Competency-based pathway to the Architectural Practice Examination
The National program of Assessment (NPrA) is a competency-based assessment for those who have substantial skills and experience in the architectural profession, but do not have a recognised architectural qualification.
Taking the form of a complex* architectural project, successful completion of the National Program of Assessment is recognised by all Australian registration authorities as an alternate entry to the Architectural Practice Examination, successful completion of which is necessary before applying to a State or Territory registration board to become registered as an architect.
The National Program of Assessment is a design exercise that tests candidates’ competency in architecture on the basis of their acquired knowledge and experience. The focus of the design exercise is to design a complex building in response to a hypothetical design brief.
The National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA) 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 and professional Architect.
The 2021 NSCA has been implemented across the National Program of Assessment from 2022.
*Complex Project: Typically, a project of medium scale or larger that requires the skill and knowledge to deliver the resolution and integration of complicated aspects including but not limited to siting, planning, structure, services, materials, composition and configuration. A complex project is demanding in its ordering and organisation of multiple occupancy and/or special purpose user requirements and requires the integration of cultural, social, environmental and technical issues.
*Complex project: Definition – Refer NSCA Explanatory Notes; Terms Specific to Architectural practice.
Applications for the 2025 NPrA are now closed.
Key Documents
The following documents apply to the NPrA:
NPrA Stage 1 – Eligibility
Candidates must satisfy academic, English language, work experience and residency requirements. Candidates who are successful in Stage 1, will be invited to participate in Stage 2.
NPrA Stage 2 – Response to the Design Brief
Candidates must respond to the Project Brief by addressing nominated Performance Criteria in the context of the 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA).
Submissions take the form of a report and companion drawings. Candidates work alone in responding to the Project Design Brief and are given one opportunity to submit questions to the Management Group on the Project Design Brief.
2026 Program Fees
- Stage 1 – Eligibility $1,305 (Non-refundable)
- Stage 2 – Response to the design brief $4,280
- Refund Stage 2 (before census date) – $1,085 (Notification of withdrawal required)
- Application for 2nd Assessment – $1,055 (Non-refundable)
All fees are GST free. AACA only accepts online credit card payments, by VISA or MASTERCARD. (1.6 – 2.9% surcharge applies to all online payments.)
2025 Timetable
Results distributed to candidates: 28 November 2025
2026 Timetable
Applications for the 2026 program will close at 11:59 pm (AEDT) on 2 February 2026.
APPLICATIONS
- Stage 1 Applications Open: 1 December 2025
- Stage 1 Applications Close: 2 February 2026
- Stage 2 Candidate Offers Distributed: 16 February 2026
- Closing date for acceptance of Stage 2 offers: 2 March 2026
- Stage 2 Program Design Brief Distributed: 23 March 2026
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
- Q & A Period: 6 April 2026 – 27 April 2026
- Q & A’s distributed to candidates: 18 May 2026
- Census Date* (Closing date for withdrawal of participation): 1 June 2026
(*Partial refund for candidates who NOTIFY withdrawal)
SUBMISSIONS AND ASSESSMENT – NPrA STAGE 2
- Part 1 – Candidate Preliminary Conceptual Design Deadline: 27 July 2026
- Part 2 – Candidate Final Submission Deadline: 19 October 2026
- Results distributed to candidates: 30 November 2026
Results & Appeals
Successful Assessment Outcome
Successful candidates are provided with an Outcome letter that acts as an authority to apply for the Architectural Practice Examination (APE) with an Australian State or Territory Architects Registration Board, subject to eligibility criteria (including practical experience logbook).
Unsuccessful Assessment Outcome
Unsuccessful candidates are provided with an Outcome Letter indicating the overall results and the Performance Criteria where they were assessed as deficient, including some limited feedback from the assessors.
Please note that unsuccessful candidates may be eligible to apply for future NPrA Stage 2 programs. Candidate offers may distributed in the following year to previous candidates who were unsuccessful in Stage 2 of the previous 3 years and who have notified AACA of their interest.
Application for 2nd Competency Assessment Interview
Unsuccessful candidates may apply for a 2nd Assessment. Costs apply.
A 2nd Assessment will be completed by a different Assessor using the same documents that the candidate had submitted.
Appeal
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.
More information: contact the AACA at [email protected]
