UK Registration Recognition for Australia
The UK Registration Recognition is applicable to eligible applicants with current UK architect registration. This process recognises applicants’ UK registration and relevant qualifications simultaneously.
Eligibility
UK architects seeking to be registered (licensed) in Australia must have the following:
- Accredited qualifications, being either:
- United Kingdom Architects Registration Board (UK ARB) prescribed qualifications Part 1 and Part 2, or
- An accredited New Zealand or Australian qualification*.
- UK ARB registration through Part 3.
- UK ARB Registration not gained through foreign reciprocity.
All Australian States and Territories’ registration boards will be participating in all pathways.
However, for the UK MRA pathway, to be registered in Western Australia applicants must first register in any other state or territory in Australia and then apply through the standard Australian mutual recognition acts.
*Please note accredited qualifications from Hong Kong and Singapore are not included in the Mutual Recognition Agreement.
Application Process
- UK ARB Certificate of Eligibility: Applicants must obtain their Certificate of Eligibility from UK ARB prior to applying to AACA.
- AACA Assessment Application: Please refer to the following key documents:
Applications are generally finalised within 10 weeks. Timeframes are dependent upon the submission of all required documentation and the interview schedule.
Outcome
Suitable Assessment Outcome
After successfully completing an assessment application and interview with AACA, applicants will receive an AACA Statement of Recognition. This statement can be submitted to State and Territory Architect Registration Boards in Australia to facilitate registration (additional fees and lodgements apply).
Applicants can also request from AACA an Australian Migration Skills Assessment for the occupation ‘Architect’, OSCA Code 241131 (previously ANZSCO code 232111.)
Not Suitable Assessment Outcome
Not Suitable (Unsuccessful) applicants will be advised of the NSCA Performance Criteria where they did not demonstrate the required competency and will be informed of the pathways available for registration.
Not Suitable applicants offered a second interview should note that a fee applies to cover the interview and associated assessor costs. Please refer to our website for detailed fee information.
Application for 2nd Competency Assessment Interview
Not Suitable candidates may apply for a 2nd Competency Assessment Interview. Costs apply.
A 2nd Competency Assessment Interview will be scheduled with the same two Assessors, using the documents originally submitted by the candidate.
Application Fees – Australia only
UK Registration Recognition $4,900.
A card transaction surcharge applies to all payments (1.49% for Australian cards and 2.9% for international cards). Application fees for ARB UK are not included in the figures above.
Appeals
Refer to the AACA Appeals Policy – AACA website Homepage: AACA-Policies.
A candidate can only appeal the outcome of an AACA program on the ground that procedural fairness was denied to the candidate. Procedural fairness requires the decision maker to comply with established assessment procedures, and to act fairly, impartially and without bias in the making of a decision.
Appeals will not be accepted on any other grounds. Disagreement with an assessor’s judgment or general dissatisfaction with an outcome alone is not a ground for appeal. Causes or issues external to the assessment process (such as personal circumstances or comparisons to other candidates’ results) are not valid grounds for appeal.
Internal Review – Appeal
The AACA Assessment Manager reviews all Not Suitable Outcomes within 2 days, prior to issue of notification to applicants.
If an applicant subsequently wishes to APPEAL, the following is required within 28 days of the Not Suitable Outcome letter: Refer to the AACA Appeals Policy – AACA website Homepage: AACA-Policies.
The CEO will review the Grounds for Appeal within 28 days.
External Review – Appeal
If an APPEAL is upheld: Refer to the AACA Appeals Policy – AACA website Homepage: AACA-Policies.
