Architect Competency Test Grid in Indonesia

Do you know that graduates with a bachelor's degree in Architecture cannot immediately work as architects? Prospective architects are required to pass the Architect Competency Test to obtain an Architect Registration Certificate or STRA. The STRA is the official proof that an architect can fully practice architecture. So, what are the requirements to take the Architect Competency Test?

Requirements for the Architect Competency Test.

The Architect Competency Test is the responsibility of the Indonesian Architects Council (DAI). This competency test can be conducted throughout Indonesia and is available to those who have completed formal education.

The required education is a higher education degree in Architecture with a minimum duration of five years and completion of an internship managed by the Indonesian Institute of Architects (IAI) for at least 4,000 hours. The Architect Competency Test will assess the knowledge, understanding, and skills necessary for providing architectural practice services.

To take the Architect Competency Test, you need to fulfill various requirements. Here are the requirements for the Architect Competency Test that must be completed to apply through the STRA DAI application:

1. Uploading a photocopy/scan (scan) of the Identity Card (KTP).
2. Uploading a recent passport-sized photo with a white background.
3. Uploading a photocopy/scan (scan) of the Bachelor's Degree and Transcript in Architecture/Architectural Engineering.
4. Uploading a photocopy/scan (scan) of the Professional Program in Architecture (PPAr) or Master's Degree in Architecture with a Design Stream/Concentration.
5. Uploading a photocopy/scan (scan) of the Certificate of Internship Completion from the Indonesian Institute of Architects.
6. Uploading a photocopy/scan (scan) of the Taxpayer Identification Number (NPWP).

Eligibility of Applicants

If you have met all the requirements above, it is now time to understand the eligibility of the applicants for the competency test. According to the decree of the DAI, the applicants for the Architect Competency Test are those who have the following status:

1. Graduates of the Professional Program in Architecture (PPAr) or Master's Degree in Architecture with a Design Stream/Concentration, who have obtained the diploma and academic transcript for the Professional Education in Architecture or Master's Degree in Architecture with a Design Stream/Concentration, or an equivalent certificate issued by the organizing university; and have obtained a Certificate of Internship Completion from the Indonesian Institute of Architects.
2. Graduates of the Bachelor's Degree Program in Architecture/Architectural Engineering before 2015 who do not yet have a Professional Certification (SKA) or;
3. Individuals who previously had a Professional Certification (SKA) but it expired before August 2017 and was not renewed, and who have received a recommendation from the Special Reactivation Scheme.

Module of Architect Competency Test

The Architect Competency Test consists of five modules that serve as benchmarks in the examination. The entire Architect Competency Test covers 13 Competency Items for Architects. Each part represents the substance of competencies consisting of several competency components from these 13 items.

In each module, applicants will answer 150 questions of varying competency levels, ranging from Expert, Capable, to Knowledgeable. These five modules also categorize various materials according to their respective parts. Here are the five Architect Competency Test modules that appear during the examination.

Module 1 - Planning and Design

This section consists of 49 questions about planning and design. If participants do not pass this module, they will be required to pay a re-examination fee of Rp600,000. Here are the competencies covered in this first module:

1. Competencies in Architectural Design
2. Competencies in Applying Budget Constraints and Building Regulations
3. Competencies in Preparing Design Work
4. Competencies in Urban Planning and Design

Module 2 - People, Buildings, and Environment

This second part consists of 44 questions about People, Buildings, and Environment. If participants do not pass this module, they will be required to pay a re-examination fee of Rp600,000. Here are the competencies covered in this second module:

1. Competencies in the Relationship between People, Buildings, and Environment
2. Competencies in Physical and Building Physics Knowledge
3. Competencies in Environmental Support Capacity Knowledge

Module 3 - Building systems, technology, and interdisciplinary crossings.

Part three consists of only 16 questions about Building Systems, Technology, and Interdisciplinary Crossings. If participants do not pass this module, they will be charged a competency retest fee of Rp200,000. Here is the content of competency for this third module:

1. Interdisciplinary Problem Understanding Competence

Module 4 - Project Management and Practice

This fourth part consists of 27 questions about Project Management and Practice. If participants do not pass this module, they will be required to pay a re-examination fee of Rp300,000. Here are the competencies covered in this fourth module:

1. Competencies in Construction Industry Knowledge in Planning and Design
2. Competencies in Project Management Knowledge
3. Competencies in the Architect's Role in Society

Module 5 - History, Theory, and Art

This fifth part consists of 14 questions about History, Theory, and Art. If participants do not pass this module, they will be required to pay a re-examination fee of Rp200,000. Here are the competencies covered in this fifth module:

1. Competencies in Architectural History and Theory Knowledge
2. Competencies in Visual Arts Knowledge

Sources for Architect Competency Test questions

Applicants will answer 150 questions in the Architect Competency Test, designed to ensure minimum competencies required by prospective architects. All test questions will assess learning outcomes from formal, informal, and non-formal education, as well as internship processes.

Here are the sources of reference materials for Architect Competency Test questions related to the substance of the 13 competency items (but not limited to):

1. General principles of architectural design taught in architecture schools.
2. General reference books and standards taught in architecture schools.
3. Legislation: Laws, Government Regulations, Ministerial Regulations related to the architectural profession and architectural practice, for example:
   1. Law No. 28 of 2002, Law No. 6 of 2017, Law No. 11 of 2020 related to architects, buildings, and structures.
   1. Government Regulation No. 15 of 2021, Government Regulation No. 16 of 2021.
   1. Ministerial Regulation on Building Permit Requirements, Green Building Requirements, Fire Hazard Protection, Rainwater Management in Buildings, and similar regulations.
4. indonesian National Standards (SNI) related to architecture
   1. Ventilation and air conditioning systems in buildings.
   1. Natural lighting systems in buildings.
   1. Other standards related to architecture.
5. Other standards and regulations.

Here is the Architect Competency Test grid that you need to know before applying for an Architect Registration Certificate or STRA. Once you have obtained your STRA, you can practice architecture independently because you have passed the competency test managed by DAI. STRA holders are responsible for the reliability and safety aspects of the designed buildings. Click here to register for STRA through DAI!