Please be aware that candidates applying for APE Parts 1, 2, and 3 must ensure that the documents submitted with their application follow the format and order specified in this document. |
2027 Timetable and Fees for Architectural Practice Examination
| Session 1 | Session 2 | Fees | |
| APE Part 1 & 2 Application Dates |
Open 14 January 2027 Close 11:59pm, 28 January 2027 |
Open 24 June 2027 Close 11:59pm, 8 July 2027 |
$660 |
| APE Part 2 National Examination Paper |
Tuesday 13 April 2027 | Tuesday 21 September 2027 | $245* |
| APE Part 3 Application Dates |
Open 10 May 2027 Close 11:59pm, 24 May 2027 |
Open 18 October 2027 Close 11:59pm, 1 November 2027 |
$470 |
| APE Part 3 Examination by Interview |
June 2027 | November 2027 |
| Session 1 | |
| APE Part 1 & 2 | |
| Application Dates |
Open 14 January 2027 Close 11:59pm, 28 January 2027 |
| Fees | $660 |
| APE Part 2 | |
| National Examination Paper |
Tuesday 13 April 2027 |
| Fees | $245* |
| APE Part 3 | |
| Application Dates |
Open 10 May 2027 Close 11:59pm, 24 May 2027 |
| Fees | $470 |
| Examination by Interview | June 2027 |
| Session 2 | |
| APE Part 1 | |
| Application Dates |
Open 24 June 2027 Close 11:59pm, 8 July 2027 |
| Fees | $660 |
| APE Part 2 | |
| National Examination Paper |
Tuesday 21 September 2027 |
| Fees | $245* |
| APE Part 3 | |
| Application Dates |
Open 18 October 2027 Close 11:59pm, 1 November 2027 |
| Fees | $470 |
| Examination by Interview | November 2027 |
* only applicable if you are re-applying within 12 months of initial application.
APE Part 2: National Examination Paper (NEP)
Candidates who have met the eligibility requirements for APE Part 1 are eligible to sit the National Examination Paper (NEP).
When preparing for the NEP, you must refer to the Key Documents on the AACA website.
The NEP is a scenario-based exam that tests knowledge and application of the relevant performance criteria in the 2021 NSCA. It is a ‘closed book’, remote proctored computer-based assessment comprising 80 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 120 minutes.
Candidates must pass the National Examination Paper before being admitted to Part 3: Examination by interview.
AACA Key Documents
- Architectural Practice Examination Handbook
- APE Support Material
- APE Checklist
- APE Performance Criteria Report (APE Part 1 NSCA Project Matrix)
- 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA)
- 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA) Explanatory Notes
- NEP Remote Proctoring FAQs
Other documents
- NSW Statutory Declaration
- NSW Guidelines for APE Applications
- NSW ARB Reasonable Adjustments Form for Registered Medical/ Health Practitioners
- NSW ARB APE Reasonable Adjustments Policy
- Consent for sharing candidate information - APE Part 2 NEP
You should also familiarise yourself with the APE Online Video Resources on the AACA website.
Attend the free briefing webinars
Before you apply for the APE Parts 1 & 2 you are encouraged to attend a free webinar delivered by the NSW ARB Registrar, Dr Kirsten Orr and NSW APE Convenor Ms Jenna Rowe:
| APE Parts 1 & 2 Candidate Briefing Slides |
| APE 2026 Parts 1 & 2 Candidate Briefing Record |
| APE 2025 Q & A |
For candidates planning to apply in Session 1, 2027:
 |
2027 APE Parts 1 & 2 Candidate Briefing Tuesday 8 December 2026 5.30pm - 7.00pm |
For candidates planning to apply in Session 2, 2027:
|
2027 APE Parts 1 & 2 Candidate Briefing Thursday 10 June 2027 5.30pm - 7.00pm |
