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 eligible 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, in 2024 the RIAI re-established its Professional Practice Examination (PPE) function, having previously operated a PPE until 2014.
Applications for the first RIAI PPE full programme cycle opened in October 2024 and the programme runs annually.
The RIAI Professional Practice Examination programme includes five parts:
- The Lecture Series which runs from February to May
- Continuous Assessment via Lecture-based Assignments from February to May
- Submission of a Case Study Report in September
- Submission of a Career Evaluation Report in September
- Oral Examination in October
- Results by year-end
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RIAI Professional Practice Examination 2027
Applications for the 2027 RIAI Professional Practice Examination Programme are open from 1st to 31st October 2026 (inclusive).
Application form for 2027 PPE Programme
Please note that you must apply through the dedicated portal using the approved RIAI PPE application form only.
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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 experience must be in Ireland. The 24 months full-time postgraduate experience must by complete by 31 August in the year you are undertaking the examination.
- Case Study Project. You must submit a Case Study proposal for a project which will be at least 70% complete at construction stage by by 31 August in the year you are undertaking the examination. 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 2027 Programme is as follows:
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| Thursday 9th September 2026 | RIAI PPE 2027 Programme Information Session 1pm via Zoom |
| 1 October 2026 | Applications Open |
| 31 October 2026 | Applications Close |
| November 2026 | Issue of offers |
| December 2026 | Offer acceptances close |
| February 2027 | Lecture Series commences |
| April 2027 | Frist Case Study tutorials |
| May 2027 | Lecture Series concludes |
| June 2027 | Second Case Study tutorials |
| August 2027 | Third (final) Case Study tutorials |
| September 2027 | Submission of Case Study and Career Evaluation Report |
| October 2027 | Oral Examinations |
| November 2027 | Examination Results |
