AACA

Updated 07 Jan 2025

Description:

The Australian Architecture Accreditation Council (AACA) serves as the official body appointed by the Commonwealth government of Australia to evaluate overseas qualifications in architecture. This assessment is crucial for individuals seeking to migrate to Australia through the Australian Government Skilled Migration Program. Specifically, the AACA acts as the assessing authority for the occupation of 'Architect,' which is classified under the ANZSCO code 232111.

In addition to its role in migration assessments, the AACA is tasked with evaluating overseas architecture qualifications to ascertain their equivalence to Australian accredited qualifications. This process is particularly relevant for applicants who wish to gain access to the Architectural Practice Exam (APE), which is a necessary step towards achieving professional registration as an architect in Australia.

Here is a detailed overview of the skill assessment process for the occupation of 'Architect' (ANZSCO code 232111):

• The Australian Architecture Accreditation Council (AACA) is recognized as the primary authority for assessing overseas architecture qualifications. This includes evaluations for skilled migration to Australia and assessments to determine the comparability of overseas qualifications to Australian standards, which is essential for access to the Architectural Practice Exam (APE).
• The assessment process is structured into two distinct stages, each designed to focus on the equivalence of overseas qualifications with Australian accredited qualifications.
• Stage 1 involves the evaluation of tertiary architecture qualifications obtained from institutions outside of Australia. This stage ensures that the qualifications allow graduates to register as architects in their respective countries of education.
  • To be eligible for Stage 1, applicants must possess a five-year full-time equivalent academic qualification in architecture through coursework from a non-Australian institution. In some cases, a four-year qualification may be accepted if it qualifies the individual for registration in their home country.
  • Additionally, applicants are required to provide proof of at least one year of relevant work experience, which must include a minimum of six months of post-graduation experience.
  • A demonstration of English language proficiency is mandatory, typically evidenced by an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher (or an equivalent score) obtained within the last three years.
• Stage 2 represents the final assessment phase, where applicants are required to showcase their skills, knowledge, and competencies in alignment with the National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA). This is accomplished through the submission of a project portfolio and participation in a panel interview.
  • Eligibility for Stage 2 necessitates the successful completion of Stage 1 and an IELTS score of 6.5 in each module.
  • The criteria for assessment include the presentation of a portfolio featuring two to four architectural projects, which must include at least one complex project. Additionally, applicants may include their final thesis project. An employer reference letter detailing relevant project experience and evidence of payment for the required work experience are also necessary.
• Upon successfully completing the assessment, applicants become eligible to undertake the Architecture Practice Examination, which is a critical requirement for obtaining architect registration in Australia.

Guidelines

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Contact Details:
Suite 3, Level 575 Castlereagh Street SYDNEY NSW 2000
PO Box A2575SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 1235 Australia
61 02 8042 8930
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