Best Practice Principles and Standards for Skilled Migration Assessing Authorities

ARCHITECTS
ACCREDITATION
COUNCIL OF
AUSTRALIA
DEWR BEST PRACTICE
PRINCIPLES AND
STANDARDS FOR SKILLED
MIGRATION ASSESSING
AUTHORITIES
October 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview 2
AACA Programs that include skilled migration assessment
3

1. Which standards improve outcomes? Why/why not? 4
2. Which standards are achievable and why/why not? 7
3. What have we missed?
7

4. What changes are needed to impove skills assessment processes to make them simpler 7
and more migrant centric?

5. Are skills assessments appropriately aligned with domestic employment, VISA, and 8
licensing/registration requirements? why/why not?

6. How could skills assessment processes be streamlined with occupational licensing and 8
registration schemes?

7. What other functions could assessing authorities deliver to support employment and 8
migration outcomes?

8. Should there be more than one assessing authority applied to assess an occupation? 9
Why/why not?

9. Should english language testing be a skills assessment requirement? Noting english levels
9
are tested as part of the via application stage

10. Is there anything else you want to tell us about skills assessments? 10

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1
OVERVIEW
The AACA (Architects Accreditation
Council of Australia) is an independent, self-funded, not-for- profit, private business set up by the statutory state and territory Architect The eight Boards (and their respective
Registration Boards. The AACA establishing laws) are: supports nationally consistent high- quality qualifications and licensing of •Architects Registration Board of architects in Australia. It is endorsed Victoria – Architects Act 1991 (VIC) by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as responsible for entering •NSW Architects Registration Board – international mutual recognition Architects Act 2003 (NSW) arrangements of qualifications and registration for the architectural •Board of Architects of Queensland – profession in Australia, and the Architects Act 2002 (QLD)
Department of Home Affairs and
Department of Employment and •The Architectural Practice Board of
Workplace Relations as the accredited South Australia – Architectural skilled migration assessing authority Practice ACT 2009 (SA) for ANZSCO (Australian and New
Zealand Standard Classification of •Architects Board of Western
Occupations) 232111 Architect. Australia – Architects Act 2004 (WA)

Architects are regulated in Australia •Australian Capital Territory by State and Territory Governments. Architects Board – Architects Act A suitably qualified individual from
There are eight Architect Registration 2004 (ACT) overseas, who may even be an
Boards in Australia established under 'Architect' in their home country, will legislation to register architects, •Board of Architects of Tasmania – apply and be granted a VISA to conduct disciplinary investigations, Architects Act 1929 (TAS) Australia as an ANZSCO 232111 pursue unregistered use of the term Architect. However, AACA must be architect, and accredit programs of •Northern Territory Architects clear they cannot call themselves an study (the list of programs of study Board – Architects Act (NT) – 'Architect' or act as an 'Architect' until accredited by Architect Registration Architects Act (NT) they have worked for at least one year
Boards is maintained by the AACA) in Australia and successfully and inform consumers and the public 'Architect' is a protected title in every completed the Architectural Practice on architectural issues. jurisdiction of Australia, it requires Exam.
completion of a 5-year full-time
The Architects Accreditation Council education resulting in a Master of of Australia (AACA) was formed by the Architecture, followed by a minimum Please refer the Appendices for AACA
Architect Registration Boards in of two years' experience (a minimum examples of the skills assessment
Australia in the 1970’s to facilitate a of 12 months must be in Australia), template letters for migration nationally consistent approach to the and the successful completion of the purposes.
accreditation of architectural Architectural Practice Exam. The education and assessment programs successful completion of ALL of these on the path to registration as an culminates in the license to practice architect. and use of the title 'Architect.'

ARCHITECTS ACCREDITATION COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA DEWR BEST PRACTICE PRINCIPLES AND STANDARDS FOR SKILLED MIGRATION ASSESSING AUTHORITIES 2
AACA PROGRAMS THAT INCLUDE SKILLED MIGRATION ASSESSMENT
In Australia, the professional status and title ‘architect’ and ‘graduate of Master of Architecture’ require a minimum standard. The AACA National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA) is used in determining if this benchmark is met.

AACA has 9 programs based on the NSCA, 5 of these can contain a Migration Assessment if the applicant requests one.

Of these, 2 programs require a final interview (shown in red in the diagram below) with two independent, professionally recognised assessors:

- Overseas Qualification Assessment provides an equivalency to an Australian Accredited Qualification (Master of
Architecture) and allows entry to the Architectural Practice Exam once other requirements are met (e.g., experience).
- Mutual Recognition Agreement upon successful completion provides the ability to apply directly for Registration as an
Architect. The Migration Assessment is available prior to the interview, upon receipt of the foreign qualification
recognition, and can be issued regardless of the interview outcome.

In addition, 3 programs involve a desktop assessment (shown in green in the diagram below):

- Verification provides recognition of an Australian Accredited Qualification in Architecture, as an Australian Accredited
qualification this is a suitable pathway to enter the Architectural Practice Exam once other requirements are met (e.g.,
experience).
- UK (United Kingdom) Qualification Recognition provides recognition of a UK Accredited Qualification in Architecture,
recognised as a suitable pathway to enter the Architectural Practice Exam once other requirements are met (e.g.,
experience).
- Work Experience Assessment. The applicant must hold a current suitable Skilled Migration Assessment issued by the
AACA for the occupation Architect (ANZSCO code 232111) and have a minimum of 1-year post-graduate professional
experience in the last 10 years in Australia.

ARCHITECTS ACCREDITATION COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA DEWR BEST PRACTICE PRINCIPLES AND STANDARDS FOR SKILLED MIGRATION ASSESSING AUTHORITIES 3
1. WHICH STANDARDS IMPROVE OUTCOMES?
WHY/WHY NOT?
AACA support all Principles to improve outcomes, however Principle 6 is presently outside our remit.

Principle 1: User Friendly and migrant-centric experience

When AACA introduced templates for applicants and ‘how to’ videos (in the last two years) we found the applicants were better prepared for the interview.

We have always had dedicated case managers so there is a ‘real person’ the applicant can communicate with (mostly via email because the applicants are in a different time zone, but we are also available via phone during AEST/AEDT hours). We find the applicants like the reassurance of contact before, during and after their application submission.

We introduced Salesforce from mid-June 2023 and have found it:

1. Provides a clearer step by step workflow for the applicant.
2. Provides immediate acknowledgement of the applicant’s
submission.
3. Enables the applicant to check the progress / tracking of their
application once submitted.
4. Speeds up the workflow of the AACA application process.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) refer to AACA as a world leader in digitalisation and online platform support of Mutual Recognition
Agreements (MRAs), and asked AACA to present to our international peers on 27 Sept 2023.
MRAs are one of our programs that offer a Migration Assessment.

Enhancements to Salesforce we hope to introduce in future fiscal years include web chat, feedback forms, follow-up rating tools, and community posts.

AACA consider enhanced user-friendly and migrant-centric experience is essential.

Principle 2: Reasonable and justified fee structures
AACA wrote to DESE (DEWR previous name) on the 30 November 2021 about a review of our fee structuring. replied on 1
December 2021 with approval to increase our fees (as there had been minimal or no increases over 10 years) and for CPI increases each year.
Please refer appendix 3 for these documents.

Since November 2021 AACA provide an annual review of fee structuring to all programs. This is reported to our Annual General Meeting.

ARCHITECTS ACCREDITATION COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA DEWR BEST PRACTICE PRINCIPLES AND 4
STANDARDS FOR SKILLED MIGRATION ASSESSING AUTHORITIES
Principle 3: Evidence-based occupational assessment standards
In Australia, the professional status and title ‘architect’ and ‘graduate of
Master of Architecture’ require a minimum standard. The AACA National
Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA) is used in determining if this benchmark is met.

A rigorous review of the AACA National Standard of Competency for
Architects (NSCA) occurs every five (5) years to determine the minimum standard that:
- broadly reflects the role of an architect across the diversity of modes
of practice.
- represents the needs of regulators and reflects current and emerging
risks across the profession.
- is fit for purpose as the benchmark for AACA assessment programs at
the three levels:
o graduate of Master of Architecture
o candidate for registration (licensing as an architect)
o architect post registration (renewal of license)

The last review began in January 2020 and concluded in July 2021, please refer here for a summary https://aaca.org.au/nsca2020review/

Principle 4: Fair and equitable assessments
AACA management monitor the outcomes, time to complete, and the feedback from applicants.
The process of the review and appeal procedure is annually reviewed.
Annual training of assessors is important to make sure there is consistency and fairness.

Principle 5: Timely and efficient skills assessment delivery
The introduction of Salesforce for our application process streamlined both the front of house application process, the applicant uploading of documents, and the AACA back of house assessment processes.
The systematisation of the processes has increased efficiency and allows easy monitoring of all programs for effective resourcing to support the application completion.

Principle 6: Meaningful employment outcomes are enabled
AACA provide the applicant with comprehensive documentation on the standard of architectural education and practice, a profile of the profession in Australia, an explanation of regulation of architects in
Australia, and what is required at the point of licensure (registration) in
Australia. For two application processes (OQA and MRA) there is an interview process and Australian specific architectural standards, and work expectations are discussed with the applicant to ensure they have a very good understanding of what is expected to work in Australia.
Migration assessment also comes with an explanation of how registration
(licensing) requires at least 12 months of work experience in Australia. We also advise on employment:
You should also be aware that this assessment does not automatically entitle you to employment in Australia, nor is it a job offer. Employment opportunities vary in Australia, both over time and between States and

ARCHITECTS ACCREDITATION COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA DEWR BEST PRACTICE PRINCIPLES AND 5
STANDARDS FOR SKILLED MIGRATION ASSESSING AUTHORITIES
Territories. It is your responsibility to seek information about employment prospects in Australia. Employment vacancies are advertised in the
Australian media. Australian newspapers are often available to read at the
Australian diplomatic missions. Should migration to Australia be approved, when seeking employment it is essential that all original documents relating to educational qualifications, employment experience, character references and a portfolio of drawing or other materials illustrating work carried out both during and after obtaining academic qualifications are brought to Australia and are available to employers.

However, as AACA is the national voice of the regulator(s) for architecture
(the Architect Registration Boards) our constitution does not permit post- assessment assistance to help migrants obtain meaningful employment.
AACA is willing to discuss with DEWR the possibility of AACA partnering with an employment service provider to provide this service.

Principle 7: Integrity and transparency in operations
AACA provides monthly updates to the department. We also have transparency to the applicant with how AACA use their information and who we share this with. The AACA Privacy Policy and Privacy Statement are available here https://aaca.org.au/terms/ where we explain the
Commonwealth Privacy Act.
AACA clearly state that the submission of fraudulent documents will result in an immediate rejection of the application, a lifetime ban on applying for any assessment with AACA and reporting to the relevant authorities for further investigation

ARCHITECTS ACCREDITATION COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA DEWR BEST PRACTICE PRINCIPLES AND 6
STANDARDS FOR SKILLED MIGRATION ASSESSING AUTHORITIES
2. WHICH STANDARDS ARE ACHIEVABLE AND WHY/WHY NOT?
All standards are achievable for AACA, as explained in question 1.

Principle 6 would require AACA to partner with another organisation.

.

3. WHAT HAVE WE MISSED?
Fraud detection.

Through AACA’s involvement with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs), AACA have worked with the architect qualification and licensing authorities in the UK, through this we are very aware of international qualification and licensing fraud. The resources available in the
UK to address qualification and licensing fraud is very sophisticated.

AACA thank DEWR and the Home Office for the valuable training in evaluating non original documents, this is valuable, however it is not primary source verification.

Within Australia, AACA has partnered with MyEquals https://www.myequals.edu.au/ for primary sourced verification of tertiary credentials. As the national voice of the statutory architect registration boards, we can similarly have primary source verification of architect licensing.

AACA thank DEWR for access to CEP, however, AACA would appreciate a trusted international equivalent of
MyEquals. This would eliminate qualification fraud, through the primary source verification method.

4. WHAT CHANGES ARE NEEDED TO IMPROVE SKILLS ASSESSMENT
PROCESSES TO MAKE THEM SIMPLE AND MORE MIGRANT CENTRIC?
AACA would appreciate updates on the situation in common migration countries, such as the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental situation. This would assist our understanding of the applicant’s home environment and may also help us to identify any specific skills that may make them more employable in
Australia.
Availability of research on the home country qualifications, and the professional standing of licensing is available to AACA for architecture, although more robust for some countries than others. We have limited funds to progress this any further.

ARCHITECTS ACCREDITATION COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA 7
5. ARE SKILLS ASSESSMENTS APPROPRIATELY ALIGNED WITH DOMESTIC
EMPLOYMENT, VISA, AND LICENSING/REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS?
WHY/WHY NOT?
AACA skills assessments are aligned with licensing and registration requirements.
Of the five (5) migration skills assessments AACA offer:
- Overseas Qualification Assessment provides an equivalency to an Australian Accredited Qualification and allows entry
to the Architectural Practice Exam once other requirements are met (e.g., experience).
- Mutual Recognition Agreement upon successful completion provides the ability to apply directly for Registration
(licensing) as an Architect. The Migration Assessment is available prior to the interview, upon receipt of the foreign
qualification recognition, and can be issued regardless of the interview outcome.
- Verification provides recognition of an Australian Accredited Qualification in Architecture, as an Australian Accredited
qualification this is a suitable pathway to enter the Architectural Practice Exam once other requirements are met (e.g.,
experience).
- UK Qualification Recognition provides recognition of a UK Accredited Qualification in Architecture, recognised as a
suitable pathway to enter the Architectural Practice Exam once other requirements are met (e.g., experience).
- Work Experience Assessment. The applicant must hold a current suitable Skilled Migration Assessment issued by the
AACA for the occupation Architect (ANZSCO code 232111) and have a minimum of 1-year post-graduate professional
experience in the last 10 years in Australia.

AACA skills assessments are NOT aligned with domestic employment.
As AACA is the national voice of the regulator(s) for architecture, the Architect Registration Boards, our constitution does not permit post-assessment assistance to help migrants obtain meaningful employment.
AACA is willing to discuss with DEWR the possibility of AACA partnering with an employment service provider.

6. HOW COULD SKILLS ASSESSMENT PROCESSES BE STREAMLINED WITH
OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING AND REGISTRATION SCHEMES?
AACA skills assessments are already streamlined with licensing and registration.

7. WHAT OTHER FUNCTIONS COULD ASSESSING AUTHORITES DELIVER TO
SUPPORT EMPLOYMENT AND MIGRATION OUTCOMES?
AACA is willing to discuss with DEWR the possibility of AACA partnering with an employment service provider.

ARCHITECTS ACCREDITATION COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA 8
8. SHOULD THERE BE MORE THAN ONE ASSESSING AUTHORITY APPOINTED
TO ASSESS AN OCCUPATION? WHY/WHY NOT?
AACA holds the intellectual property license of the National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA), this sets the standard for the assessing authority for the ANZSCO 232111 ‘architect.’
Several areas should be considered before creating multiple assessing authorities for the skill base ‘architect’:
1. There is a small field of applicants applying under this skill base to Australia, would more than one
assessing authority for ‘architect’ be viable?
2. Access to appropriately skilled AACA assessors is fundamental to the Architect Registration Board
accepting the qualifications as suitable for licensing (registration).
3. Access to AACA resources that assist skills assessment applicants prepare for practice in Australia and
licensing (registration).
Fundamentally, if these could be resolved, a license to use the AACA NSCA for the purpose of skilled migration assessment may be plausible.

9. SHOULD ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING BE A SKILLS ASSESSMENT
REQUIREMENT? NOTING ENGLISH LEVEL TESTING AS PART OF THE VISA
APPLICATION STAGE.
For a Provisional Assessment AACA has no English language requirement.
For Verification, and Mutual Recognition Assessments, AACA has no English language requirement.
For an Overseas Qualification Assessment, a standard English proficiency test is required if the qualification obtained was not undertaken in English. An IELTS Test Certificate (scoring 6.5 or above) or equivalent, or a letter from an employer certifying that English language proficiency is adequate, will be accepted as sufficient evidence.

ARCHITECTS ACCREDITATION COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA 9
10. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO TELL US ABOUT SKILLS
ASSESSMENT?
The increase to the Temporary Skilled Migration income threshold from $53,000 to $70,000 (or the annual market rate) from the 1st of July 2023 will have a negative impact on applications under ANZSCO 232111.

Entry level architectural salaries are lower than $70,000 and it will make it unlikely a qualified person from overseas will be employable in Australia if they have less than 3 years post graduate experience.

Additional costs to an employer are associated Visa Costs – Employer Sponsored Subclass 482:
- Visa Application – Short Term Stream (up to 2 years) ‐ $1,330, or
- Visa Application – Medium Term Stream (up to 4 years) ‐ $2,770
- Nomination application ‐ $330
- Skilling Australian Fund Levy
o Business turnover < AUD$10 million: $1,200 per year or part thereof
o Business turnover > AUD$10 million: $1,800 per year or part thereof
- Plus, any Migration Agency fees if applicable

The Architects Award 2020, clause 13.1, sets the minimum salaries paid, the industry uses this as the benchmark payment:

Graduate of a Master of Architecture Entry $ 60,625
“ “ After 1 year $ 63,830
“ “ After 2 years $ 67,034

A candidate for registration (licensing) needs two (2) years' experience before they can apply for the Architectural
Practice Examination, successful completion allows a person to be a Registered Architect.

Registered Architect Entry $ 70,090
“ “ After 1 year $ 72,256
“ “ After 2 years $ 74,426

Architects Award 2020 https://library.fairwork.gov.au/award/?krn=MA000079#_Toc141350723 accessed
28/10/2023 2:48pm

ARCHITECTS ACCREDITATION COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA 10