To make sure  that you are being exposed to a wide variety of processes (covering all the  Experience Areas) within projects it is important that you communicate openly and freely with your employer.

Practical Experience Requirements

Applicants must have relevant work experience of not less than 140 weeks. The following requirements apply:

1. Of the 140 weeks practical experience, 95 weeks must be subsequent to obtaining a recognised qualification i.e. from the date the degree is issued.

2. Experience periods must be not less than four consecutive weeks.

3. At least 45 weeks must be spent under the direction of a Registered Architect in NewZealand or Australia. (This means after gaining a recognised qualification and in an employment situation. Mentoring is excluded). A Project Record Form to document your experience is available from the NZRAB website. 

4. The closing date for practical experience is the date the application is made.

5. Up to 45 weeks practical experience may be gained working in other sections of the building industry, or while self-employed. Suitable employment would include working with a construction firm, sub-trade, interior designer, designer, quantity surveyor, town planner, urban designer, or structural or services engineer.

6. Post-graduate study or research of up to 45 weeks may be considered as practical experience.

7. For overseas experience, other than in Australia, to be included, applicants’ overseas employers must provide references stating the period of employment.