Registering as an architect in the ACT will allow you to advertise your services legally and to call yourself an architect. You must register under the Architects Act 2004 and meet all the eligibility requirements.

Eligibility

Applications for architect registration require review by the ACT Architects Board.

To be considered for registration you will need:

  • a completed application form
  • evidence of architectural qualifications (if the architectural practice examination was undertaken outside of the ACT)
  • evidence of successful completion of the architectural practice examination (if undertaken outside of the ACT)
  • one personal reference indicating good character (not signed by a relative)
  • one professional reference, preferably signed by an architect
  • one passport-size photograph (if architectural practice examination was undertaken outside of the ACT)

Interstate licence holders

Depending on where you live, you may be entitled to work in the ACT as an architect under Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR). You must notify the licensing authority before carrying out the activities of an architect. If you are not entitled to AMR, you may be able to apply for an ACT registration by mutual recognition.

Architectural practice examination

In addition to holding a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, you must successfully complete the architectural practice examination (APE). The APE is a three-part process consisting of:

  1. a log book
  2. a written examination paper
  3. an examination by interview

Apply for the APE with:

APE submissions will only be accepted via email to cwpl@act.gov.au.

2024 APE practice examination timetable

Find out more about pathways to registration for architects.

Action

Day

Date

Time

Location

APE Part 1

Close of applications for APE (Logbook) for new applicants and repeat applicants for Part 2

Monday

29 January 2024

by 4:30pm

Via email to cwpl@act.gov.au

APE Part 2

National Examination Paper (NEP).

Tuesday

9 April 2024

TBC

Via Remote Proctoring

APE Part 1

Resubmission of logbooks for repeat candidates for Part 3

Friday

3 May 2024

By 4:30 pm

Via email to cwpl@act.gov.au

APE Part 3

Examination by Interview.

Friday

31 May 2024

9:00am – 12:00pm

Level 5, Cosmopolitan Building, 21 Bowes Place, Phillip ACT

Briefing of Candidates

Friday

7 June 2024

12:00pm- 1:00pm

Online via Webex

APE Part 1

Close of applications for APE (Logbook) for new applicants and repeat applicants for Part 2

Monday

8 July 2024

by 4:30pm

Via email to cwpl@act.gov.au

APE Part 2

National Examination Paper (NEP)

Tuesday

17 September 2024

TBC

Via Remote Proctoring

APE Part 1

Resubmission of logbooks for repeat candidates for Part 3

Friday

11 October 2024

By 4:30 pm

Via email to cwpl@act.gov.au

APE Part 3

Examination by Interview

Friday

8 November 2023

9:00am – 12:00pm

Level 5, Cosmopolitan Building, 21 Bowes Place, Phillip ACT

ACT Architects Board

The ACT Architects Board makes sure registered architects are providing services to the public in a professional and competent manner. The Board has powers to investigate complaints against architects and to discipline those who are found to have acted unprofessionally or incompetently.

The Board meets as needed.

Board members

The Board is made up of five members. Each member is appointed for up to three years by the Minister for Sustainable Building and Construction.

The ACT Architect Board members for 2023-26 are

Re-appointed members

  • Dr Melinda Dodson, representative body member nominated by the Australian Institute of Architects ACT Chapter
  • Ms Erin Hinton, academic architect
  • Mr Scott Hodgson, registered architect

New members

  • Ms Amy Ward, commercial lawyer
  • Ms Jane Seaborn, community interests representative

The term of each board member will conclude on 17 August 2026.

Board responsibilities

The Board's functions are to:

  • register architects
  • investigate complaints given to the Board about registered people and people who have been registered
  • consider whether it is necessary to take disciplinary action against registered people and people who have been registered and, if it is, to take the necessary action
  • consider and report to the Minister about issues referred to the Board by the Minister for advice
  • advise the Minister in relation to the practice of architecture, for example, about codes of professional conduct
  • further a common and harmonious approach to the administration of legislation about architects by cooperation with local jurisdictions
  • accredit courses of study in architecture
  • provide general advice to consumers about the professional conduct and standards of competence expected of registered architects.

The Board operates independently, impartially and in the public interest. However it must respond to directions from the Minister. The Minister can give a direction to the Board about its exercise of functions only if the Minister believes it is in the public interest to do so. This is by notifiable instrument in the ACT Legislative Assembly, and the Minister must consider any comments from the Board about a proposed direction before it is issued. A direction cannot be given about the registration of architects, including renewal, cancellation, disciplinary action and refusal to register.

The Board's decisions about disciplinary action can be appealed in the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Complaints

The ACT Architects Board is responsible for assessing and investigating complaints about breaches of the Architects Act 2004

You can lodge a complaint by:

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