Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA)
Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA)

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Architectural Practice Examination (APE)

Candidates seeking registration as an architect in Australia are assessed through the three parts of the Architectural Practice Examination (APE). This is a national, competency-based assessment aligned with the National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA). Candidates who successfully complete all requirements of the APE may then apply for registration with the Architect Registration Board (ARB) in any Australian state or territory.

Part 1: AACA Logbook and Statement of Practical Experience

In this stage, candidates document their practical experience. The relevant state or territory ARB reviews this submission to determine eligibility for Part 2: the National Examination Paper (NEP).

Part 2: National Examination Paper (NEP)

Candidates approved by the ARB after Part 1 may sit the NEP. This exam assesses knowledge and the ability to apply the performance criteria outlined in the NSCA. The NEP is delivered in partnership with Pearson to eligible candidates via an online platform.

Part 3: Examination by Interview

This final stage evaluates a candidate’s professional experience and their ability to demonstrate and communicate the practical application of the NSCA. Interviews are arranged by the ARB after a successful NEP result.

Before scheduling your Part 2 NEP appointment, you must have already:

  1. Applied for APE Part 1 and been notified of your eligibility to sit Part 2 by the relevant Board

Appointments must be scheduled for the official NEP test day, as advised on the AACA and relevant Board websites.

Candidates will have the option to schedule an exam appointment at a test centre, subject to availability and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Alternatively,  candidates may choose to complete the examination via online proctoring.

After you schedule your test, Pearson will send a confirmation email listing your testing date, testing time, and any other requirements.

AACA offers resources for candidates to prepare for the APE Part 2 NEP. 

Visit our website for further information: Architectural Practice Examination Overview | Architects Accreditation Council of Australia

To contact AACA regarding your APE Part 2 NEP, please visit the AACA website or email mail@aaca.org.au

Test accommodations

AACA provide appropriate arrangements for individuals where a documented need has been identified and approved by the relevant Architectural Registration Board. Requests for test accommodations are assessed by the ARB on a case-by-case basis, with the ARB determining the outcome. Test accommodations may also be known as “exceptional circumstances” or “reasonable adjustments." Pearson test accommodations may include:

  • Extra testing time
  • A separate testing room
  • Breaks

 Please contact your relevant Architectural Registration Board for more information.

NSW Architects Registration Board mail@architects.nsw.gov.au
Architects Registration Board of Victoria registrar@arbc.vic.gov.au
Board of Architects of Queensland mail@boaq.qld.gov.au
The Architectural Practice Board of South Australia admin@archboardsa.org.au
Architects Board of Western Australia info@architectsboard.org.au
Australian Capital Territory Architects Board cwpl@act.gov.au
Board of Architects of Tasmania registrar@architectsboardtas.org.au
Northern Territory Architects Board ntab@nt.gov.au

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Last updated 2026-08-03