Publications

Publications

 

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The 2015 NSCA has been replaced by the 2021 NSCA for all programs.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 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 1 November 2023

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, 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 FY2023-24

Historic fee schedules: 

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 (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
National CPD Framework for Architects

National CPD/CPE Framework for Architects in Australia 

AACA logo white

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

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.