national standard of

The National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA) establishes the standard for architectural education and assessment of professional competency prior to registration as an architect in Australia.

competencystandardforarchitects.aaca.org.au

Application of Knowledge & Skills in architectural practice

Knowledge acquisition

Skills acquisitionCritical Domain

Necessary Domain

NationalStandard ofCompetencyfor Architects

All required Architectural Practice Examination competencies are at the level

Architectural Practice Examination Logbook

Architectural Practice Examination National Exam Paper

Architectural Practice Examination Interview

Regulatory

Environmentally Sustainable

Social & Ethical

Communication

Disciplinary

ArchitectureProgramAccreditationProcedure

The AACA manages the accreditation of architecture programs and administers the Architecture Program Accreditation Procedure onbehalf of the architect registration boards. The Accreditation Procedure sets out the peer review process through which allarchitecture programs in Australia are assessed against the accreditation standard over five years or ten semester equivalence oflearning cycle. The eight state and territory architect registration boards have statutory responsibility for the accreditation ofarchitectural programs of study within their jurisdictions. Programs accredited in one jurisdiction are recognised in any otherjurisdiction in Australia and New Zealand.

OverseasQualificationsAssessment

The AACA's Overseas Qualifications Assessment process assesses overseas academic qualifications for migration and registrationpurposes. Overseas academic qualifications in architecture must be assessed to determine comparability with a currently accreditedAustralian qualification in architecture before a candidate can undertake the Architectural Practice Examination leading toregistration.

National Programof Assessment

The National Program of Assessment is a competency based assessment which provides a pathway to the Architectural PracticeExamination for those who have substantial skills and experience in the architectural profession but do not have an accreditedqualification in architecture or overseas equivalent.

ArchitecturalPracticeExamination

The AACA Architectural Practice Examination is a nationally consistent competency based assessment. The Architectural PracticeExamination comprises three parts - completion of a Log Book and Statement of Practical Experience, an on-line NationalExamination Paper and an interview with architect practitioners. Candidates who have satisfactorily met the requirements of all threeparts of the Architectural Practice Examination may apply for registration to the Architects Registration Board in any state or territoryin Australia.

1 Part 1 Log Book and Statement of Practical Experience2 Part 2 On-line National Examination Paper3 Part 3 Examination by Interview

ExperiencedPractitionerAssessment

The Experienced Practitioner Assessment Program provides an alternate 'fast-track' pathway to registration in Australia for both localand overseas qualified practitioners with experience at the executive level in complex projects and are not eligible for registrationunder existing mutual recognition arrangements. Successful completion of this program allows applicants to bypass the ArchitecturalPractice Examination and apply directly for registration as an architect with their state or territory architect registration board. For thislevel of assessment all Performance Criteria must be demonstrated at the level of application of knowledge and skills in architecturalpractice which is the standard expected of a practising architect in Australia.

11th October, 2021Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA)

http://www.aaca.org.au






Necessary Domain






Regulatory


Social & Ethical

Communication

Disciplinary

Program level required






1. Design: Project briefing

1.1 Preparation & endorsement of anagreement between client and Architect. Thisagreement will clearly communicate terms,services to be provided, and fees appropriatefor the scale and type of project.

1.2 Establishment, analysis and evaluation ofclient project requirements and objectives.

1.3 Assessment of project budget andtimeframe against project requirements andobjectives.

1.4 Identification of factors that may impact onclient project requirements and objectives.

1.5 Knowledge of different procurementprocesses available and evaluation of theimpact these have on the project.

1.6 Selection and presentation to clients andrelevant stakeholders of procurement methodfor the project.

1.7 Preparation of project brief for approval byclient and relevant stakeholders.








Necessary Domain






Regulatory


Social & Ethical

Communication

Disciplinary







2. Design: Pre-Design

2.1 Identification, analysis and integration ofinformation relevant to siting of project.

2.2 Application of principles controllingplanning, development and design for theproject site.

2.3 Evaluation of factors influencing andimpacting on project cost.

2.4 Analysis of project brief in relation toclients objective budget and timeframe.

2.5 Attainment of approval from client ofproject budget and timeframe.

2.6 Preparation and analysis of projectdevelopment options in response to projectbrief.








Necessary Domain






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Social & Ethical

Communication

Disciplinary







3. Design: Conceptual Design

3.1 Design response integrates the objectivesof brief, user intent and built purpose.

3.2 Application of creative imagination,aesthetic judgement and critical evaluation informulating design options.

3.3 Design response incorporates assessmentof the physical location and relevant widerregional, contextual and environmental issues.

3.4 Design response incorporates assessmentof relevant legislation, codes and industrystandards.

3.5 Exploration and application of ordering,sequencing and modelling of three-dimensional form and spatial content.

3.6 Assessment of the economic impact on theproject of design strategies and options.

3.7 Assessment and integration ofconstruction systems and materials consistentwith project brief.

3.8 Application of manual and digital graphictechniques and modelling to describe three-dimensional form and spatial relationships.








Necessary Domain






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Social & Ethical

Communication

Disciplinary







4. Design: Schematic Design

4.1 Evaluation of design options in relation toproject requirements.

4.2 Evaluation of design options against valuesof physical, environmental and culturalcontexts.

4.3 Application of creative imaginationaesthetic judgement to produce coherentdesign

4.4 Inclusion of expertise of relevantspecialists and consultants in developing theproject design.

4.5 Investigation and integration of appropriatestructural, construction, service and transportsystems in the project design.

4.6 Investigation and integration of appropriatematerial selection for the project design.

4.7 Coordination and integration of appropriateenvironmental systems, including for thermalcomfort, lighting and acoustics.

4.8 Analysis of schematic design in regard tocost planning and timeframe to comply withclient and project requirements.








Necessary Domain






Regulatory


Social & Ethical

Communication

Disciplinary







4.9 Obtain approval for the design from clientand and/or relevant stakeholders.








Necessary Domain






Regulatory


Social & Ethical

Communication

Disciplinary







5. Documentation: Detailed Design

5.1 Application of creative imagination andaesthetic judgement in producing a resolvedproject design in regard to site planning,physical composition and spatial planning asappropriate to the project brief.

5.2 Resolution of project design addressing allbuilding occupancy and functional aspectsincluding spatial requirements andrelationships and circulation aspects.

5.3 Evaluation and integration of regulatoryrequirements.

5.4 Integration of structural and constructionsystems in resolved project design.

5.5 Integration of materials and componentsbased upon an understanding of their physicalproperties.

5.6 Integration of relevant technical services,environmental and transportation systems.

5.7 Resolution of project design to addressbudget and time constraints.

5.8 Presentation of detailed design to facilitaterelevant client and stakeholder approvals.








Necessary Domain






Regulatory


Social & Ethical

Communication

Disciplinary







6. Documentation: Documentation

6.1 Identification and adoption of a strategy,program and process of documentationintegrated through all project stages to enableproject delivery.

6.2 Continuing coordination and integration ofinformation and project material from relevantconsultants, specialists and suppliers.

6.3 Incorporation of the project requirementsand objectives in accordance with Project Briefand approved Detailed Design.

6.4 Timely completion and communication ofaccurate and comprehensible documents thatwill include, as required, drawings, models,specifications, schedules and other relevantmodes of information.

6.5 Nomination of quality and performancestandards with regard to selected materials,finishes, fittings components and systems.

6.6 Identification and description within theproject documentation of the type and scope ofseparate project trades and sub-contractors asrequired.








Necessary Domain






Regulatory


Social & Ethical

Communication

Disciplinary







6.7 Establishment of quality assurancesystems to ensure consistency andcompleteness of project documentation inaccordance with the requirement fo the projectbrief, project timeframe and project budget.

6.8 Project documentation is in accordancewith, and appropriate to, the project contractand project procurement procedure.








Necessary Domain






Regulatory


Social & Ethical

Communication

Disciplinary







7. Project Delivery: Procurement

7.1 Identification of available procurementmethods and assessment of relevance andapplication to the project.

7.2 Selection of procurement methodincorporates assessment of the impact on allphases of project including design,documentation and project delivery.

7.3 Selection of procurement methodincorporates assessment of the impact oncontractual arrangements between all projectstakeholders.

7.4 Selection of procurement methodincorporates assessment of the impact onselection, contracting and scope of work ofconsultants and specialist service providers.

7.5 Preparation of report and recommendationsto enable client to make approval ofprocurement method and all associatedcontracts.

7.6 Knowledge and application of alladministration and principles for the selectedprocurement method and associated contracts.








Necessary Domain






Regulatory


Social & Ethical

Communication

Disciplinary







8. Project Delivery: Construction Stage

8.1 Selection process for appropriatelyqualified contractors is in accordance withprocurement method and project contract.

8.2 Recommendation regarding contractorselection and specifics of project contract aremade to the client for their approval.

8.3 Identification and application of theprocess and administration systems needed tofulfil all obligations under project contract.

8.4 Construction progress and quality issystematically reviewed and monitored asrequired under the contract provisions.

8.5 Identification and application of all relevantprocesses required for certification ofmonetary claims, project variations, extensionsof time, project instructions or otheradministrative responsibilities under thecontract provisions.

8.6 Monitoring project requirements andobjectives as described in project documentsare met.

8.7 Identification and application of appropriateand consistent systems for record keeping andmaintenance of document revisions.








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Communication

Disciplinary







8.8 Ensure that warranties, schedules, as builtdocumentation, certificates, approvals andother project information are completed andhanded to the client and relevant authorities asrequired under the contract.

8.9 Undertake post occupancy evaluation ifrequired under the scope of the projectagreement.








Necessary Domain






Regulatory


Social & Ethical

Communication

Disciplinary







9. Practice Management

9.1 Knowledge and implementation ofappropriate practice model to ensure efficient,effective and ethical professional service.

9.2 Knowledge and application of practiceresources required to ensure efficient andeffective professional service.

9.3 Identification and application of practicesystems and quality management systems tofacilitate efficient and timely delivery ofarchitectural services in accordance withproject objectives.

9.4 Establishment of project team and practicestructures required to deliver the professionalservices in a timely manner.

9.5 Knowledge of the legal and ethicalobligations relating to copyright andintellectual property requirements.

9.6 Knowledge and application of professionalethics and ethical practices in respect topractice management and provision ofprofessional service.

9.7 Knowledge of legal and regulatoryrequirements and obligations in regard toarchitectural practice, practice managementand registration as an architect.








Necessary Domain






Regulatory


Social & Ethical

Communication

Disciplinary







9.8 Clear and consistent communication withclient and relevant stakeholders throughoutproject.

9.9 Provision of independent and objectiveadvice through all phases of professionalpractice.



national standard of

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