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 Examinations available to Architectural Graduates.
These examinations cover subjects such as professional ethics, planning and building legislation, contract law, project management, practice management, etc., and prepare you for the situation where you want to set up your own architectural practice.
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Professional Practice Examination Options
Graduates of the following Professional Practice Examination qualifications are eligibile to access to the Register of 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 (details below)
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Launch of RIAI Professional Practice Examination
In March 2024, the RIAI made the landmark decision to develop and provide a new RIAI Professional Practice Examination. The RIAI operated a Professional Practice Examination (PPE) in the past but ceased its involvement in PPE in 2014. Due to capacity issues presently affecting the ability of architectural graduates to progress to admission to the Register of Architects, it was deemed appropriate that the RIAI re-establish its PPE function. The first RIAI PPE full programme cycle commenced in early 2025.
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RIAI Professional Practice Examination 2026
Applications for the RIAI Professional Practice Examination 2026 Programme will open on 1st October 2025. Places will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to satisfying all the admission criteria (see below).
If you are interested in applying for a place on the RIAI PPE 2026 Programme, we will be hosting an Information Evening on Tuesday 9th September at 5pm at RIAI, 8 Merrion Square, Dublin 2.
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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 under the supervision of a RIAI Registered Architect. At least twelve months of that postgraduate 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.
- 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:
| October 2025 | Applications Open |
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| 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 |
