National Galaxy Poll: The Benefit of Design
Comparison of Architectural Registration
How does the path to becoming an architect in Australia compare with other countries?
The AACA has prepared a profile of architecture in Australia, and conducted a comparison of registration requirements with New Zealand, the United States of America, Canada, Singapore and Hong Kong. Users of this site are able to select countries that they wish to compare, and the areas of comparison, to produce custom tables. See here.
Also find an Industry Profile of The Profession of Architecture in Australia.
First Australian Architect Registered in Canada Under the APEC Architect Agreement
Andrew Scott is the first Australian Architect to achieve registration in British Columbia, Canada through the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) between Canada, Australia and New Zealand under the APEC Architect Project. The MRA was signed in February of this year and allows for fast-track cross- border registration for senior architects between the three countries. Read more about Andrew’s story. Or see more about applying to be an APEC Architect.
This week
Review of the RAE/RGE complete. Applications now open for revised process. What does the architectural professional look like in Australia? Check out the latest industry research by AACA. How do requirements for registration in Australia compare with those in New Zealand, USA, Canada, Hong Kong and Singapore? New Combined Stage 1 & 2 Assessment Process for residents in Australia with overseas qualification in architecture who would like to move towards registration.
Review of the Recognition of Academic Equivalence/Graduate Equivalence (RAE/RGE) Finalised
Overseas Qualifications Assessment Stage 2 – Final Assessment process for applicants with overseas qualifications wanting to progress to APE for registration as an architect in Australia replaces the RAE/RGE processes. Stage 2 Final Assessment replaces the RAE and RGE with one process which allows applicants to provide academic and/or professional evidence to meet the required competencies. AACA will no longer accept RAE/RGE applications. The new Stage 2 Final Assessment still requires applicants to complete a Stage 1 Provisional Assessment prior to undertaking the Stage 2 Final Assessment. Revised eligibility requirements apply. Please see here for full details about Overseas Qualifications Assessments.
New research on the architectural profession in Australia
AUSTRALIAN ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS COMPARED WITH NEW ZEALAND, USA, CANADA, HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE Australia’s requirements for architectural education and registration compare well with a number of key economies in the APEC group, according to a study published by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA). “Our requirements for five years of accredited full time university study (or equivalent), at least two years of professional experience and sitting of a professional exam compare closely with requirements in New Zealand, the United States of America, Canada, Singapore and Hong Kong,” said AACA CEO Kate Doyle. “Consumers can be confident Australia’s 12,000 registered architects have been through a comprehensive nationally consistent process to ensure they have the full range of design, technical and professional skills needed to deliver quality services to the public.” At the same time, the AACA study found there are some differences in approach among the six countries studied, for example in the format of the professional exam between jurisdictions. Most countries including Australia have a written and oral exam, but New Zealand just has an oral exam, while the USA is the only country with an online exam that can be taken anytime at approved testing centres. The AACA comparative study also highlighted areas where enhancements to Australia’s registration regime might be possible. “Australia is unusual in not having a process to assess the bona fides of experienced architects moving here from other countries,” said Ms Doyle. “With the agreement of the Architects Registration Boards around Australia we are investigating the potential of developing a process to recognise appropriately qualified and experienced overseas architects.” “Another key point of difference is that we don’t have the same kind of structured internship following graduation that a number of countries offer.” “This is also an area that could be investigated by the AACA in discussion with State and Territory Architect Registration Boards and industry stakeholders as we continue to improve services to the architectural sector,” said Ms Doyle. The AACA study provides a detailed benchmarking comparison of requirements in each jurisdiction, viewable through a customisable online matrix on the website: http://comparison.aaca.org.au/ A new profile of the Australian architectural sector is also downloadable as a companion document to the study. This project was made possible with funding support from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training. For media comment: Kate Doyle, CEO 0400 564 936 The Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) is a not for profit company owned by the State and Territory architect registration boards. It is the national organisation responsible for coordinating and facilitating national standards for the registration of architects in Australia.
AACA Revised Programmes
The AACA has recently conducted reviews of the Review of Academic Equivalence (RAE), Review of Graduate Equivalence (RGE) and the National Program of Assessment (NPrA). These programmes have been refined to improve programme clarity of purpose and streamline requirements to assist Applicants in their transition to registration in Australia. The RAE/RGE will be replaced by Stage 2: Final Overseas Qualification Assessment, with applications opening on 22 June 2015 and; NPrA 21 in 2015 will be open for applications at the end of July.
Regulation of the Architect Profession within Australia
In Australia, the eight states and territories regulate the architecture profession. Each jurisdiction has its own Architects Act and Architect Regulations. The AACA has commissioned a report that provides an overview and comparison of the differences and similarities of each. See here for the full report.
Architectural Practice Exam (APE) Exam Calendar
The Architectural Practice Exam is held twice a year by the State and Territory Architect Registration Boards. The next session of the National Examination Paper (NEP) will be held on Tuesday, 25 August 2015. Please refer to your State or Territory Architects Board Website for further information regarding to APE Applications and Logbook lodgement dates.
Updated Application Forms
The AACA has introduced two new forms, Form PA and Form V. These forms replace the previous Form M and Form R. Please ensure you are using the current forms as any Form M and Form R received by AACA on or after 29 April 2015, with the exception of a verification of a recognised architecture qualification, will be required to complete and submit the cover letter, matrix and syllabus. Please see the Forms & Fees page to download the new forms.