Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) Skills Assessment

A positive skills assessment from the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) is a mandatory requirement for architects seeking skilled migration to Australia. As the sole assessing authority for the occupation of Architect (ANZSCO 232111), the AACA is responsible for verifying that your overseas academic qualifications meet the national standards for practice.

What Is AACA Skills Assessment?

The AACA Skills Assessment is the official evaluation required for any architect applying for a skilled migration visa to Australia. It assures Australian authorities your qualifications and experience are equal to Australian standards.

It’s Required for a Visa: AACA is the only organisation that can assess architects (ANZSCO 232111). It’s required to apply for a visa.
It’s Full: It assesses your university degree, experience and competency as well as your qualifications.
Validity: It’s valid for three years.

And it’s not just your qualifications AACA assesses. It evaluates whether your training and experience genuinely prepare you to practise architecture at the standard Australian clients, employers, and regulators expect.

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Who Is Eligible for an AACA Skills Assessment?

Not every architect automatically qualifies. Whether you can apply depends on your qualifications and experience, and your assessment route.

Eligibility: You are Eligible If You…

Have a recognised degree in architecture.
Your degree covers core architectural subjects.
Have practical experience working under a registered architect.
Are applying for a skilled visa as an Architect (ANZSCO code 232111).
Have documents to prove your skills and experience.
Are applying through a skilled visa subclass (e.g., 189, 190, 491, 482, 186).

The Three Assessment Pathways

Pathway 1: ANZSCO Qualification Assessment

For: Architects who graduated from an AACA-recognised university.
Who: Mainly for architects from the UK, USA, Canada, NZ and India.

Pathway 2: Architecture Program Assessment (APA)

For: Applicants with a university program that has not been assessed.
What: Need to supply additional information about your university program.

Pathway 3: National Program of Assessment (NPA)

For: Candidates who do not hold a degree in architecture but have a lot of work experience.
What: Two-part process, requiring a large portfolio.

Who is NOT Eligible

Professionals in related fields like interior design, urban planning, or drafting.
Applicants with only a diploma or partial degree (unless using the experience-based NPA pathway).
Anyone who cannot provide official, verifiable documents for their claims.

What Are the Requirements for AACA Assessment?

The AACA has specific requirements for education, work experience and documentation needed to achieve a positive skills assessment.

Academic Requirements

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree specifically in Architecture.
Your degree program must be at least 5 years of full-time study.
The course outline must include design, construction technology and professional practice.
All overseas degrees are assessed against Australian educational standards.

Professional Experience Requirements

A minimum of 2 years of post-graduation practical experience is required.
This experience must be supervised by a registered architect.
Your role must be purely architectural, not general construction management.
Work experience gained before graduation does not count.

Required Documents Checklist

1. Identity Documents

Certified copy of your passport bio-data page.
Certified copy of name change documents, if needed (e.g., marriage certificate).

2. Academic Documents

Certified copies of your full academic transcripts.
Certified copies of your degree certificate(s).
NAATI-certified translations for any non-English documents.

3. Professional Experience Documents

Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Official employment reference letters on company letterhead, signed by your supervising architect.
Organisational charts showing your role in the firm.
Documents to prove employment (payslip, tax return).

4. Competency & Portfolio Documents

A project portfolio documenting your contribution to academic and/or professional projects.
A written document on the AACA Competency Standards.
Evidence of past or present architectural registration/licensing in your home country, if applicable.

Tip: Begin gathering and certifying documents 3-4 months before you intend to apply to ensure you’re ready to go.

Migration Skills Assessment : Step by Step Process

The migration skills assessment process by AACA is an orderly process. Understanding the process helps you to collect information and adjust your timescale accordingly.

Step 1: Check Your Pathway

Be on the ANZSCO, APA or NPA pathway.This will save you time and money.

Step 2: Set up an Online Account

Set up your AACA online account to receive your applicant reference number. Applications can only be submitted electronically.

Step 3: Organise and Upload Documents

Prepare documents in PDF.
Have any non-English documents translated by NAATI.
Provide certified documents to AACA’s standards.

Step 4: Prepare Your Competency Submission

Provide a comprehensive statement of how you comply with AACA’s practice standards.
Be sure to back every statement with evidence. This is the most important component of the application.

Step 5: Assessment Fee

You can pay the fee online with your application.
AACA cannot process your application until the fee is paid.

Step 6: Assessment and Outcome

AACA will assess your application.
They may ask for more information, which must be supplied ASAP to prevent delays.
The assessors will provide a written decision.

And knowing what AACA assessors will be looking for puts you in an excellent position even before you start working on your application.

Application Fees and Processing Times

Application Fees (AUD)

ANZSCO Assessment (Standard): $715
ANZSCO Assessment (Priority): $1,100
Architecture Program Assessment (APA): $1,430
National Program of Assessment (NPA) – Per Stage: $1,430
Re-assessment: $715
Appeal: $550
Extension of Validity: $385
Change of Pathway: $385
Certified Copy of Outcome: $110

Processing Times

ANZSCO Qualification Assessment: 10-12 weeks (Standard) or 5-6 weeks (Priority).
Architecture Program Assessment (APA): 12-16 weeks.
National Program of Assessment (NPA): 16-20 weeks per stage.
Re-assessment: 8-10 weeks.
Appeal: 12-16 weeks.

Key Rules and Conditions

Fees are non-refundable once processing begins.
Assessment outcomes are valid for 3 years.
Processing times are estimates and can be delayed by incomplete applications or peak periods.
Priority Processing is only available for the ANZSCO Qualification Assessment.
The NPA process has two steps, each with a fee and processing time.
Be sure to take timelines into account when applying for your visa.

Here's What Australian Architects Make

Australian architects are among the highest paid professionals, both across the board and in every state. Here’s what you can expect.

Salary by Experience Level

Graduate Architect (0–3 years): $60,000 – $80,000
Intermediate Architect (3–7 years): $80,000 – $110,000
Senior Architect (7–12 years): $110,000 – $150,000
Principal / Director (12+ years): $150,000 – $250,000+

State Average Salary (AUD)

Western Australia: $95,000 – $145,000
New South Wales: $95,000 – $140,000
Victoria: $90,000 – $135,000
Australian Capital Territory: $90,000 – $130,000
Queensland: $85,000 – $125,000
South Australia: $80,000 – $115,000

Factors That Affect Your Salary

Superannuation: 11% of your salary is automatically set aside by your employer for retirement (superannuation).
Registration: Being registered increases your salary.
Specialist Skills: Sustainable design, heritage and major infrastructure projects are higher paid.
Sector: Private practice is generally higher paid, but government jobs are more stable.
Location: jobs in the country are often accompanied by accommodation allowances.

Common Application Challenges Applicants Face

The Wrong Pathway: Assumptions that your degree is accredited by AACA, without referring to the list.
An Inferior Portfolio: Portfolios do not contain information on your role in projects.
Uninformative Job References: Job references contain job titles but not architect role.
Document Translation Times: Not accounting for the time required for document translations (NAATI translations)
Unclear Competency Statement: Not writing a clear narrative of competency (the most common reason for failure).
Time Management: Applying too late (the 10-20 week process takes place before you apply for your visa).

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Why Choose CDR for Australia for Your AACA Assessment Support?

Specialist AACA knowledge : we know what the assessors are looking for in all pathways and in all competency areas
Full-service : pathway confirmation, document management, competency submission writing and review
First-time success : we’re focused on getting your application right first time not after re-evaluating
Portfolio advice : we advise you on how to submit your architectural portfolio in the way AACA assessors are looking for
Clear process : you are always up to date with the status of your application
Success stories : we’ve assisted architects from all over the world to have a positive AACA result and successfully relocate to Australia

Apply for your AACA Assessment

The Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) skills assessment is a rigorous, evidence-based assessment, and successful applicants are those who apply meticulously and communicate their architectural accomplishments with clarity and accuracy.

Details are crucial from selecting the right assessment option and assembling the required documents to crafting an effective competency submission and keeping track of time. Cutting corners at any point means delays, extra expenses and lost opportunities for Australian visas.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

Is AACA the only assessing authority for architects in Australia?

Yes. AACA is the sole designated assessing authority for ANZSCO code 232111 — Architect. No other body can issue a valid migration skills assessment for this occupation

Do I need to be registered as an architect to apply?

No. Home country registration adds to your application, but is not required for the AACA assessment. State registration is undertaken after migration.

Do I need to apply for state registration once AACA is positive?

Not immediately. A positive AACA migration assessment confirms your qualifications for visa purposes only. State registration requires a separate application to your relevant state architect registration board.

Are AACA assessment fees refundable?

No. All fees are non-refundable once processing begins — regardless of outcome. Getting your application right the first time is always the most cost-effective approach.

What if AACA asks for more information?

You receive a formal written request specifying exactly what is needed. Respond promptly and completely delays in responding extend your processing timeline significantly.