Welcome to PALS!
Registrations for PALS 2026 open: Monday,1st December 2026
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. Existing Modules have been reviewed and refreshed.
Course Forum Peer Engagement
We highly recommend active engagement with your peers throughout your registration preparation to maximise your chance of success. You can access the Course Forum on the Questions and Answers Forum Link on the Landing Page
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.
Why Use PALS?
- The program includes 24 pre-recorded online modules that you can complete in your own time. 3 modules are focused on the 2021 AACA Competency updates.
- The second last 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 known as Case Study Sessions 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. The Modules are grouped into Sessions. We start with an Introductory Welcome Session and finally we finish with a session where you can bring PALS content related questions that you may not have had a chance to have answered
Access to the PALS program for is for 12 months from Registration, 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 Thursdays for a10 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 time zone.
Round 1: Stay tuned, more details to come. Part2 Exam: 14 April 2026
Round 2: Stay tuned, more details to come. APE Part 2 Exam: 22 September 2026
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.
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
PALS is exclusively for Members of the Institute
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.