The purpose of the Architectural Practice Examination (APE) is to ensure that persons applying to be registered as an architect in any State or Territory in Australia have adequate knowledge and understanding of the practice of architecture in Australia and a capacity to exercise professional skill.
The APE comprises three parts, as follows:
- Part 1 – Logbook and Statement of Practical Experience
- Part 2 – National Examination Paper
- Part 3 – Examination by Interview
Once all requirements of the three-part APE have been satisfactorily met, candidates can apply to the Architect Registration Board in the State or Territory in which they wish to practice, for registration as an architect.
Part 1: Eligibility – Logbook and Statement of Practical Experience
Candidates are required to record at least 2 years of recent practical experience against specified competencies and include a Statement of Practical Experience, which is a brief synopsis of practical experience.
Click here for the APE Logbook.
Click here for the Board’s Logbook Submission Instructions (Information Sheet 11).
Click here for the APE Parts 1 & 2 Application Form.
Part 2: National Examination Paper (NEP)
The National Examination Paper is a 70-minute “closed book” scenario computer-based exam conducted by the Boards in test centres nominated by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia in each State or Territory. It consists of nine “scenarios”. Each scenario comprises five multiple-choice questions with each multiple-choice question having four possible responses, of which only one is correct.
The fee for undertaking Parts 1 & 2 of the APE is $665.00.
Part 3: Examination by Interview
Upon successful completion of Part 2 of the APE, candidates will receive an invitation to attend the Part 3 Examination by Interview.
Each candidate is interviewed by two Architects Board of WA examiners who are experienced practitioners, on the range of work and experience presented by the candidate. The duration of the interview is one hour.
The fee for undertaking Part 3 of the APE is $565.00.
Click here for the APE Part 3 Application Form.
APE Dates for 2026
Two rounds of the APE are conducted each year – Round One in April/June and Round Two in September/November. The relevant dates for 2026 are set out below.
Dates for 2026:
Round 1, 2026
Enrolments for Parts 1 & 2 are open from 9.30 am Monday, 19 January 2026 to 4 pm Friday, 30 January 2026. (To be submitted via email – info@architectsboard.org.au)
The Part 2 National Examination Paper will be held on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.
Enrolments for Part 3 (including Re-Sits) will open from 9.30 am Monday, 11 May 2026 to 4 pm Friday, 22 May 2026.
The Part 3 Examinations By Interview will be held during the weeks commencing 8 and 15 June 2026.
Submissions can be made anytime during the enrolment period and must be emailed.
No extensions will be granted and no late submissions will be accepted.
Candidates applying to re-sit Parts 2 or 3 must submit their updated logbooks and statements of practical experience during these submission dates to be included in the relevant round.
Applications can be submitted via email to: info@architectsboard.org.au.
Should you require any further information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Board via the email provided above.
Round 2, 2026
Enrolments for Parts 1 & 2 are open from 9.30 am Monday, 29 June 2026 to 4 pm Friday, 10 July 2026. (To be submitted via email – info@architectsboard.org.au)
The Part 2 National Examination Paper will be held on Tuesday, 22 September 2026.
Enrolments for Part 3 (including Re-Sits) will open from 9.30 am Monday, 19 October 2026 to 4 pm Friday, 30 October 2026.
The Part 3 Examinations By Interview will be held during the weeks commencing 9 and 16 November 2026.
Submissions can be made anytime during the enrolment period and must be emailed.
No extensions will be granted and no late submissions will be accepted.
Candidates applying to re-sit Parts 2 or 3 must submit their updated logbooks and statements of practical experience during these submission dates to be included in the relevant round.
Applications can be submitted via email to: info@architectsboard.org.au.
Should you require any further information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Board via the email provided above.