Stage 2 Assessments

The AACA Overseas Qualifications Assessment (OQA) program determines whether an individual overseas academic qualification is comparable to a current Australian accredited qualification in Architecture.

OQA Stage 2 is the final stage (where applicants have previously received a Successful OQA – Stage 1 Outcome prior to March 2022) and completes the Overseas Qualifications Assessment. Through the submission of a project portfolio and participation in a Competency Assessment Interview, applicants have the opportunity to demonstrate how their qualifications have equipped them with the skills, knowledge and competencies required to satisfactorily meet the relevant criteria of the National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA). This is the minimum standard required of a graduate from an accredited program of study in Australia.

If an applicant has previously completed a successful OQA – Stage 1 assessment with the AACA, they may apply for OQA – Stage 2 only. Evidence of the OQA – Stage 1 Outcome must be submitted with the application.

The outcome is determined by the applicant’s ability to convincingly demonstrate that they possess the NSCA competencies required to adequately meet the relevant performance criteria.

Competency Assessment Interview

A Competency Assessment that includes the submission of a Portfolio of between 3 to 4 Architectural projects, written summary statements that address the 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects in Australia (NSCA), and a Competency Assessment Interview.

The information on this webpage is a summary only and applicants must follow the detailed information in the OQA Guide for Applicants.

2022 Program Update

New submission requirements based on the 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects are effective 1 March 2022.  All applications submitted must follow the 2022 requirements. Please refer to the guide and templates on this page before submitting your application.