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
- payment of the architect registration application fee. Fees are determined by the Fee Determination for the relevant financial year.
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
The Architectural Practice Examination (APE) is a nationally consistent, competency-based assessment required for registration as an architect in Australia. It is administered by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) in collaboration with state and territory registration boards.
The APE is a three-part process consisting of:
- a log book
- a written examination paper
- an examination by interview
The APE is held twice a year across all Australian states and territories. Please see the APE timetable for key dates applications, written examinations and examinations by interview for the year.
Candidates must apply through the registration board of the state or territory where they intend to practice.
Apply for the APE through the Architectural Practice Examination Application form.
APE timetable
ACTION | DAY | DATE | TIME | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
APE Part 1 Close of applications for APE (Logbook) for new applicants and repeat applicants for Part 2 | Friday | 30 January 2026 | by 4:30 pm | Via email to ArchitectsBoard@act.gov.au |
APE Part 2 National Examination Paper (NEP). | Tuesday | 14 April 2026 | TBC | Via Remote Proctoring |
APE Part 1 Resubmission of logbooks for repeat candidates for Part 3 | Friday | 1 May 2026 | By 4:30 pm | Via email to ArchitectsBoard@act.gov.au |
APE Part 3 Examination by Interview. | Friday | 5 June 2026 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Level 5, Cosmopolitan Building, 21 Bowes Place, Phillip ACT |
Briefing of Candidates | Friday | 19 June 2026 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Online via Webex |
APE Part 1 Close of applications for APE (Logbook) for new applicants and repeat applicants for Part 2 | Friday | 10 July 2026 | by 4:30 pm | Via email to ArchitectsBoard@act.gov.au |
APE Part 2 National Examination Paper (NEP) | Tuesday | 22 September 2026 | TBC | Via Remote Proctoring |
APE Part 1 Resubmission of logbooks for repeat candidates for Part 3 | Friday | 9 October 2026 | By 4:30 pm | Via email to ArchitectsBoard@act.gov.au |
APE Part 3 Examination by Interview | Friday | 13 November 2026 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | 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.
The Board is made up of five members. Each member is appointed for up to three years by the Minister.
The ACT Architect Board members are
Board Members
- Dr Erin Hinton, academic architect (Chair)
- Mr Scott Hodgson, registered architect (Deputy Chair)
- Mr Remco de Vries, representative body member nominated by the Australian Institute of Architects ACT Chapter
- Ms Amy Ward, commercial lawyer
- Ms Jane Seaborn, community interests representative
The term of each board member will conclude on 17 August 2026, except for the representative body member which concludes on 28 June 2028.
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.
Renew your registration
You must always make sure your registration is valid when you're providing architectural services.
Make sure to renew your registration before it expires. If you apply to renew your registration after it has expired, you'll need to pay an application fee.
To renew your registration, complete the registration renewal form, and pay the registration term fee. Fees are determined by the Fee Determination for the relevant financial year.
Update your details
If any of your details have changed, complete the registration form.
Complaints
A person may complain to the ACT Architects Board if they believe someone is in breach of the Architects Act 2004.
A complaint must:
- be in writing; to ArchitectsBoard@act.gov.au
- include the name and email address of the person making the complaint
- include the particulars of the complaint.
