Registering as an architect

About registration

To work as an architect in Victoria, you must be registered with the ARBV. This requirement is outlined in the Architects Act 1991, and sets out:

• the process for registration
• required experience and qualifications
• the standard of professional conduct architects are expected to meet in their day-to-day practise.

If you are not registered with the ARBV, you cannot:

• represent yourself as an 'architect'
• use the below terms to describe your work
  • 'architectural services'
  • 'architectural design services'
  • 'architectural design'.

Graduates of an architectural qualification are also restricted from using certain terms and should refer to themselves as an 'graduate of architecture', but not 'graduate architect' or any other title that includes the word 'architect.'

There are 2 classes of registration:

1. Architect (practising)
2. Architect (non-practising)

Generally, architects in the non-practising class of registration are no longer working in Victoria, retiring or will be on an extended leave.

The ARBV also approves architectural partnerships and companies to provide architectural services in Victoria. This includes companies operating as a corporate trustee or set up for the purposes of contracting.

Architect registration

When registering for the first time, you must register as a practising architect.

To register as an architect (practising), you must:

• hold a qualification in architecture - visit approved degrees and qualifications
• have at least 2 years’ practical experience
• successfully complete one of the pathways to registration
• pay the required fees when you apply
• be covered by professional indemnity insurance
• be a fit and proper person.

To maintain registration as an architect (practising), you need to renew your registration each financial year by making the relevant declarations and paying the required fee. The declarations relate to your CPD requirements and changes to your circumstances that may affect your registration.

You will also be required to provide your complete professional indemnity insurance policy as proof that you are covered by the required insurance.

You can lodge your practising architect registration application via the ARBV Portal.

Registration pathways

There are three pathways to registration as an architect in Victoria, depending on your experience. Many applicants undertake the Architectural Practice Examination (APE), while those who have registered as an architect in another jurisdiction may be eligible for the Experienced Practitioner Assessment or Mutual Recognition schemes.

Fit and Proper Person

Being a ‘fit and proper person’ is a requirement for registration as an architect with the ARBV. The ARBV must assess the fitness and propriety of natural persons seeking registration as an architect in accordance with the probity matters set out in the Architects Act 1991 (the Act).

The probity questions in the Act relate to any convictions or guilty verdicts involving fraud, dishonesty, drug trafficking or violence (up to 10 years after the verdict), suspension or cancellation of registration, licence, approval or other authorisation in the last 10 years, being subject to an order from a court or VCAT that has not been complied with, disciplinary action taken under the Building Act 1993, and insolvency (bankruptcy) in the last 10 years.

In determining if an applicant is a fit and proper person, the ARBV will consider:

• the probity matters outlined in section 10A of the Act;
• if the applicant failed to disclose an adverse matter covered by section 10A that later becomes known to the ARBV;
• if the applicant has provided any false or misleading information in support of his or her application for registration, or otherwise to the ARBV.

When determining if an applicant is a fit and proper person the following factors will be considered, including (but not limited to):

• the link or impact of the adverse conduct to providing architectural services or to the profession;
• the attitude of the applicant in relation to the conduct;
• any further instances involving the same or similar conduct by the applicant;
• the seriousness of the adverse conduct;
• how recently or long ago the conduct occurred;
• any other relevant or mitigating factors.

Any conduct matters or criminal convictions must be disclosed via the questions in the application form at the time of submitting the application.

If you are in doubt, it is better to disclose and the ARBV will advise you of whether the matter will require consideration. It is important to note that section 67 of the Act provides that it is an offence to make a false statement to the ARBV. If the ARBV later becomes aware of a matter that should have been disclosed this may impact your ability to maintain your registration.

Architects are also required to remain a fit and proper person to maintain their registration.

This means that you will be required to advise the ARBV of any matters that may have impacted your status as a fit and proper person throughout the registration period.

Application and documentation requirements

Individual architects need to provide:

• Details of the organisation you work for, or whether you intend to work as a sole practitioner. This includes professional details to be displayed on the register.
• Proof of your professional indemnity insurance, evidenced by a Certificate of Currency. Generally, architects should have professional indemnity insurance cover via one of the following scenarios; depending on the scenario, additional information will be required:
  • If you are covered under the insurance of a registered company, you will need to ensure your employer confirms this via their company’s ARBV portal profile;
  • If you are covered under the insurance of an unregistered company, you will also need to provide proof of employment, such as a recent payslip, employment contract or letter from the employer;
  • If you are working as a sole practitioner, you will also need to provide proof of your ABN (if applicable).
• Assessment outcome letter, if you completed your Architectural Practice Examination in another state or territory.
• Assessment outcome letter, if you have completed the Experienced Practitioner Assessment.
• Any conduct matters or criminal convictions, as part of an assessment of your fit and proper person status.

Registration outcome

The ARBV may grant or refuse your application for registration as an architect (practising). Applications must be processed within 3 months of receiving a complete application. If your application for registration is refused, you may seek a review of this decision at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

The ARBV will inform you of your outcome in writing. Please remember, you are registered only when you receive written confirmation and your registration number.

Proof of registration

Once you have registered, you may need to provide evidence of your registration to third parties. The ARBV does not issue commemorative registration certificates upon registration, however, you can generate a certificate that confirms your registration status via the ARBV Portal. This is available for Architects (practising), Architects (non-practising), Companies and Partnerships.

You can also contact the ARBV via email at to request a certified extract of the register. This may take up to 10 business days to be provided and includes the history of your registration. Please email Registrar@arbv.vic.gov.au.

Fees

If you are registering as an architect or for company or partnership approval, you must pay your fees when you submit your application.

Paying your fees

You can pay online via the ARBV Portal using the following methods:

• credit card (excluding American Express)
• bank transfer.

To pay by bank transfer, select 'Offline Payment' in the ARBV Portal and follow the prompts.

If you are paying by bank transfer, select 'Invoices' on the dashboard in the ARBV Portal and open your invoice for bank details.

If you are a registered architect (practising) and have a partnership or company, you will need to pay both the architect (practising) and the company or partnership renewal fees.

Renewal

Architects (practising) must renew their registration each year. If you are a director or partner of an approved company or partnership, you also need to renew your company or partnership approval each year. For both, you must pay the renewal fees by 30 June.

Architects (practising) will need to make a declaration at each renewal confirming their fitness to practice. They will also be required to make a declaration confirming they have met the CPD requirements.

Failure to satisfy these requirements could be considered unprofessional conduct and, in high-risk cases, the ARBV may consider disciplinary action.

Architects (non-practising) are required to make declarations but are not required to pay renewal fees.

See our renewal page for more information on renewal requirements.

Fee schedule

Renewal fees for registration period 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027

Please note: fees are GST exempt and are subject to change each financial year. Pro rata fee arrangements are not available.

Applicants that apply in May and June will not be required to pay the renewal fee twice.

Other fees (1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027) - Architects Regulations 2026

Please note: fees are subject to change each financial year and are GST exempt.