How to Get an Architect Skill Assessment in Australia?

Architect ANZSCO 232111 is a highly in-demand occupation in Australia. This is because of the commitment to excellence and innovation in architectural profession in Australia.

 

International architects who want to pursue their careers in Australia are required to register as architects in Australia. For the registration process international architects have to undergo several steps. The initial step is to obtain a positive skill assessment through a regulatory body. 

 

A skill assessment is a formal process for evaluating the qualifications, work experience, and expertise of overseas architects who want to migrate or practice in Australia. 

 

This process is designated by skill-assessing bodies like the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) or VETASSESS. It evaluates whether architects meet the standards of the Australian architectural industry and adhere the regulatory requirements for the architectural professions in Australia.  

 

In this blog post, I will share insights regarding the potential pathways of architect skill assessment in Australia for those who want to migrate and practice in Australia in architectural professions. 

 

So, let’s get started! 

 

Understand Pathways for Architect Skill Assessment in Australia

For overseas architects who want to migrate or practice in Australia, a positive skill assessment is essential so that they can register in Australia. The relevant skill assessment authorities conduct the architect skill assessment process to ensure that the applicants are qualified and their competencies are aligned with Australian standards.

 

There are several pathways of skills assessment for architects in Australia; some of the most familiar include: 

Pathway 1: Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA)

Pathway 2: VETASSESS (Victorian Education and Training Services Advisory Council)

 

Pathway 1: Architects Skill Assessment through AACA

 The Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) is an approved assessing body that evaluates the academic qualifications of the occupation “Architect” ( ANZSCO code 232111) for migration and practice purposes in Australia. They offer skill assessment letters focusing on accredited architecture qualifications and oversee the verification processes. 

 

AACA offers two main skill assessment pathways for architect skill assessment in Australia such as:

• Overseas Qualifications Assessment (OQA)
• Verification of Australian qualifications

 

Let’s have a look at them one by one!

 

Overseas Qualifications Assessment (OQA)

The Overseas Qualifications Assessment (OQA) is a skill assessment pathway managed by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA). It is specifically designed for international architects who have obtained relevant qualifications outside Australia. 

 

 This process involves a thorough evaluation to determine whether the applicants meet the Australian standards for practicing in the Australian architect industry.

 

This assessment ensures that an international architect’s educational qualifications, professional experience, and skills are aligned with the current Australian-accredited qualification in architecture. Generally, this skill assessment includes document submissions like detailed academic transcripts, a portfolio of work, and evidence of professional experience. 

 

Once the assessment is done, applicants must complete further steps, including examinations or interviews, to demonstrate their proficiency.

 

Note: Applicants who have accredited architecture qualifications from Australia, New Zealand, or Hong Kong are exempt from the Overseas Qualifications Assessment process and eligible to apply directly for the Skilled Migration Assessment. 

 

Verification of Australian Qualifications

 The Verification of Australian Qualifications skill assessment pathway under AACA is designed to evaluate the academic qualifications and expertise of those individuals who have completed their architectural education in Australia. 

 

This pathway is for applicants who have accredited architecture qualifications from Australia, New Zealand, or Hong Kong.  The AACA supervises this process to assess the qualifications that are awarded in Australia and overseas for migration purposes under the Australian Skilled Migration Program for Architects (ANZSCO code 232111).

 

Note: If applicants obtain a successful, positive skill assessment and meet the eligibility criteria, they qualify for the Architectural Practice Examination (APE). 

 

How Many Types of Skills Assessments Are at AACA Australia?

 There are generally two types of ACCA skill assessments to get a positive qualification assessment, including:

• Provisional Assessment
• Portfolio Submission and Interview

 

Provisional Assessment

This is the initial step of skill assessment, where the applicants can submit their qualifications and relevant documents for initial assessment. If the applicants successfully pass this step, then they can proceed to the next step. 

 

Portfolio Submission

In this step, the applicant is required to submit a portfolio of work experience, which assessors review. After the portfolio is reviewed, applicants can be invited for an interview to evaluate their skills and competencies. 

 

Who Can Apply for the AACA Skill Assessment?

 The Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) skill assessment is designed for those who have completed their accredited architectural qualification inside or outside Australia.  However, the main candidates who can apply for AACA skill assessments include: 

Overseas Applicants

 Overseas individuals who have completed their architectural qualification outside of Australia can apply for the AACA skill assessment. For this purpose, they are required to apply for the Overseas Qualifications Assessment (OQA) to evaluate their qualifications and expertise according to Australian standards. 

 

Australian Applicants

 Australian candidates who have obtained an Australian-accredited architectural degree in Australia can apply for the Verification of Australian  Qualifications to have a positive skill assessment and be registered as an architect in Australia. 

 

Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA)

 Applicants from countries with which Australia has a Mutual Recognition Agreement, including New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Singapore, can be eligible for recognition of their qualifications without undergoing a full skill assessment. 

 

Experienced Architectural Practitioners 

Those individuals with significant professional architectural experience are qualified under the Experienced Practitioner Assessment pathway.

 

UK Qualification

 Applicants with relevant, qualified degrees from the United Kingdom ( RIBA Part 1 and Part 2) can be eligible for recognition under the UK/AUS Mutual Recognition Agreement.

 

Note: Each category has its own eligibility criteria and application process, so it is crucial to consult with skilled migration visa consultants. They will guide you regarding the step-by-step application process of the AACA skill assessment for your prior skill assessment pathway. 

 

Document Required for AACA Skill Assessment for Architects in Australia 

 The required documents for a skill assessment under the Accredited Australian Qualification Assessment Scheme by AACA for architects include:

 

Qualification Documents

• Original copy of Master of Architecture degree certificate
• Original copy of your academic transcript
• Identification Documents
• A valid  passport
• At least two other photo ID documents, like: 

• Birth Certificate
• National ID card
• Driver’s License
• Student ID card
• Marriage Certificate

 

Note: If you have completed an accredited degree of Masters in Architecture in Australia, you are not required to submit work experience to obtain a positive skill assessment result.

 

However, if you do not possess an accredited qualification in Australia. In that case, you must apply for the “Overseas Qualifications Assessment” scheme, which usually requires at least six months of relevant paid work experience.

 

 Talk to our professional, skilled visa consultants to learn about the application process for the AACA Skill Assessment for Architects in Australia. 

 

 

Pathway 2: Architect Skill Assessment Through Visual Assessment

 If you are an architect and want to migrate or practice in Australia, you can use the VETASSESS skill assessment pathway 2. 

 

VETASSESS (Victorian Education and Training Services Advisory Council) is one of the leading assessing authorities in Australia. This skill asessment process is designated to evaluate the qualifications and work experience of overseas-skilled individuals who want to migrate to Australia.

 

For architects’ skills assessments, VETASSESS plays a crucial role in ensuring their skills and qualifications are aligned with Australian standards. This is because architects are required to be eligible and have the necessary skills and qualifications to practice as architects in Australia.

 

Eligibility Criteria for VETASSESS Skill Assessment

 To apply for a VETASSESS skill assessment, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Relevant Qualifications

 The applicants must hold a relevant qualification assessed at least at the AQF Diploma level or higher in a highly relevant field of study, such as architecture or architectural drafting. This qualification should meet the standards and requirements set by the VETASSESS for the architectural profession in Australia.

 

Employment Experience 

It is mandatory that applicants have relevant work experience that demonstrates their expertise and practical skills in architectural practice. Generally, you must have at least one year of post-qualification employment experience at an appropriate skill level within the last five years.

 

Meet English Language Requirements

Apart from this, you ought to meet the English language proficiency requirements set by the Australian government. These requirements include providing  the test scores from an approved English language test like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. Make sure your test score meets the minimum score requirements.

 

Submit Supporting Documentation

Further, you are also required to submit necessary documents to verify your qualifications, work experience and other relevant information. However, these documents include:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• Experience letters and employment references.
• Test scores or results of approved English language tests.

 

By meeting these criteria and providing the necessary documentation, you can ensure a thorough and successful VETASSESS skill assessment that will help you to grow your professional career as an architect in a foreign country like Australia.

 

Who Can Apply for the VETASSESS Skill Assessment?

To apply for VETASSESS skill assessment for architects, the following architects are eligible: 

• Architectural Draftsperson 
• Architect

 

Architectural Draftsperson

 An architectural draftsperson occupation, ANZSCO Code of 312111 under group C, is eligible to apply for VETASSESS skill assessment focusing on architectural professionals. There are various architect roles that are considered suitable under ANZSCO 312111, such as: 

• Architectural Associate
• Architectural Assistant

 

Other Specialised occupations include:

• Building Drafting Officer
• Building Designer (not covered in ANZSCO)

 

To know about the step-by-step process for VETASSESS Skill Assessment for Architect Professionals, consult with our skilled visa consultants now. 

 

Australian Visa Options for Architects in Australia

 Based on the qualifications, experience, and expertise of architects, there are several Australian visa options to practice and migrate to Australia, such as: 

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass189)
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
• Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
• Skilled in Demand Visa ( Subclass 482)

 

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass189)

 This visa is designed for those overseas skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member. But they need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) first to be invited to apply for this visa.

 

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

This type of GSM visa is specifically designed for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. To apply for Subclass 190, applicants  need to submit an EOI and get a nomination from the state or territory.

 

Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)

 This type of visa is for those international skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer in order to address the skilled occupation shortages and fill the positions that cannot be filled by an Australian worker. This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

 

Skilled in Demand Visa ( Subclass 482)

This Skilled in-Demand visa subclass 482 is replaced with Temporary Skill Shortages, which allows the Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to fill the gap of skilled workers they can not find suitable Australian workers for. 

 

To know more visa options, get in touch with our skilled migration consultants now. 

 

How Can The Migration Help You? 

As you have understood, if you want to practice as an architect in Australia or become an architectural draftsperson, you need to undergo skill assessment.

 

To apply for skill assessment via your prior skill assessment pathway , you must understand its requirements, eligibility criteria, application process, and more. 

 

For this purpose, you need to consult with professionals to get professional help. We at the Migration have experienced migration agents and skilled visa consultants. They will help you check your eligibility and guide you through the complete process. They will be your helping hands in preparing your application and other documentation preparation to undergo architect skill assessment in Australia.

 

Whether you are looking for skill assessment for architects through AACA or Vetassess Skill Assessment for Architects, consult with us.