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:
- a log book
- a written examination paper
- an examination by interview
Apply for the APE with:
- Application for the architectural practice examination parts 1 and 2 [PDF 115.6 KB]
- Application for the architectural practice examination part 3 [PDF 112.7 KB]
APE submissions will only be accepted via email to ArchitectsBoard@act.gov.au.
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 | Tuesday | 28 January 2025 | by 4:30pm | Via email to ArchitectsBoard@act.gov.au |
APE Part 2 National Examination Paper (NEP). | Tuesday | 8 April 2025 | TBC | Via Remote Proctoring |
APE Part 1 Resubmission of logbooks for repeat candidates for Part 3 | Friday | 9 May 2025 | By 4:30pm | Via email to ArchitectsBoard@act.gov.au |
APE Part 3 Examination by Interview. | Friday | 30 May 2025 | 9:00am – 12:00pm | Level 5, Cosmopolitan Building, 21 Bowes Place, Phillip ACT |
Briefing of Candidates | Friday | 20 June 2025 | 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 | 7 July 2025 | by 4:30pm | Via email to ArchitectsBoard@act.gov.au |
APE Part 2 National Examination Paper (NEP) | Tuesday | 16 September 2025 | TBC | Via Remote Proctoring |
APE Part 1 Resubmission of logbooks for repeat candidates for Part 3 | Friday | 17 October 2025 | By 4:30pm | Via email to ArchitectsBoard@act.gov.au |
APE Part 3 Examination by Interview | Friday | 7 November 2025 | 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.
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 Sander 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.
Complaints
The ACT Architects Board is responsible for assessing and investigating complaints about breaches of the Architects Act 2004
A complaint must:
- be in writing; and
- include the name and email address of the person making the complaint.
You can lodge a complaint by:
- Emailing ArchitectsBoard@act.gov.au
