About the 2024 Architectural Practice Examination
The purpose of the Architectural Practice Examination (APE) is to ensure that persons applying to be 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 a capacity to exercise professional skill.
The AACA National Standard of Competency for Architects sets out the benchmark competency against which an applicant for registration as an architect in Australia is measured. The Standard describes what is reasonably expected of a person who can demonstrate the standard of skill, care and diligence widely accepted in Australia as a competent professional architectural practitioner.
Starting 2024, the Architectural Practice Examination will follow the 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA).
APE Format
The 2024 Architectural Practice Examination remains unchanged, comprising three parts:
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- Part 1: Submission of a Logbook and Statement of Practical Experience;
- Part 2: National Examination Paper; and
- Part 3: Examination by Interview
Candidates who have satisfactorily met the requirements of all three parts of the Architectural Practice Examination may apply for registration to the architect registration board in any state or territory in Australia. The architect registration boards in all Australian states and territories have legislative duties to determine eligibility for registration as an architect.
AACA 2024 Logbook
The new AACA Logbook is an online platform. Once you have completed your logbook online you will be able to download a PDF document and submit it with your application. Candidates should also check any other Board specific requirements before submitting APE Part 1 documents.
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
- 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 (Available late 2023)
Transition Between 2015 NSCA and 2021 NSCA
APE Part 3 candidates who submitted 2023 (or prior) documents, may need to resubmit Part 1 documents using the 2024 APE format. Refer the below table and confirm details with your local board:
- ACT: No transition must resubmit Part 1 with 2024 format.
- NSW: No transition must resubmit Part 1 with 2024 format.
- NT: No transition must resubmit Part 1 with 2024 format.
- QLD: 24-month transition, expires end 2025. Refer QLD Board for conditions.
- SA: No transition must resubmit Part 1 with 2024 format. Refer SA Board for special consideration.
- TAS: 12-month transition, expires end 2024. Refer Tas Board for conditions.
- VIC: No transition must resubmit Part 1 with 2024 format.
- WA: 12-month transition, expires end 2024. Refer WA Board for conditions.
All APE Part 3 interviews will use the 2021 NSCA
Key Changes to the Architectural Practice Examination
- Practical Experience to be logged in an online version of the AACA Logbook
- There is no longer a requirement to log experience against Observer, Participant and Executive headings
- The Statement of Practical Experience must be verified by a registered architect
- Candidates are required to complete the APE Performance Criteria Report cross-referencing their experience to the Performance Criteria
- Candidates are required to review the AACA APE Study Guide and Online Resources
- The scenarios and questions in the National Examination Paper will be expanded to reflect the 2021 NSCA.
- The number of questions and time allowed to complete the National Examination Paper will be increased from a 45-question exam to be completed in 80 minutes, to an 80-question exam to be completed in 120 minutes.
- Discussion in the Interview will focus on the areas of practice in line with the 2021 NSCA.
Frequently Asked Questions
All candidates applying for the APE from 2024 are impacted. This includes candidates resitting Parts 1, 2 and 3 from previous years.
Candidates should refer to 2021 vs 2015 explained.
Candidates should read the APE Handbook (and accompanying documents to understand the changes and submission requirements) for the APE from 2024.
No, you will have to log your experience using the new online AACA Logbook and following the updated APE Handbook. There is no transition period and all submissions, including resits for Part 2 and Part 3 need to be in the 2024 format.
Yes, candidates are required to update and resubmit the Statement of Practical Experience with supervisor signature and log experience using the online AACA Logbook in line with the 2021 NSCA.
