Welcome to PALS!
At the Institute, we’ve been helping graduates prepare for and pass the Architectural Practice Exam (APE) for over 20 years. Developed by expert members, PALS has now been updated for the next generation of graduates. New modules address specific competencies including NCC, Sustainability and First Nations.
Study Group Peer Support
Shortly after the first Case Study session in each round we will organise you into State and Territory study groups. These groups are conducted via WhatsApp and supported by Study Group Leaders - recent registrants in your State or Territory. We highly recommend active engagement with your peers throughout your registration preparation to maximise your chance of success.
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. Our dedicated team are here to help and support you throughout your PALS journey.
Multi user discounts for groups of 5 or more are available, email us at [email protected] for a code BEFORE you purchase group subscriptions, we will not issue retrospective refunds.
Why Use PALS?
The program includes 24 pre-recorded online modules that you can complete in your own time. 3 new modules are focused on the 2021 AACA Competency updates.
The final module is 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 access to Acumen for 12 months
The program also includes access to online tutorials facilitated by experienced architects. You’ll be able to ask questions, explore case studies and learn how to apply your new knowledge in a virtual classroom
Access to the PALS program for 12 months, ensuring those who want to study at a slower pace, or need to re-sit the exam, have the flexibility to do so
The program is the perfect refresher course if you are coming back to the profession or moving to Australia from another country.
PALS Case Study sessions run on Tuesdays for an 8 week period. Your registration will allow you access to a Zoom link detailing the times for the first round and will allow you to add these to your calendar in your local timezone.
Round 1: 11 February -1 April 2025 17:30-19:00 AEDT APE Part2 Exam: 8 April 2025 (Evening round)
Round 2: 22 July - 9 September 2025 12:00-13:30 AEST APE Part 2 Exam: 16 September 2025 (Afternoon round)
ALL case study sessions are recorded and placed on your dashboard for later viewing. It is not mandatory to attend the live sessions however we encourage you to do so to allow you to ask questions and seek clarification on the concepts discussed. To make it easy to attend we now have one round of case studies conducted in the evening and another in the afternoon.
What Do I Do Next?
1. You will receive an automated registration email once paid, follow the link in the email to take you to the course material
2. We recommend you start viewing the course material before the online zoom tutorial sessions start. You're able to start reviewing the PALS material immediately after purchase. (Start with module 1 and work your way through).
Price
A+ Member: $799
Member: $899
Non-Member: $1346
There is a flat 5% group discount available for groups of 5 or more. PLEASE EMAIL [email protected] for the promotional code BEFORE processing any group payment as this will not apply at the checkout.
Notes
Our contributors are members of the architect community who have heavily invested in producing this content for our graduates. We want to remind you that the PALS dashboard and resources are for your individual use alone and are not to be shared in a group setting with those who have not subscribed to the program.