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.
Applications for the 2025 NPrA are now closed.
Key Documents
The following documents apply to the 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.
Stage 2 – Response to the Design Brief
Candidates must respond to the Project Brief by addressing particular Performance Criteria in the context of the National Standard of Competency for Architects.
Submissions take the form of a report and companion drawings. Candidates work alone in responding to the Project Brief and are given one opportunity to submit questions to the Management Group on the Project Brief.
2025 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)
- Appeal Fee – $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
Applications for the 2025 program will close at 11:59 pm (AEDT) on 3 February 2025.
APPLICATIONS
- Stage 1 Applications Open: 2 December 2024
- Stage 1 Applications Close: 3 February 2025
- Candidate Offers Distributed: 17 February 2025
- Closing date for acceptance of offers: 3 March 2025
- Stage 2 Program Brief Distributed: 24 March 2025
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
- Q & A Period: 7 April 2025- 28 April 2025
- Q & A’s distributed to candidates: 19 May 2025
- Census Date (Closing date for withdrawal of participation): 2 June 2025
ASSESSMENT – STAGE 2
- Part 1 – Candidate Preliminary Conceptual Design Deadline: 21 July 2025
- Part 2 – Candidate Final Design Deadline: 13 October 2025
- Results distributed to candidates: 28 November 2025
More information: contact the AACA at [email protected]
