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.
New content including
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
You can subscribe anytime to commence immediate access to all PALS resources for 12 months.
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:
All APE Part 3 interviews will use the 2021 NSCA
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.
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.
Once purchased, graduates have access to the PALS program for 12 months.
Your full year’s subscription includes access to:
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.
Approximately one to one and a half hours long.
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.
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).
Of course we hope all PALS subscribers will pass, but you will have access to the PALS program for one year.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Discounts are available for groups of 5 or more pals@architecture.com.au
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.
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.
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.
Yes, the PALS modules cover all the essentials of architectural practice, so they make an ideal refresher course for architects returning to work.
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.
No. PALS and Acumen are sold as a fully integrated package that is set up to give you personal, convenient and at-home access.
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.
To register for PALS, simply head over to our PALS registration page and follow the instructions.
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.
To register for PALS, simply head over to our PALS registration page and follow the instructions.
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.
