National Standard of Competency for Architects |
The 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA)
The 2021 NSCA is applicable to all programs.
The National Standard of Competency for Architects establishes the Standard for architectural education and assessment of professional competency prior to and following registration as an Architect in Australia. The Standard identifies the primary activities that are fundamental to the practice of architecture and in relation to which an architect is expected to demonstrate competence in the delivery of professional services.
The 2021 NSCA was released on the 1st July 2021, and is the result of a recurring five-yearly review. It underpins all assessment processes including the accreditation of architecture programs leading to registration as an architect in Australia.
The 2021 NSCA Explanatory Notes
This guide document provides definitions of new terms, explanations of what the criteria mean in practice, and examples of how competency might be demonstrated at different stages of an architect’s development.
|
2020 Review of the National Standard of Competency for Architects
|
The 2015 National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA)
The 2015 NSCA has been replaced by the 2021 NSCA for all programs.
|
|
Accreditation of Architecture Programs |
Accredited architecture qualifications
List of Accredited Architecture Qualifications for the purpose of registration as an architect.
|
Annual Reports on accredited architecture programs in Australia
Annual Report on 2023 Accredited Architecture Programs
Annual Report on 2022 Accredited Architecture Programs
Annual Report on 2021 Accredited Architecture Programs
Annual Report on 2020 Accredited Architecture Programs
Annual Report on 2019 Accredited Architecture Programs
Annual Report on 2018 Accredited Architecture Programs (inaugural report)
|
The Architecture Program Accreditation Procedure in Australia and New Zealand
The Architecture Program Accreditation Procedure in Australia and New Zealand comprises an overarching Procedural document, Terms of Reference for the Accreditation Management Committee, Code of Conduct and nine supporting Guidance documents. The Procedure was last updated in February 2023. The Procedure can be download as a complete document set, or documents can be accessed individually.
Architecture Program Accreditation Procedure in Australia and New Zealand – Full document set
Individual procedural documents are available below:
Architecture Program Accreditation Procedure
Accreditation Management Committee Terms of Reference
Accreditation Review Panel Code of Conduct Declaration Form
Guidance – Operation of the Accreditation Standing Panel
Guidance – Administrative support required of the Program Provider during an Accreditation Site Visit
Guidance – Planning Timeframes for Accreditation Review Panels
Guidance – Provider Annual Reporting
Guidance – Standard Agenda for the Accreditation Site Visit
Guidance – Provider Accreditation Submission
Guidance – Operation of the Accreditation Review Panel
Guidance – Exhibition of Student Work
Guidance – Evidence that the Standard has been met
|
Summary of procedural amendments since January 2018
Summary of Procedural Amendments, February 2023
Summary of Procedural Amendments, December 2020
Summary of Procedural Amendments, December 2019
Summary of Procedural Amendments, May 2018
|
The Accreditation Standing Panel
Accreditation Standing Panel Membership Listing Updated July 2024
Online Nomination Form for the Accreditation Standing Panel
See also Guidance – Operation of the Accreditation Standing Panel
|
Accreditation Review Panel Report templates
Accreditation Review Panel Report Template
Accreditation Review Panel Report Part 8 PC Not Met Template+
Provider Response to the Accreditation Review Panel Report Template
|
Provider Annual Report template
2024 Provider Annual Report template
See also Guidance – Provider Annual Reporting
2024 Provider Annual Reports are due for submission to the AACA via [email protected] by 15th April 2024. Extensions to the submission date can not be accommodated due to the follow-on review requirements that are scheduled with the Accreditation Management Committee (AMC) and the local ARBs for their review and consideration
|
Resources for panelists and providers
Quick Reference Guide for Accreditation Procedure Documents and Resources
Resource – Provider Q&A and Accreditation references
Resource – FAQs for the Standing Panel membership regarding Accreditation Review Panel formation and commitment
Resource – FAQs for the Standing panel re conflict of interest declarations
Resource – Diagram: Key Provider and Panel Activities for an Accreditation Review Panel
Resource – Diagram: Accreditation Review Panel Report and Accreditation Decision
Resource – Diagram: Provider Annual Reporting Requirements
Resource – Performance criteria mapping: 2021 NSCA to 2015 NSCA
Resource – How to write an action item
|
Stakeholder Update Reports
Stakeholder Update Report, May 2024
Stakeholder Update Report, December 2023
Stakeholder Update Report, August 2023
Stakeholder Update Report, March 2023
Stakeholder Update Report, January 2022
Stakeholder Update Report, July 2021
Stakeholder Update Report, January 2021
Stakeholder Update Report, June 2020
Stakeholder Update Report, January 2020
Stakeholder Update Report, June 2019
Stakeholder Update Report, December 2018
Stakeholder Update Report, June 2018
Stakeholder Update Report, March 2018
|
Accreditation fee schedule
Current fee schedule: Accreditation Fee Schedule for FY2024-25
Historic fee schedules:
Accreditation Fee Schedule FY2023-24 (Apr-Jun 2024)
Accreditation Fee Schedule FY2023-24 (until March 2024)
Accreditation Fee Schedule FY2022-23
Accreditation Fee Schedule FY2021-22
Accreditation Fee Schedule FY2020-21
Accreditation Fee Schedule FY2019-20
Accreditation Fee Schedule FY2018-19
|
Administrative documents for panelists
Administrative and Travel Policy for Accreditation Activities
Accreditation Activity Reimbursements Claim Form (will download as a Word document)
Sample invoice for claiming payment of a sitting fee as an individual (will download as a Word document)
Sample invoice for claiming payment of a sitting fee as a company (will download as a Word document)
|
Information for students
This document Information for students provides general information and FAQs for students wanting to study architecture and become an architect in Australia.
|
Arrangements with Stakeholder organisations
TEQSA and AACA MoU signed 2 November 2022
|
Further reference documents
Nil
|
Withdrawn documents
Accreditation Procedure Clarifications, September 2018 and April 2019 (withdrawn December 2019)
Guidance: New Programs (withdrawn December 2019)
Mapping of Assessment Programs (link to 2015 NSCA website) (withdrawn February 2023)
Briefing: The 2015 National Standard of Competency (withdrawn February 2023)
Resource – Quick reference for 2015 NSCA Performance Criteria (withdrawn February 2023)
Resource – 2015 NSCA Performance Criteria matrix – Accreditation requirements (withdrawn February 2023)
Resource – 2015 NSCA Performance Criteria matrix – Accreditation and APE requirements (withdrawn February 2023)
Transition Guidance for the Architecture Program Accreditation Procedure 2018 (withdrawn February 2023)
Australian Architectural Education and Competency Framework Final Report (March 2016) (withdrawn February 2023)
|
Architectural Practice Exam |
For candidate information, please visit Architectural Practice Examination.
|
ABCB / AACA NCC Agreement
|
AACA Documents |
AACA Current Constitution |
AACA Fee Schedule |
AACA Research Strategy – Collect Connect Inform |
AACA Strategic Plan 2020-2025 |
AACA Annual Reports |
AACA Annual Report 2022-23
AACA Annual Report 2021-22
AACA Annual Report 2020-21
AACA Annual Report 2019-20
AACA Annual Report 2018-19
AACA Annual Report 2017-18
AACA Annual Report 2016-17
AACA Annual Report 2015-16
AACA Annual Report 2014-15
|
AACA Research: Architectural Education and the Profession in Australia and New Zealand |
Architectural Education and the Profession |
Research and Publications |
Online Architecture Education Paper, August 2019 |
AACA Response to the BMF’s Building Confidence Report Implementation Plan, March 2019 |
Regulation of the Architect Profession within Australia – A Summary of Australian State and Territory Registration |
Industry Profile: The Profession of Architecture in Australia |
Galaxy Poll: The Benefit of Design |
A History of the Incorporation of the AACA and the National Competency Standards in Architecture. Kirsten Orr, 2015. |
International Agreements and Arrangements |
Mutual Recognition Arrangement between Canada, Australia and New Zealand |
Mutual Recognition Arrangement between Hong Kong and Australia |
Mutual Recognition Agreement between Japan and Australia |
Mutual Recognition Agreement between Singapore and Australia |
Mutual Recognition Agreement between the UK, Australia and New Zealand |
Mutual Recognition Arrangement between the US, Australia and New Zealand until 5 Nov 2024 |
Mutual Recognition Arrangement between the US, Australia and New Zealand from 6 Nov 2024 |
National CPD Framework for Architects |
National CPD/CPE Framework for Architects in Australia
|