RIAI Professional Practice Examination
There are a number of routes to registration as an Architect in Ireland, but typically you must have:
Completed an RIAI accredited and prescribed 5-year qualification in Architecture in Ireland or completed a prescribed qualification in architecture outside Ireland that has been approved by the RIAI, followed by
Completion of at least two years of approved post-graduate professional experience (note that post-graduate means after completion of your 5-year qualification in Architecture. ‘Year Out’ experience does not count), followed by
Completion of a RIAI accredited Professional Practice Examination.
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What is the Professional Practice Examination?
The Professional Practice Examination is the final stage in qualifying for admission to the Register of Architects and to RIAI Membership. In Ireland, there are currently three Professional Practice Examination programmes available to Architectural Graduates.
These programmes cover subjects such as professional ethics, planning and building legislation, contract law, project management, practice management, etc., and and success in the Professional Practice Examination leads to eligibility for admission to the Register for Architects in Ireland.
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Professional Practice Examination Options
Graduates of the following Professional Practice Examination qualifications are eligibile for admission to the Register for Architects in the Republic of Ireland:
- Professional Diploma in Architectural Practice (PDAP) awarded by Technological University Dublin TU Dublin (formerly DIT)
- Professional Diploma (Architecture) awarded by University College Dublin UCD
- RIAI Professional Practice Examination awarded by the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (details below)
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Launch of RIAI Professional Practice Examination
Due to capacity issues currently affecting the ability of architectural graduates to progress to admission to the Register for Architects, it was deemed appropriate that the RIAI re-establish its Professional Practice Examination (PPE) function, having previously operated a PPE until 2014. The first RIAI PPE full programme cycle commenced in February 2025, and a second cycle will commence in February 2026.
The RIAI Examination Cycle is delivered over a calendar year and includes five parts:
- The Lecture Series (Spring)
- Continuous Assessment via Lecture-based Assignments (Spring)
- Submission of a Case Study Report (early Autumn)
- Submission of a Career Evaluation Report (early Autumn)
- Oral Examination (Autumn)
- Results (by year-end)
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RIAI Professional Practice Examination 2026
Applications for the RIAI Professional Practice Examination 2026 Programme are now closed.
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RIAI Professional Practice Examination Admission Criteria
- RIAI Architectural Graduate Membership. This process ensures that your architectural qualification is approved, and that you have access to RIAI Members’ resources.
- Postgraduate Professional Experience. A minimum of 24 months full-time postgraduate experience (i.e., after the completion of your five years of architectural education). This experience must be under the supervision of a RIAI Registered Architect and at least twelve months of that postgraduate that experience must be in Ireland.
- Case Study Project. You must submit a Case Study proposal for a project which will be at least 70% complete at construction stage by 30 September 2026. A suitable Case Study project is one where you have had close and continuing involvement through all work stages. You may use two projects if necessary to demonstrate your experience through all stages. All Case Study proposals must be approved by the PPE Convenor.
- A Practice Mentor who is a RIAI Registered Architect.
- The fee for the RIAI PPE Programme is €5150.
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RIAI Professional Practice Examination Documentation and Enquiries
Download the RIAI Professional Practice Examination Documentation and Guidance at the bottom of this webpage.
Enquiries should be directed to education@riai.ie.
The timetable for the Professional Practice Examination 2026 Programme is as follows:
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 9th September 2025 | RIAI PPE 2026 Programme Information Evening, 5pm via Zoom. Register at the link above. |
| October 2025 | Applications Open |
| November 2025 | Issue of offers |
| December 2025 | Offer acceptances close |
| February 2026 | Lecture Series commences |
| April 2026 | Frist Case Study tutorials |
| May 2026 | Lecture Series concludes |
| June 2026 | Second Case Study tutorials |
| August 2026 | Third (final) Case Study tutorials |
| September 2026 | Submission of Case Study and Career Evaluation Report |
| October 2026 | Oral Examinations |
| November 2026 | Examination Results |
