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Due to the impacts of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) has decided the most practical and fair way to implement the Architectural Practice Examination (APE) Part 2 National Examination Paper (NEP) will be via an online exam for all candidates on 18 August 2020. The ARBV will contact all NEP candidates with more information in the next two weeks.

Please note that if you already applied for session 1 of 2020, you will be automatically enrolled in session 2. You do not need to reapply.

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We acknowledge it is difficult for some architects to complete continuing professional development (CPD) activities in the coming months.

As a result, we have altered CPD compliance requirements while coronavirus (COVID-19) remains a major issue:

1. Architects should make reasonable efforts to complete CPD activities in accordance with their personal circumstances. This may involve viewing online CPD presentations, participating in online CPD offerings or completing self-directed learning.
2. The ARBV will not require architects to declare at registration renewal that they have completed CPD activities on 1 July 2020. This takes into account that some architects may be unable to complete planned CPD activities as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It is important to note that architects are still required to continue to take reasonable steps to maintain their skills and knowledge as per the Architects Regulations 2015 (Vic).

Find out more about continuing professional development

Resources and CPD
The ARBV is not a CPD provider and does not endorse or accredit training offerings, however the following non-exhaustive list of providers may assist architects in identifying possible CPD options:

Australian Institute of Architects
Acumen
ArchiTeam
Association of Consulting Architects (ACA)

The APE National Examination Paper (NEP) scheduled for 21 April 2020 will be postponed until 18 August 2020 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The decision to postpone the NEP was made by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) after considering advice from AACA’s consultants and current Government advice on restrictions on gatherings of people.

Candidates will be automatically enrolled in the 18 August 2020 NEP. The ARBV will provide further information closer to this date. The ARBV acknowledges the significant effort of applicants and looks forward to progressing current APE applications later in the year.

Please note that Session 2 application dates remain unchanged at this time.

For more information visit the AACA website
Visit the ARBV website for the current schedule and changes to 2020 APE dates

We understand this is a challenging time for many architects (as well as those seeking registration with the ARBV). The ARBV is committed to identifying ways to support architects with their compliance and other regulatory obligations during this period. Read more

Related links

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has also published important information about coronavirus (COVID-19), which provides important guidance for building practitioners and is also relevant for architects. Please visit: www.vba.vic.gov.au

For important information and updates on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) visit the:
Department of Health and Human Services Victoria

Please follow these links for helpful information regarding being registered as an architect in Victoria:

The Architects Act 1991
Architects Regulations 2015
Architectural Education and the Profession in Australia
Changes to the Architects Act 1991