Becoming a registered architect in Australia is quite a process. Like many other professions, University equips you with the higher-level thinking and skills required to be an architect, but further technical, legal and practice processes are learned on the job, often with a focus on the type of architect you want to be (i.e. small scale residential right through to international mega-form projects.)

The Architect’s Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) maintain the National Standards of Competancy for Architects and run the registration process on behalf of each state or territory’s Registration Board. Your local registration board then manages registration, or licensing, within that jurisdiction. In simpler terms, the AACA decide what you need to know and how to test you on that knowledge, then once you’ve passed, your local board can legally register you, make sure you conduct yourself appropriately and maintain your annual professional development (only some states require this.)

The most common route to registration is to graduate from an accredited masters program, and then gain experience in preparation for sitting the three-part Architecture Practice Examination (logbook, exam, and interview.) However, there are many alternate pathways to registration for those employed overseas, with international qualifications, or who have significant industry experience without a masters degree. You can view the pathways to registration here.

The logbook: Candidates are required to have logged a minimum of 3,300 hours under the supervision of an architect, across 15 different areas of competency, and at varying levels of autonomy. The logbook is accompanied by a Statement of Practical Experience.

The exam: A closed book, 75-minute, computer examination. It consists of 9 ‘scenarios’, with each scenario leading to five multiple-choice questions with four optional answer (one of which is correct.) Note: this new and somewhat simplified format was introduced in 2018, and so is different from what many of your experienced colleagues would have done. You can view a sample of the exam and the type of questions you will experience here.

The interview: A 45-60 minute interview with two experienced local practising architects. Candidates are asked about their range of experience as well as hypothetical situations in order to test their professional competency.

Further information on the logbook, statement, exam and interview can be found here:

We asked four recently registered architects about their experience and if they had any tips.

James:

• Completed masters (University of Canberra) in 2016

• At registration, had 3.5 years thorough post-grad experience in a small residential firm.

• ACT EmAGN committee member and involved with local AIA’s monthly Practice Group.

Romina:

• Completed masters (Queensland University of Technology) in 2014.

• Started working in 2016 at a public architecture firm.

• Moved to Sydney, where she sat registration. Now living in Melbourne.

Ari:

• Deferred during Bachelors to gain site experience and worked on-site for four years as a skilled labourer, which grew into full circle design, management, construction involvement.

• Worked casually for small architecture firms during masters, as well as continuing private work with the original builder.

Peter (not his real name)

• Worked for 10 years in the industry before attempting registration.

• Delayed due to a lack of contract administration experience, but worked around this by referencing related experience.

Let’s hear what they have to say.

How did you decide you were ready to attempt registration?

James: Since graduating from university, I’ve been interested in tackling the next hurdle; registration. In 2018 I decided to participate in the PALS (practice of architecture learning services) sessions. The PALS sessions focus on 15 different learning modules which are integral to the knowledge required in the exam. At the same time, I began filling out my logbook and understanding what areas of experience I lacked. After sitting PALS for a second time at the beginning of last year and reviewing my logbook experience, I decided it was time to attempt registration.

Romina: I had progressively been working on my logbook, just chipping away at it as I continued working and gaining experience. I was incredibly fortunate that the company I was working for were able to provide me with the range of experience I needed for my logbook. I was constantly checking in with my leaders so that they understood where I was at. I ended up working on a project in the construction phase and that was an invaluable experience. It wasn’t just the hours that it gave me for my logbook, it was the knowledge and confidence that I felt I really needed to give registration an attempt.

Ari: It felt like the natural next step in my experience and even though I had not fully experienced every "area" of architecture, my employer encouraged me to tackle it and believed it was something I needed to do sooner rather than later.

Peter: I didn’t feel I was ready. I sat down and went through the areas of competency and realised I was missing quite a bit of experience in contract administration – I pointed this out in my yearly evaluations, while my employers always promised experience, it wasn’t forthcoming. So, I simply had to learn contract admin through acumen.

The takeaway:

A full matrix of standards of competency required to become a registered architect, and at what stages of examination (or education) they are tested, can be viewed here.

The best way to really test your readiness is to get started on your log-book and assess any missing areas of experience. Download ‘How To Log-Book’ for an introduction to the Log Book.

Remember that you will learn a lot through the registration study process itself and many candidates begin the process feeling unsure of their readiness, but then through the subsequent study will successfully pass.

How has working towards registration influenced your career so far?

James: After reviewing my logbook progress and realising what areas I was lacking experience in, I spoke with my employer who was more than willing to get me involved in the required initial client briefing and early schematic/concept work. By communicating this to my employer early on, my progress to registration didn’t encounter any major holdups. As a result of this, I now regularly brief new clients and produce schematic/concept designs as part of my everyday work.

Romina: The biggest influence was being able to apply what I learned in practice and feeling equipped to deal with certain situations that I previously wouldn’t have known how to handle.

Ari: It helped me understand that you can never know everything and even if I was to wait several years before tackling my registration, I would still have gaps in my knowledge. I’m also a firm believer in learning as you go, so I knew I could only grow by tackling it head-on and what I didn't know would either be learnt through the process or it would become clear as to how I could gain that knowledge.

Peter: Doing the Practice of Architecture Learning Series (PALS) course and subsequently going through the areas of competency really helped me identify the areas I was lacking in experience and as such forces you to think about career progression and the adequacy of your employment for achieving the necessary training and experience.

The takeaway:

Some graduates ponder whether it is worthwhile going through the hoops to get registered, especially if they feel their role won’t really change at work. The answers above reflect what I’ve observed in peers, which is that the challenging and thorough nature of the process is an excellent way to ensure that your knowledge and skills meet a national standard, rather than just the standard of the firm you work in, and that you are equipped to handle all manner of scenarios that you likely haven’t yet experienced. In addition, the process will expand your work opportunities, including within your current workplace, and perhaps by taking newly informed initiative within that workplace.

Did you know much about registration before you began the process?

James: My knowledge of the registration process wasn’t overly clear, but the PALS sessions clarified a lot about the registration process and what to expect

Romina: Before starting the process of registration I really didn’t know what was involved apart from a log book with 3300 hours, an exam and an interview. I didn’t realise it would cost so much money and take so long until I started!

Ari: I was casually keeping a logbook but I was also very aware that I was lacking in some areas. I also completed the Practicing Architecture (PARC) course which really opened my eyes as to how to better tackle the logbook but also how to approach the exam and interview. It also assisted me in understanding the regulatory, legalities and processes of the architecture world which I would probably not have known for a while longer had I not tackled the course.

Peter: While I didn’t keep a logbook, I was fastidious in recording my timesheets in my outlook calendar for when I had to complete the logbook. I would recommend having the areas of competency handy so you can mark it against your time worked. Don’t rely on your employer to be forthcoming with the timesheets if something goes awry, either personally or technologically.

The takeaway:

You’re all in it together. The best place to start is to read the information on the AACA website, but also talking to your contacts who have been through it before, or being part of a local group all preparing for registration together can make everything seem far less daunting, and empower you with community knowledge and a network you can call on.

What surprised you about the process?

James: There were a few surprises along the way and fees were certainly one of them! Depending on the membership level you have with the Institute, the PALS sessions cost anywhere from $510-$1220! From submitting your logbook through to receiving your registration will be an additional $1,000 approx. (depending on your state or territory).

Romina: I was most surprised that there wasn’t just one simple document that explained the ENTIRE process. I found myself saving so many different websites because I surely couldn’t find them again. I was also really intrigued that the formatting for the Statement of Practical Experience wasn’t clearly outlined with a simple template that candidates could just fill out themselves. It’s very specific project information that could easily be in a word template. Also – the fact that once you pass everything you still don’t get to call yourself an Architect until the Board meets and endorses you and THEN they post your certificate with your registration number.

Ari: What surprised me was just how much time the logbook takes but not out of complexity but rather trying to piece together your experience based on the required criteria. I don't think of architecture as a sectional process but rather a collection of moves and decisions that form a final outcome so for me sitting down and selecting projects based on the institute's criteria was quite tricky at times.

Peter: Doing PALS and asking heaps of questions to peers had me relatively prepared. Even so, the hardest thing for me was starting! So I must say I’m surprised how easy it was considering my aversion to formal study and the gaps in my experience. I’d heard of some people having tough interviews but I was surprised at how friendly the interviewers were and how hypothetical their questions were. I cannot overstate how little they cared that I didn’t have certain experience – they just wanted to know I had a familiarity of architectural process or if I didn’t know something off the top of my head, I at least knew where to find it.

The takeaway:

Approaching registration is no simple tasks. It required a lot of effort to wrap your head around the process and to approach it professionally and dedicate the time needed to the process. The good news is that this makes it so much more satisfying and well respected at the end. I always felt that the competency of architecture graduates varied wildly, but I’m able to hold a clear level of expectation of a registered architect.

The price to sit the three stages of the examination will vary in each state and territory. Your local Architect’s Board sets the fee. For example, in NSW, all three stages costs $860.

Once you have achieved registration, you will still need to apply to your local Architect’s Board and pay a registration (licencing) fee to your local regulating body, for example, in the ACT you pay $247, and then $259 to renew each year. You need to do this for any state or territory in which you are practising as an architect.

What did you do to prepare your statement of experience and what tips would you have for others preparing theirs?

James: This statement is the main document that will be used by the examiners in the interview part of the registration process. Any holes or dubious references in your statement will be pounced on! I spent 6 months on and off, writing my statement and I’m glad I did. You'll need to ensure the statement reflects competency in all of the required elements (nominated in the logbook). I also included a few scenarios where something may have gone wrong (it is real life after all) and how I successfully rectified the scenario.

Romina: Make sure you really know the topics you’re covering in your statement and if you weren’t the executive decision-maker, don’t use language that makes it seem like you were. If you weren’t the executive decision-maker, use language like “I assisted with” or “I was responsible for assisting with.” Be sure to cover every topic that you have included in your logbook and follow the instructions that are set out in the document for preparing your statement.

I wrote my statement well in advance and I was fortunate enough to have multiple people review what I wrote. The strongest feedback was to make sure it reflected the hours I was putting into the logbook.

Ari: The most important thing with not only your logbook but more so your statement of experience is making sure it is 100% true. People try and blur the lines a bit and I have found they get caught out at the interview as they either forget what they wrote or they cannot go into greater detail should an examiner question their experience. In order to prepare for this, I created a narrated timeline of my experience and then found the defining events/factors that I could both write about easily and discuss to some length. That way my statement of experience was robust and authentic and I could talk honestly and keep the conversation quite fluid.

Peter: I used a template that someone else in the office had used previously. It helped to start knowing a rough structure. My tip would be to firstly pick the jobs you know the most and secondly pick the jobs you love – no matter how insignificant or ‘boring’ they are. Just because you had a small involvement in an exciting job doesn’t mean you should pick it.

The takeaway:

Involvement from peers is invaluable when it comes to preparing your statement – whether that’s viewing past examples that they can provide to give you a starting point, or asking architect and non-architect friends to read over it and provide editing and feedback. Most people seem to find it useful to pull the statement together slowly over a period of time, perhaps as they pull together their log-book, better understand the examination competencies, and wrap their head around the best way to demonstrate their experience.

Tip: While you should absolutely be truthful in your statement, don’t sell yourself short by using timid language. For example, “I didn’t know how to do something so I googled it and asked around” can be the same as “Our office hadn’t experienced this scenario before so I conducted industry research and sought advice from experienced peers to develop our own template.”

What did you do to prepare for the exam and what tips would you have for others doing the same?

James: For the written exam I studied my PALS notes and also practised old exam questions (some are available online and usually through the PALS session groups). I’ve never been great at exams, so I practised the old exam questions over and over while timing myself to ensure I’d be ready for the exam conditions.

Romina: I felt that the PALS course was helpful in sorting out all the information on ACUMEN in a structured way which assisted when it came to studying for the exam. I did PALS one round prior to the one I was applying to sit, so I was able to participate in the PALS course and take in the information without stressing too much about studying at the same time which I found to be really effective.

Ari: I completed the PARCs course with Nicole Hardman and Jane Cameron and I highly recommend it for everyone regardless of experience. It is an open platform of learning and discussion and you surprise yourself every week as to just how much you are learning and how clear the whole architectural realm becomes, especially amongst all the regulatory and building reform happening.

Peter: I would definitely do PALS. Try and get your employers to pay for it – it’s in their interests to have registered architects and can sometimes lower their insurance premiums. Then I would save every single one of the recommended acumen reading materials in a logical format and read through sequentially, highlighter in hand. Write questions as you come across them and find a registered architect to sit down for an hour to go through them. I spent months studying but it meant I felt confident going into the exam. Know the Client Architect Agreement, Architects Act & ABIC Simple Works Contract back to front.

The Takeaway:

While it’s perfectly possible to study and prepare by yourself, most candidates participate in either PALS or PARC courses.

The Practice of Architecture Learning Series (PALS) is a study program designed to help you study for the registration process, run by the Australian Institute of Architects. Pricing ranges from $510-$1220 depending on whether you are a member and what type. Visit the website for more information and to confirm the latest pricing.

Practising ARChitecture Pty Ltd (PARC) is a small education provider specialising in professional development programs such as preparing for the Architecture Practice Examination. The APE tutorials cost $935 and the Experience Practitioner Tutorials cost $1375. Visit their website for more information and to confirm the latest pricing.

What did you do to prepare for the interview and what tips would you have for others heading for that final hurdle?

James: It’s hard not to be nervous before walking into the interview room! Apart from ensuring your Statement of Experience is well written, focus on having a clear mind and just be yourself.

Romina: In preparation for the interview, I reviewed my exam results to get a better understanding of where my weaknesses were. As expected, (based on my experience) my weaknesses were in the contractual areas so I studied the ABIC contracts a LOT. My Statement of Practical Experience outlined my involvement on projects with a very specific contract and very specific scope of services so I made sure that I understood the contract I had worked with and how it differs to the ABIC contracts. This was helpful because in the interview I was able to talk about my experience but also how the ABIC contract could have been better suited to that job and how it may have solved some of the contractual issues. I think the biggest thing is to go into the interview with a similar attitude to as if you were going into a meeting with a client, you’re the one with the knowledge and you have to show them you have the knowledge or that you know how to get the answer if you don’t have the information at hand. The interviewers are not there to give you a hard time, they’re there to make sure you’re ready to practice with the reasonable care and expertise that is expected of an architect.

Ari: Apart from the assistance from the PARCs course, which was extremely reliable and helpful, I also constantly read over my statement of experience and exam results so I understood where I was weak and then used mock questions at home where my wife would quiz me at any time. This helped me stay alert and be able to formulate an answer should I be thrown off by one of the examiners.

Peter: Look at your statement of experience. Pick the job you know the best. Now write down every single task you would need to perform on that project from inception to completion if you were the sole architect in charge. The practise exams pretty much cover every sticky scenario that might happen during a project (e.g. Client moving in prior to practical completion) – apply those questions to this project and have an answer ready for how you might respond.

The takeaway:

Train your question answering brain muscles in a way that works for you – for me, it was answering questions out loud every time I was in the car for a few weeks beforehand, for others above you can see that they got partners to quiz them or wrote down answers. Refamiliarizing yourself with your statement, and anticipating what you might be asked, means that you can prepare good examples and anecdotes that will roll off the tongue and even allow you to have some control of the direction of the discussion.

Tip: Examiners mainly want to know that you’re well equipped if they pass you. I, like many others, entered the process with minimal contract administration experience, and the examiners asked what happened if they passed me and then next week I was asked to administer a construction contract. I had a pre-prepared answer that I would reach out to certain experienced peers to engage them as guidance consultants for that stage of work, and would include their services in my fee and service proposal to the client. (This is exactly what I did when the scenario did later arise!)

What did you find hardest about the whole process?

James: The time and effort required for the logbook, statement and exam study.

Romina: Throughout the process I found myself questioning whether I was doing/focussing on the right thing. PALS was great for the exam, but it didn’t really prepare you for the Statement of Practical Experience or the Interview. Constantly second-guessing whether you’re focussing on the right thing was really hard.

Ari: The time it took to read and learn all the required information whilst tackling the rest of life's obstacles.

Peter: Finding the confidence to start – I had gaps in experience (not through lack of trying), had suffered poor mental health and had learning disabilities associated with rote learning. I wish I hadn’t put it off for so long.

The takeaway:

You know it’s going to be hard work – that’s the idea! But hey – you’ve survived five years of architecture school, so I think you’re up to the challenge! Be proactive about seeking good experience, across the areas you need, and then don’t delay in starting the registration process.

If you could chat to yourself two years ago, what registration advice would you give yourself?

James: Discuss the process with more people who have completed registration.

Romina: I’d tell myself to start studying earlier in my career when it’s easily applied to the work I was doing at the time. If you’re in a sticky situation at work, check the Acumen Practice Notes and see if there are any guide notes or letters that have some information that you can use. Applying the knowledge from studying for registration to projects I was working on was the best way to understand what I was learning.

Ari: Start reading more on the regulatory, business and legal side of construction and make yourself more aware of the liabilities and statutory requirements that architecture must uphold. We are constantly told about design and the flashy side of architecture but we are not trained in running a business or keeping yourself above water.

Peter: Back yourself, not in a cowboy way, but remember that you’ve worked bloody hard to get through uni, then worked bloody hard for shit pay as a graduate, this is the best way to get ahead and you’ve already demonstrated the mongrel necessary to get through it.

The takeaway:

Talk to yourself like you would talk to a friend preparing for this process. Engage with the information available before you’re formally studying for the process. The Australian Institute of Architect’s Acumen Practice Notes site is an incredible wealth of information on the practice of architecture, running projects, and technical and environmental resources.

Tip: If you’re really intimidated by the whole process, I suggest doing PALS one season earlier than when you hope to attempt registration. That way you could treat it as an introductory run. It’s not commonly known, but most state/territories will let you participate in PALS twice for a single fee – but check with your local provider first! You can also take advantage of the Mentoring Scheme if EmAGN runs it in your local AIA Chapter, otherwise reach out to someone to formalise your own mentor relationship.

Which specific areas of knowledge were the hardest to study or what did you learn the most about?

James: I would say liability was the trickiest for me to get my head around. While we’re not lawyers, liability knowledge is crucial for the exam.

Romina: For me, the hardest part was studying the contracts and understanding the different methods of procurement. I found that it was so difficult to just read and understand that kind of information without having a practical application. A really generous colleague of mine took the time to go over the Australian Standards contract that they used on their project and what that looked like in terms of the tender process. This really helped me to comprehend the details.

Ari: The statutory responsibilities and the challenges of running your own firm. I feel like this is across the board for many of us so I don’t feel alone on that one!

Peter: For me, it was the areas I had little experience in; client-architect agreements and the administration of contracts.

The Takeaway:

You have to be diligent about your study. Most people find studying the ABIC Construction Contract the most challenging part. Doing this with others (i.e. read it out loud to each other and discuss it in a group) can be a very effective way of forcing yourself to absorb the information.

Tip: Create your own summary ‘cheat-sheet’ later in the study process and stick this up somewhere visible like the toilet door, and review it just before heading into your exam.

Are there any specific little tricky knowledge nuggets you learned and want to pass on?

James: Know your responsibility as an architect. This extends to others (consultants) who may be your responsibility!

Romina: Make sure you know the answer to the question “Why do you want to become an architect?” and also – have a couple of questions in mind that you might ask the interviewers. This can lightens the mood in the interview.

1. You cannot forfeit moral rights.

2. Security of Payments Act means you cannot use the argument “pay when paid” with sub-consultants even if you have a back to back agreement.

3. Materials on site intended for use are claimable in progress payments if the title has passed to the contractor.

Ari: How "on-your-toes" you need to be during construction and practical completion especially if you have an irate client and they are trying to force you to act against the contract and the contractor. It is frustrating when you tell the client at the beginning of construction that you must now assume the role of an independent assessor and make decisions based on the best outcome of the project, however, they quickly forget this and you instead assume the role of a counsellor on-site, calming tense situations.

Peter: Client architect agreements and the administration of contracts. But if you read the contract and contract guide you start to get very familiar with it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s dead boring, but it helps so much with the exam and interview. Don’t forget the simple things, i.e. using the example above, I had to be prompted in the interview that for an owner to move in they would need an occupation certificate (which of course I knew, I was just focussing on the sneaky contractual implications instead of the logical tried and tested due process).

Anything else? What would you have wanted to know when reading this article?

Ari: I wish I’d better understood what experience I needed before tackling registration. I thought I needed to have become a wiz at contract administration to tackle the process but boy was I wrong!

Peter: That not everyone knows everything. I asked my old boss (of 20+ years’ experience) some of the practice questions I was struggling with and he also had no idea.

What is your number one tip for passing registration?

James: Ensure you’re in a workplace where you’re receiving the required experience. Talk with others who have passed registration. Be confident in yourself!

Romina: This is easier said than done, but I think the most important thing is don’t put too much pressure on yourself to pass the whole registration process by a certain date. You likely picked out an age you wanted to be registered by in your 10-year plan that you made up when you were in high school. This is a really stressful process and it doesn’t define you. You can be really great at what you do, but you might not pass the first time and that’s nothing to be deterred by and it doesn’t mean you’re inadequate. Be prepared that you might have to attempt this more than once and there’s no shame in that. I think taking that sort of pressure off yourself helps you enjoy the process because as stressful as it is, it’s an empowering journey. You might find that once you allow yourself to relax, you’ll pass with flying colours.

Ari: Make sure you want to be an architect. The whole process is quite testing and frustrating at times; especially when the architectural world is constantly evolving both legally and practically, so you need to ensure your love and passion for architecture surpasses any hatred of late nights reading after work or missed weekends out with your mates. Something will have to give at times so make sure it won't be your goal of being an architect.

Peter: I don’t see any way around having to read (and understand) the majority of acumen.

The Takeaway:

As Romina suggested, remember to enjoy the journey rather than becoming obsessing over the destination. I know a handful of highly regarded award-winning architects who didn’t pass registration on their first attempt. Only you know what the best approach is for you, and how you best study. Reflect on how you’ve faced challenges in the past and apply what worked to this new exciting challenge.

Click here for a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions about the Architectural Practice Examination.

Information for students who are considering studying architecture and wanting more general information about the industry can be found here.

Thanks very much to James, Romina, Ari, and Peter* for taking the time to share their valuable insight.

If you’re a young architect be sure to check out our book: 101 Things I Didn’t Learn In Architecture School: And wish I had known before my first job and join our mailing list for occasional updates and further useful article.