Registration as an Architect - New South Wales

Description

You will require this registration if you intend to act as an architect in New South Wales. An architect offers services involved in the design, planning or construction of buildings. You may not use the title 'architect' or descriptions such as 'architectural' without this registration.

If you received your architectural qualifications overseas, you can apply for temporary registration which will allow you to practise 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.

Please consult the Contact Officer for more information.

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 Bachelor 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
  • be of good fame and character
  • pass an exam in architectural practise set by the board
  • have an approved period of experience in architecture or a minimum 3,300 hours of logged work experience
  • 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
  • be of good fame and character
  • have a minimum of seven years professional practise as an architect
  • be able to provide a detailed summary of your professional experience as an architect
  • be able to provide three professional referees who can testify to your professional experience.

Please consult the Contact Officer for more information regarding eligibility requirements.

Ongoing eligibility requirements

As a registered architect in New South Wales, you must:

  • take all reasonable steps to maintain and improve your skills and knowledge in architecture
  • undertake any activities the NSW Architects Registration Board considers appropriate to demonstrate the maintenance and improvement of your skills and knowledge
  • acquire a minimum of 20 hours continuing professional development (CPD) each year and report the details of your CPD to the board
  • pay the annual registration fee.

Commencement

Your application will be processed within 28 days of submission.

Duration

Annual.

Expiry

31 March each year.

Fees

Fees Details for this service in table format.

Task Type Business Structure Amount Description
Apply Application All $50.00

Non-practising registration fee
Apply Application All $400.00 Full registration application fee
Apply Application All $250.00

Registration of interstate or New Zealand architects
Apply Application All $650.00

Temporary registration of overseas architects
Apply Application All $400.00 Full registration (3-5 years since practise exam). Plus $280 interview fee.
Apply Application All $680.00 Full registration (5+ years since practise exam)
Renew Renewal All $250.00

Annual registration renewal fee

Act(s) name

Architects Act 2003 NSW

Regulation(s) name

Architects Regulation 2017 NSW

Lodgement process

Apply

The Board encourages the use of the online payment facility. If fees are paid in person or by mail / email using a card, merchant fees will apply.

Additional information

You may be able to apply for registration as a non-practising architect if you have previously been registered with the NSW Architects Registration Board and no longer intend to provide architectural services.

The Board may decide to impose conditions on your full or temporary registration.

You may be liable for an increased registration fee if you passed your practise examination more than 3 years ago.

Disqualified persons or entities

You may not be eligible for registration as an architect in New South Wales if you:

  • are not of good fame and character
  • are bankrupt
  • have been convicted of a specific offence or an offence that renders you unfit to practice architecture in New South Wales
  • have had a previous architectural registration cancelled.

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.

The Registrar

NSW Architects Registration Board
Operating address: Level 2
156 Gloucester Street
Sydney
New South Wales 2000
Phone: 02 9241 4033
Fax: 02 9241 6144
Email: mail@architects.nsw.gov.au