From 1 June 2024, NSW architect registration fees are as follow:

An initial enrolment fee of $155 may be payable in addition to the above fees if you have not previously been registered in NSW. The initial enrolment fee applies to those who,

• have successfully completed the Architectural Practice Examination (APE), or
• have successfully completed Experienced Practitioner Assessment (EPA) (local or overseas), or
• are currently registered in the United States, or
• are currently registered in the United Kingdom, or
• are an APEC architect.

Interstate architects who apply for registration in NSW under Mutual Recognition do not pay the initial enrolment fee (which is waived).

New Zealand architects who apply for registration in NSW under Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition do not pay the initial enrolment fee (which is waived).

APE Part 3 – Examination by interview

Candidates who have passed the APE Part 2 National Examination Paper are eligible to be admitted to the APE Part 3 examination by interview.

The examination by interview assesses a candidate’s range of work and their capacity to demonstrate and communicate adequate practical application and experience of the 2021 NSCA.

Interviews run for 45 to 60 minutes and are conducted in person by two experienced NSW registered architects at the NSW Architects Registration Board’s premises in Sydney.

Candidates who pass the examination by interview may apply for registration as an architect in NSW.

When preparing for the examination by interview, you should refer to the key documents on the AACA website.

AACA documents

• 2024 Architectural Practice Examination Handbook
• 2024 APE Information Sheet for Candidates
• 2024 APE Support Material
• 2024 APE Checklist
• 2024 APE Performance Criteria Report (APE Part 1 NSCA Project Matrix)
• 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA)
• 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA) Explanatory Notes
• 2021 NSCA Mapping to 2015 NSCA
• NEP Remote Proctoring FAQs

Other documents

• NSW Statutory Declaration

APE Part 2: National Examination Paper (NEP)

Candidates who have met the eligibility requirements for APE Part 1 are eligible to sit the National Examination Paper (NEP).

When preparing for the NEP, you must refer to the key documents on the AACA website.

The NEP is a scenario-based exam that tests knowledge and application of the relevant performance criteria in the 2021 NSCA. It is a ‘closed book’, remote proctored computer-based assessment comprising 80 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 120 minutes.

Candidates must pass the National Examination Paper before being admitted to Part 3: Examination by interview.

AACA key documents

• 2024 Architectural Practice Examination Handbook
• 2024 APE Information Sheet for Candidates
• 2024 APE Support Material
• 2024 APE Checklist
• 2024 APE Performance Criteria Report (APE Part 1 NSCA Project Matrix)
• 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA)
• 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA) Explanatory Notes
• 2021 NSCA Mapping to 2015 NSCA
• NEP Remote Proctoring FAQs

Other documents

• NSW Statutory Declaration

APE Part 1: Submission of AACA Logbook and Statement of Practical Experience

When preparing your submission for the APE Parts 1 and 2, you must refer to the key documents on the AACA website.

AACA key documents

• 2024 Architectural Practice Examination Handbook
• 2024 APE Information Sheet for Candidates
• 2024 APE Support Material
• 2024 APE Checklist
• 2024 APE Performance Criteria Report (APE Part 1 NSCA Project Matrix)
• 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA)
• 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA) Explanatory Notes
• 2021 NSCA Mapping to 2015 NSCA
• NEP Remote Proctoring FAQs

Other documents

• NSW Statutory Declaration

Application for registration as an architect in NSW

Interstate architects who wish to work in NSW

If you are currently registered as an architect in another Australian State or Territory, you must notify the NSW Architects Registration Board before commencing work in NSW. If you do not do so, you may be breaking the law.

There are 2 ways for interstate architects to lawfully work in NSW, through:

• Mutual Recognition (MR), and
• Automatic Mutual Recognition - Automatic Deemed Registration (ADR).

Individuals not previously registered in Australia who wish to work in NSW

If you have never been registered as an architect in Australia, please use the pathway finder to identify the most appropriate pathway to become a registered architect in NSW or apply now.

If you are currently registered as an architect in another Australian State or Territory, you must notify the NSW Architects Registration Board before commencing work in NSW. If you do not do so, you may be breaking the law.

There are 2 ways for interstate architects to lawfully work in NSW, through:

• Mutual Recognition (MR), and
• Automatic Mutual Recognition - Automatic Deemed Registration (ADR).

From 1 June 2024, NSW architect registration fees are as follow:

The above fees apply to interstate architects who apply for registration in NSW under Mutual Recognition. They pay only for the selected registration term and do not pay the additional fee of $155 for initial registration (which is waived).

If you do not have an approved academic qualification in architecture, the NSW Portfolio Program of Assessment (NSW PPA) provides an alternative pathway to registration as an architect in NSW.

The NSW PPA is a competency based 'assessment by portfolio' process and is administered by the NSW Architects Registration Board. The NSW PPA is only recognised in NSW.

Please download the Factsheet for more information.

Download here

Complete the form to apply for the NSW PPA.

Apply Now

Upon successful completion of the NSW PPA you can apply for the Architectural Practice Examination (APE) in NSW (only).

Upon successful completion of the APE you can apply for initial registration as an architect in NSW by completing Form 01 - Application for Initial Registration as an Architect in NSW.

Attend the free briefing session

For candidates planning to apply
NSW PPA Stage 1 & 2:

2024 Candidate Briefing Tuesday 9 April 2024, 5.30pm – 7.00pm

Register

About the APE

Everyone seeking registration as an architect in Australia is required to successfully complete the APE unless exempted through a mutual recognition agreement, eligible overseas assessment process or the AACA Experienced Practitioner Assessment.

The APE is a national competency-based assessment in accordance with the 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021 NSCA). The 2021 NSCA identifies the skills, knowledge and capabilities required for the general practice of architecture in Australia.

The APE ensures that individuals who are admitted to a register of architects in any state or territory in Australia have an adequate knowledge and understanding of the practice of architecture in Australia and the capacity to exercise professional skill.


The APE is conducted twice each year and comprises 3 parts.

Upon successful completion of all 3 parts of the APE you can apply for initial registration as an architect in NSW by completing Form 01 - Application for Initial Registration as an Architect in NSW.

More information

There is more than one pathway you can follow to become a registered architect. See below for explanations of each pathway and the relevant form you must complete to apply for initial registration in NSW.