AACA – Skills Assessment for Architects
Migration Skills Assessment for Overseas-Qualified Architects in Australia
The Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) is the official assessing authority for architects applying for skilled migration to Australia. A positive AACA skills assessment is required for visa subclasses 189, 190, 491, and can also support employer-sponsored and state nomination pathways.
AACA evaluates whether your architecture qualification and professional experience meet Australian standards for the occupation of Architect.
ABEE’S Consultancy (MARN 2217775) provides clear guidance to help applicants understand AACA requirements and prepare a structured and compliant skills assessment application.
Who Needs an AACA Skills Assessment?
AACA assesses applicants intending to work in roles such as:
Architect
Professional architects designing and overseeing building projects
Building Designer (Advanced Levels)
Advanced building designers with architectural qualifications
Architectural Project Lead
Architects leading architectural projects and teams
Architectural Consultant
Consultants providing architectural expertise and advice
Design Architect
Architects specializing in architectural design and conceptualization
Urban Design Architect (Where Qualification is Architecture-Based)
Architects working in urban design with architecture qualifications
If your goal is to migrate as an Architect, you must complete an AACA skills assessment before lodging your skilled visa application.
AACA Assessment Pathways
AACA offers two primary pathways for migration skills assessments:
1. Architectural Qualification Assessment (AQA)
For applicants with overseas architectural qualifications.
AACA examines whether your qualification is:
- Equivalent to an accredited Australian architecture degree
- Recognised at the required level (usually a 5-year architecture program or equivalent)
- Properly aligned with architectural competencies
This pathway assesses qualification only, not work experience.
2. Experienced Practitioner Assessment – Stage 1
For applicants whose qualifications do not fully match Australian standards but who have extensive professional architecture experience.
This pathway evaluates:
- Work experience
- Professional skills
- Design competencies
- Project responsibilities
It is suitable for senior architects with significant experience in design, documentation, and construction phases.
Key Requirements for AACA Skills Assessment
AACA focuses heavily on the academic level and architectural content of the qualification.
1. Architecture Qualification Requirements
Qualifications must demonstrate core architectural areas such as:
- Architectural design
- Building construction
- Environmental systems
- Architectural history & theory
- Professional practice
- Urban design principles
- Documentation & technical drawing
In most countries, this corresponds to:
- A 5-year Bachelor of Architecture, or
- A 3-year undergraduate + 2-year Master of Architecture
Equivalent structures may be accepted if content aligns with Australian Accredited Architecture Programs.
2. Professional Experience (If Applying via Experience Pathway)
Applicants choosing the Experienced Practitioner pathway must show:
- Significant post-qualification experience
- Experience in all stages of architectural work
- Design, documentation, and project coordination
- Use of architectural standards and building codes
- Substantial autonomy and professional responsibility
Evidence may include:
- Detailed CV
- Portfolio showing involvement in projects
- Project descriptions
- Employer statements outlining role and responsibilities
3. English Language Requirement (If Required)
Applicants from certain countries may need to provide English test results for skilled migration visa purposes, though AACA may not require it for qualification assessment alone.
Documents Required for AACA Skills Assessment
Identity Documents
- Passport
- Photograph
- Name change records (if any)
Qualification Documents
- Degree certificate(s)
- Academic transcripts
- Detailed course description or syllabus
- Studio/project portfolio (if requested)
Experience Documents (For Experienced Practitioner Pathway)
- CV/resume
- Portfolio of architectural work
- Employer reference letters
- Project involvement records
- Evidence of design and documentation tasks
- Statements verifying architectural responsibilities
AACA Skills Assessment Process – Step by Step
Select the Correct AACA Pathway
Applicants choose between:
- Architectural Qualification Assessment (AQA), or
- Experienced Practitioner Assessment
Prepare Academic & Course Documents
Applicants collect transcripts, certificates, and detailed curriculum information. We explain how to organise these documents to demonstrate architecture-specific content.
Prepare Portfolio & Experience Evidence (If Required)
For the experienced practitioner pathway, AACA places strong emphasis on:
- Design involvement
- Documentation responsibilities
- Contract administration
- Technical knowledge
Submit Application via AACA Portal
Applicants complete the online portal requirements and upload all supporting documents.
AACA Assessment & Verification
AACA reviews:
- Qualification equivalency
- Architectural content
- Work experience (if using experience pathway)
- Overall suitability for migration purposes
Receive Skills Assessment Outcome
A positive AACA skills assessment confirms:
- Your qualification meets Australian architectural standards, or
- Your professional experience meets competency expectations
Common Reasons AACA Applications Are Refused
Qualification not equivalent to an accredited Australian architecture degree
Your architecture qualification must be equivalent to an accredited Australian architecture program, typically a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture or 3+2 year Master of Architecture.
Insufficient architectural content (e.g., interior design degrees)
Degrees in interior design, building design, or related fields without comprehensive architectural content do not meet AACA requirements for the Architect occupation.
Incomplete transcripts or missing course descriptions
Complete academic transcripts and detailed course descriptions are essential to demonstrate that your qualification covers all required architectural competencies.
Portfolio lacking detail or clarity
For the experienced practitioner pathway, your portfolio must clearly demonstrate your involvement in architectural design, documentation, and project delivery.
Experience not demonstrating architectural competencies
Work experience must show genuine architectural practice including design, documentation, contract administration, and technical knowledge across all project stages.
Incorrect pathway selection
Choosing the wrong assessment pathway can result in refusal. Understanding which pathway suits your qualifications and experience is crucial.
Mismatch between academic study and architectural practice
There must be clear alignment between your academic qualifications in architecture and your professional practice as an architect.
Because architecture requirements are highly specialised, understanding AACA criteria before applying is essential.
How ABEE’S Consultancy Supports AACA Applicants
Guidance on AACA Pathway Selection
Explaining whether qualification assessment or experienced practitioner assessment is appropriate.
Document Preparation Guidance
Clarifying how applicants should prepare transcripts, curriculum descriptions, portfolios, CVs, and experience documentation.
Support in Preparing Architectural References
Explaining how to structure employer reference letters that outline genuine architectural practice.
Application Lodgement Guidance
Providing support for completing the AACA portal and submitting required documentation.
RFI Guidance
Explaining how to respond if AACA requests additional documents.
Migration Strategy After Assessment
Explaining skilled visa options such as 189, 190, and 491 for architects.
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