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BVN Studio Sydney Image: Brett Boardman

PALS | YOUR PATHWAY TO REGISTRATION

Practice of Architecture Learning Series (PALS)

Preparing to register

Are you considering becoming a registered architect in Australia? You can research the pathways available to you here whether through an accredited Australian architecture qualification, experienced practitioner pathway or Overseas Qualification assessment. You should contact your local State/Territory Registration Board for details of 2024 briefing sessions.

The Institute’s PALs program offers a comprehensive registration preparation program that covers the key knowledge areas assessed in the Architectural Practice Exam.

why sign up for PALS?

New content including

  • SOPE template 
  • Guide to help you address the 2021 performance criteria
  • Practice exam unit including glossary, rapid fire questions and timed practice exam

24 on-demand modules contain presentations delivered by an industry expert with accompanying practice notes.

Two 9 week Livestream Case Study sessions designed to help your ability to analyse, evaluate and respond to real-world situations.

Resources to assist your learning and preparation for Part 3

Connection with study groups in your State/Territory and learning with your peers.

Register Now for Pals

What's included?

We’ve worked hard to ensure that PALS continues to offer member pricing below that of our competitors.

A+ members receive a 40.6% discount off the regular subscription

Members receive a 33.2% discount off the regular subscription

  • A+ Members $799

    24 pre-recorded online module presentations. Recordings of recent Case Study sessions. An invitation to live Case Study sessions. 12 months access to Acumen notes. Practice Exams and Study Groups

  • Members $899

    24 pre-recorded online module presentations. Recordings of recent Case Study sessions. An invitation to live Case Study sessions. 12 months access to Acumen notes. Practice Exams and Study Groups

  • Non Members $1346

    24 pre-recorded online module presentations. Recordings of recent Case Study sessions. An invitation to live Case Study sessions. 12 months access to Acumen notes. Practice Exams and Study Groups

Multi-user discounts for groups of 5 or more are available, please contact us for at pals@architecture.com.au for discount code before booking

Try the PAL 24 EXAM PRACTICE SAMPLER

Want to know if PALS is for you?  Thanks to support from Fielders Lysaght and PALS contributor Andrew Costa in QLD, we’ve included a FREE Statement of Practical Experience template together with some practice exam questions to allow you to test yourself.

This is just a small preview of the many resources that will be available with your subscription.

REGISTER TO TRY OUT THE SAMPLER

live case study sessions

PALS Case Study sessions run for a 9 week period:

Round 1: 6 February -22 April 2024,  APE Session 1 Part 2 Exam: 9 April 2024

Round 2: 16 July- 10 September 2024, Part 2 Exam: 17 September 2024

Sessions are recorded and placed on users dashboards for review and in case live attendance is not possible.

RESOURCES

 2024 Exam (AACA)

2024 APE Information Sheet for Candidates (AACA)

Have a question? Find the answer here

If you still can’t find the answer to your question, get in touch with our friendly PALS team via pals@architecture.com.au and they’ll help you out.

When Can I Start?

You can subscribe anytime to commence immediate access to all PALS resources for 12 months.

I applied for the APE last year, can I use the same documents?

Transition Between 2015 NSCA and 2021 NSCA

APE Part 3 candidates who submitted 2023 (or prior) documents, may need to resubmit Part 1 documents using the 2024 APE format.                                      Refer the below table and confirm details with your local board:                                   

  • ACT:  No transition must resubmit Part 1 with 2024 format. 
  • NSW: No transition must resubmit Part 1 with 2024 format. 
  • NT: No transition must resubmit Part 1 with 2024 format. 
  • QLD: 24-month transition, expires end 2025. Refer QLD Board for conditions. 
  • SA: No transition must resubmit Part 1 with 2024 format. Refer SA Board for special consideration. 
  • TAS: 12-month transition, expires end 2024. Refer Tas Board for conditions. 
  • VIC: No transition must resubmit Part 1 with 2024 format. 
  • WA: 12-month transition, expires end 2024. Refer WA Board for conditions. 

All APE Part 3 interviews will use the 2021 NSCA

What are the PALS Modules?

The PALS program is focused around learning modules. Each module addresses a key knowledge area assessed in the APE. each module contains a presentation delivered by an industry expert with accompanying notes.

What are the PALS Case Study sessions?

To reinforce what you’ve learned in the Modules, we provide a series of  livestream events working though Case Studies. These fully interactive webinars are designed to hone your ability to analyse, evaluate and respond to real-world situations. Convened by highly experienced professionals and topic area experts the Case Study sessions provide an opportunity to apply the theories and principles learnt throughout the modules.

What does my PALS subscription include?

Once purchased, graduates have access to the PALS program for 12 months.

Your full year’s subscription includes access to:

  • The full program of  pre-recorded online module presentations that you can view in your own time.
  • An invitation to join us for our live Case Study sessions
  • Access to recent Case Study recordings
  • 12 months access to Acumen notes
  • Practice Exams 
  • Study groups

This in-depth program includes a final module which focuses specifically on preparing for the exam, and is presented by an APE examiner.

The main reference material for the program is the Institute’s highly regarded Acumen practice notes, and the course includes full access to Acumen for 12 months.

The program also includes access to Case Study sessions facilitated by experienced architects. You will be able to ask questions, explore case studies and learn how to apply your new knowledge in a virtual classroom.

How long are the Case Study sessions?

Approximately one to one and a half hours long.

Do I have to attend Case Study sessions?

No, they are not compulsory. PALS is a user driven program, we have provided a suite of resources that you can use as much or as little of as you like to prepare yourself.

We do recommend you take advantage of what is available including attending as many case study sessions.

Do I need to complete all the modules before attending each Case Study Session?

Yes, to get the most out of the online tutorials we suggest you cover the relevant modules. Each online tutorial session is set up to cover case studies and questions to specific modules (e.g. 1-3). 

What if I fail the exam? Can I attend the next round of Case Study Sessions?

Of course we hope all PALS subscribers will pass, but you will have access to the PALS program for one year.

What if I can't get to the Case Study sessions?

You will have access to the recordings of the online tutor sessions. The online learning modules and Acumen access have been designed to make available to everyone the tools and resources to prepare for the exam.

How do I buy PALS?

To buy PALS, simply head over to our PALS registration page and follow the instructions. If you already have a membership or user record, please have your login and password details handy.

What if I am already a member?

If you are currently a member of the Institute you can buy PALS straight away at the special discounted rate by logging into the PALS registration page with your Australian Institute of Architects member number (e.g.: 54321) and your usual password.

What if I want to join the Institute?

That’s great! As an Institute member, you’ll receive some great benefits and discounted pricing for PALS too. Find out more about becoming a member 

Is it worthwhile becoming a member to get the PALS discount?

Yes. In addition to the other member discounts and benefits, you can buy PALS for $899 pp instead of $1346. If you are eligible for A+ membership, PALS is discounted even further. Additional discounts also apply for multi-user purchases. For more information and to check out the benefits of becoming an Institute member, head over to our Memberships Page.

Can I get a discount if more than one person from my practice buys PALS?

Discounts are available for groups of 5 or more pals@architecture.com.au 

What if I am not a member of the Institute?

You can still buy PALS as a non-member and pay the full price. Keep in mind that, depending on your graduate level, it may actually cost less to become an Institute member and then purchase PALS than it does to buy PALS as a non-member. Please note that non members do not receive access to the Communities forum.

What is the difference between the Australian Institute of Architects, the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB)?

The Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB) administers Governments legislation regulating architects under the Architects Act.

They regulate and oversee the exams, logbooks, registrations or submission and APE dates. For any APE questions please refer to the AACA website.

The Australian Institute of Architects, that delivers the PALS course, is a membership organisation and represents the industry and practice of the architect. PALS prepares graduates for the APE exams and develops their pathway in practice.

The Institute’s PALS course does not regulate or oversee the exams, logbooks, registration or submission and APE dates.

What is Acumen?

Acumen is the Institute’s online database of architectural practice advisory material. Acumen content is structured under Practice, Project and Resource streams. Each stream enables the user to ‘drill down’ to the level of information required to satisfy their inquiry. Purchase of the PALS program includes 12 months subscription to Acumen.

Each module contains links to supplementary Acumen material on the main topics to give you more in-depth knowledge. Once the PALS module takes you to the relevant Acumen entry, you will need to log in using the same login details you use for PALS.

I have been out of the workforce for three years, is PALS a suitable refresher course for me?

Yes, the PALS modules cover all the essentials of architectural practice, so they make an ideal refresher course for architects returning to work.

I have an overseas qualification and would like to know more about Australian practice - is it worthwhile subscribing to PALS?

Yes, because the PALS modules are an excellent, self-paced and easily accessible learning tool for architects and other design professionals who want to familiarise themselves with the essential aspects of Australian architectural practice.

My office already has access to Acumen - can I get a discount on PALS?

No. PALS and Acumen are sold as a fully integrated package that is set up to give you personal, convenient and at-home access.

Member Testimonials

PALS Experience

In Part 1, members talk about the key benefits of doing PALS, the online modules and Acumen Practice Notes, and the collegiate experience of the face-to-face tutorials when grappling with the Architectural Practice Exam together. They finish off by relating some of their most memorable moments from the course.

Register

To register for PALS, simply head over to our PALS registration page and follow the instructions.

Register now

PALS EXPERIENCE​

In Part 2, they talk about how they used PALS to prepare for the APE and all aspects of the registration process, such as the logbook. They conclude by discussing the greater value of PALS; insights for day-to-day practice, confidence for starting your own practice and a greater knowledge base.

Register

To register for PALS, simply head over to our PALS registration page and follow the instructions.

Register now
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The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.

We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.

We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.

Read our Statement of Support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart and Constitutional Recognition and the Voice to Parliament.

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