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Registration as an Architect - New South Wales

Description

You will need this registration if you intend to practice architecture. Architects are involved in the design, planning, and construction of buildings. This registration allows you to used the protected title 'architect'.

If you received your architectural qualifications overseas, you can apply for temporary registration, which will allow you to practice for a limited period of time. If you are currently registered as an architect in New Zealand or in another state or territory, you can apply to the Board to have your registration recognised in New South Wales.

Service type

Licence

A licence defines the need to obtain recognition / certification and registration to undertake a certain business activity.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for full registration, you must:

  • hold a Bachelors degree, Masters degree or other qualification in the discipline of architecture accredited by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia
  • pass a competency examination arranged by the Board if you do not hold the required qualifications
  • have an approved period of practical experience in architecture as a prerequisite for entry to the examination in architectural practice
  • pass an exam in architectural company approved by the Board
  • be of good fame and character
  • have the appropriate professional indemnity insurance or an exemption from this requirement.

To be eligible for temporary registration as an overseas architect, you must:

  • hold the required qualifications in architecture from an overseas institution
  • have a minimum of 7 years professional practice as an architect
  • be able to provide a detailed summary of your professional experience as an architect
  • be able to provide 3 professional referees who can testify to your professional experience
  • be of good fame and character.

Duration

1, 3 or 5 years

Fees

Fees Details for this service in table format.

Task Type Business Structure Description
Apply Application All

Fees can be found here. Fees for 2025-26

Act(s) name

Architects Act 2003 New South Wales

Regulation(s) name

Architects Regulation 2017 New South Wales

Approval time

28 days

Administering agency

NSW Architects Registration Board

Contact details

Contact Email, Phone and Address Details for this service in simple two column table format, header then data.