Overseas Qualifications Assessment – New Applicants

Overview

Assessment of overseas qualifications, for the purpose of migration and registration as an architect in Australia.

New Applicants

Previously known as Combined Stage 1 and 2

Stage 2

Final Assessment for applicants who completed Stage 1 previously

Assessment for New Applicants

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 was previously conducted in two (2) stages, but from March 2022 it has now become a one-step comprehensive assessment of tertiary qualifications and competency. Applicants who apply for the first time will complete both components in one application.

The outcome is determined by the applicant’s ability to convincingly demonstrate that they possess the 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects in Australia (NSCA) competencies required to adequately meet the relevant performance criteria.

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

Qualification Assessment

The Qualifications Assessment is an assessment of tertiary qualifications in Architecture that have been awarded outside of Australia and permit a graduate to proceed to registration as an Architect in the country of the awarding institution.

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.

2022 Program Update

New submission requirements based on the 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA) are effective from 1 March 2022.  All applications submitted must follow the new requirements. Please refer to the OQA Applicants Guide and templates on this page before submitting your application.

Key Documents

Apply Here

Video Guide for Applicant

Please review this OQA video guide in preparation for the submission of documents and in preparation for the Competency Assessment Interview.

Eligibility

  • Applicants must have completed a tertiary Architectural course that permits a graduate to register as an Architect in the country of the awarding institution. A 5-year qualification is the expected standard.
  • 6 months of paid architectural post-graduate work experience (excluding course integrated experience).
  • English language proficiency.
  • Applicants may reside in Australia or overseas.

Assessment Criteria – Qualifications

  • Education system of the country in which the qualification(s) were obtained
  • Status of the awarding institution
  • Academic duration of the qualification(s)
  • Structure of the coursework program
  • Content of the individual units of study
  • Grading system
  • Design Studies and Design Integration
  • Documentation and Technical Studies
  • History and Theory Studies
  • Practice and Project Management, Implementation and User Studies
  • Environmental Studies
  • Communication Studies

Assessment Criteria – Portfolio and Work Experience

Refer to the OQA Applicants Guide.

Portfolio Requirements – NSCA Criteria
A Portfolio of between 3 to 4 Architectural projects should be submitted in accordance with the Applicants Guide.

One complex project * (typically a medium or larger scale project) must be included. It is recommended to include the final thesis (Architectural design) project, as it offers a good basis to discuss educational competency in the Competency Assessment Interview.

*Complex project definition: Refer OQA Applicants Guide

Must be submitted to address the 13 Topic Areas as outlined and address the relevant group of Performance Criteria. These Statements must be supported with reference drawings, sketches or other documentation that relates to the Projects presented in the Portfolio.

Applicants must provide evidence for a minimum of 6 months full time equivalent of architectural post-graduate work experience, (excluding course-integrated practical experience). A detailed reference letter must be provided.

Evidence of English language proficiency is required if the architectural program was delivered in a language other than English, and it may be either of the options listed in the OQA Applicants Guide.

Note: “English language requirements in Skilled Migration Assessments are aligned to industry set requirements, whereas English language criteria for visas determines an applicant’s ability to participate in the community.” – DEWR Guidelines.

Application Process

AACA will review the submitted documents and provide one feedback only (via email) prior to proceeding to the Competency Assessment Interview. Applicants will be required to revise and resubmit documents prior to scheduling of the Interview. Time limits apply.

Results & Appeals

Suitable Assessment Outcome
 
Suitable Applicants 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). A Skilled Migration Assessment for migration purposes is also provided if requested.
 
Not Suitable Assessment Outcome
 
Not Suitable (Unsuccessful) Applicants are provided with an Outcome Letter indicating where they are considered deficient and includes recommendations regarding upgrading their competency. Subsequent to addressing the deficiencies and recommendations identified by AACA, Not Suitable Applicants may then submit evidence (e.g. Certificates) to AACA. Time limits apply.
 
If the evidence is approved by AACA, a Suitable Outcome letter and a Skilled Migration Assessment may be issued at no additional cost to the Applicant.
 
Application for 2nd Competency Assessment Interview
 
Not Suitable (Unsuccessful) candidates may apply for a 2nd Competency Assessment Interview. Costs apply.
 
A 2nd Competency Assessment Interview will be scheduled with two different Assessors 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.
 
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.

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Architects Accreditation Council of Australia
Gadigal Country
Suite 3, Level 5, 75 Castlereagh Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000

Phone: +61 (2) 8042 8930
Email: [email protected]

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Located on Gadigal Country, the AACA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

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