Australian state and territory architect registration boards as the national examination in architectural practice.
Structure
The APE is a three-part process, all three parts of which must be completed sequentially.
Once all requirements of the three-part APE have been satisfactorily met, candidates can apply to the architects registration board in the state or territory in which they wish to practice.
APE Part 1
Logbook and Statement of Practical Experience
Candidates are required to hold an accredited qualification (or equivalent) and must undertake and record a minimum period of practical experience.
APE Part 2
National Examination Paper (NEP)
Once the practical experience requirements are satisfied, candidates will sit the NEP
APE Part 3
Examination by Interview
After satisfactory completion the NEP, candidates will sit the Examination by Interview.
Purpose
The purpose of the APE 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 National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA) sets out the benchmark standards of competence against which an applicant for registration as an architect in Australia is measured. The Standard describes what is reasonably expected of a person who can demonstrate the standard of skill, care and diligence widely accepted in Australia as a competent professional architectural practitioner.
Portability
Architects registration boards in all Australian states and territories accept the results of the AACA APE regardless of the jurisdiction the Examination is undertaken in.
How to Apply
Application forms for the AACA APE, setting out details of the submission requirements and the applicable fee, are available at any architect registration board office and from their websites.
Briefing sessions/seminars
Most Australian state and territory architects registration boards offer relevant preparatory briefing sessions for the APE. Attendance at boards’ briefing sessions may benefit Candidates in their preparation for the APE, but attendance is voluntary.
Candidates should contact their local state or territory architects registration boards for details of APE preparatory programs which may be helpful.
More Information
- National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA) This matrix shows the required Performance Criteria for the APE.
- Procedures for Candidates of the APE an overview of the APE
- Reference Guide for APE Candidates provides general reference information about scope of APE
- Logbook Guidance
- The Logbook of Experience in Architectural Practice
- Sample National Examination Paper and Candidate Answer Sheet