Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA)
The association is responsible for maintain and regulating the National Standards Competency for the Architects. It also accredits the programs and courses offered by educational bodies to be in accordance with preset measures. Architects that wish to practice in Australia are required to pass the Architectural Practice Examination (APE) and be registered. This competency test has been developed and maintained by AACA. APE is the only national examination in Architectural Practice that has been adopted by all Australian State and Territory architects registration boards.
AACA roles and responsibilities:
· Maintaining and developing the Architectural Practice Examination;
· Advocating and managing the National Standards of Competency for Architects;
· Accrediting architectural education and assessment process for registration;
· Negotiating with overseas organisations for recognition of one’s qualifications; and
· Assessing the overseas qualifications for the purpose of migration.
The list of occupations assessed by AACA can be found below:
| Number | Occupation Name | ANZSCO Code | Assessing Authority |
| 1 | Architects | 232111 | AACA |
Skill Assessment Procedure for migration:
Applicants are required to have their qualifications and skills assessed by the assessing authority to determine the comparability to an Australian standard. Accordingly, the assessment takes place in a two-stage process:
· Stage one- Provisional Assessment focuses on the applicants academic qualification in architecture and is desk based assessment: and
· Stage two- Final Assessment focuses on verification of overseas qualification. The process involves interviewing with the applicants to measure the quality of the undertaken courses and a portfolio of applicants student/professional work.
If the assessment is successful the applicant is eligible to take APE before registration as an architect in a state or territory in Australia.
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| YES | NO |
| Are you a registered professional in Australia? | You are qualified to practice in Australia. | You are not qualified to practice in Australia. |
| Have you received your qualification from an accredited University/College in Australia or New Zealand? | You are not required to be assessed. | You are required to have your qualification and skills assessed by the relevant authority. |
| Are you required to be submitted for assessment? | Documents required:
· Certificate or a degree, in original language and a certified copy of an official English translation, if applicable. · Certified copy of your identification. · Official transcript, in original language and a certified copy of an official English translation, if applicable. · Evidence of membership, in the relevant association, if applicable. · Evidence of employment, from graduation to present. · Evidence of registration/ license, if applicable, and · Assessment form. |
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Assessment of overseas qualification is a complex and time consuming procedure. It may take up to 8 weeks for the process to take place. After completion of the assessment a Letter of Assessment is received by the applicant. The received qualification is useful to assist:
· Migration officers to determine the suitability of the applicant for migration under the General Skilled Migration Categories;
· Registration as an Architect with AACA; and
· Eligibility for relevant jobs.
For further information as to fees and assessments please contact us.
Here is the list of links that may be useful:
Immigration