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Maintaining registration

You are not an architect in NSW unless you are on the NSW Register of Architects. You may nominate a 1, 3 or 5-year registration term. At renewal you are required to report your compliance with NSW CPD requirements and provide a certificate of currency for your professional indemnity insurance (held by you) or apply for an exemption.

NSW Architects Code of Professional Conduct 2017

The NSW Architects Code of Professional Conduct states the standards required of architects when engaged to provide architectural services. Failure to comply with the Code may constitute unsatisfactory professional conduct and be grounds for disciplinary action.

National Standard of Competency for Architects 2021

The 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects (‘2021 NSCA’) identifies the skills, knowledge and capabilities required for the general practice of architecture in Australia. It provides a benchmark for assessment programs leading to registration as an architect.

Requirements to display Architect Registration Number

An architect’s NSW architect registration number must be prominently displayed and included on all public-facing documents and business collateral including, but not limited to, the practice website, email signature and drawing title blocks.

Requirement to nominate a responsible architect for business

All businesses providing architectural services in NSW, other than those with individual/sole trader ABNs, must nominate a responsible architect to oversee the provision of those services. Architect corporations and firms are publicly searchable on the NSW List of Architect Corporations and Firms.

Transferring to non-practising registration

If you have retired from the practice of architecture or are not likely to provide architectural services for the foreseeable future, you can apply to change your registration status to non-practising. Transferring to the non-practising category is most cost-effective if you apply when you are renewing your registration.

Update your details

You can update your details in My Account. It is a condition of registration that you must update any change that occurs in your name, address or other personal details within 14 days.

Continuing professional development (CPD)

Architects must report at registration renewal their compliance with NSW CPD requirements and declare they have taken all reasonable steps to maintain and improve the skills and knowledge necessary for the provision of the architectural services they normally provide.

Professional indemnity (PI) insurance

PI insurance provides financial cover in the event of an architect’s error or omission, or failure in the performance of their professional duty. Architects must annually declare they have PI insurance appropriate for the architectural services they provide and submit the Certificate of Currency, or apply for an exemption.

Renew your registration

Login to My Account to renew your registration before your registration term expires. If your application is received after the due date you may be required to pay an additional fee to be reinstated to the NSW Register of Architects.

Reinstate your registration

Architects may apply to reinstate their NSW registration at any time. If your registration term has expired, you may be required to pay an additional fee.

Transfer to non-practising

If you have retired from practice or are not likely to be practising as an architect for the foreseeable future you may apply to transfer to the non-practising category. The Registrar will review your application to determine your eligibility to transfer.

Fees for registration

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