How to Become a Registered Architect in Malaysia: LAM Part I, Part II and Part III Explained

Main Topic: The Three LAM Stages

LAM Part I: The Foundation Degree

LAM Part I is the first academic stage. It is usually a three-year Bachelor of Science in Architecture or a similar degree. The programme covers design studio work, building technology, architectural history, environmental science and basic structures.

A LAM Part I qualification is awarded in one of two ways. First, you can complete a degree that LAM has accredited. Second, you can sit the LAM Part I examination if your degree is not on the accredited list. Most students take the first route because it is faster and more predictable.

Many Malaysian students complete Part I locally. Others study abroad at universities whose degrees LAM recognizes. Both routes lead to the same outcome, as long as the programme appears on the LAM list of recognized qualifications.

LAM Part II: The Professional Degree

LAM Part II is the second academic stage. It is normally a two-year Master of Architecture programme. The work becomes more complex, with larger design projects, detailed technical studies and an introduction to professional practice.

After completing Part II, you can register with LAM as a Graduate Architect. This allows you to work in an architecture firm under the supervision of a Professional Architect. It is an important milestone, but it is not yet full registration.

As with Part I, Part II can be earned through an accredited degree or by sitting the LAM Part II examination. Students who completed Part I overseas often continue to Part II at the same university, which keeps the pathway simple.

LAM Part III: Professional Practice

LAM Part III is the final stage. It is not a degree. Instead, it is a professional examination that tests whether you are ready to practise independently.

To sit the Part III examination, you need practical experience after Part II. LAM currently requires a minimum of two years of relevant work. Part of this experience must be gained in Malaysia under a registered Professional Architect, so that candidates understand local law, contracts and approval processes.

The examination has several components. Candidates submit a record of their experience, sit written papers on professional practice, contract administration and Malaysian building regulations, and attend an oral interview. Passing all parts allows you to register as a Professional Architect and use the title “Ar.” before your name.

Supporting Information: The Pathway at a Glance

Studying Architecture Overseas

Many Malaysian students choose to study Part I and Part II in Australia, the United Kingdom or New Zealand. LAM recognizes a number of overseas programmes, and graduates from these programmes can return to Malaysia and register as Graduate Architects without further academic examinations.

However, recognition is programme-specific, not university-specific. A university may have one accredited pathway and another that is not. Always check the exact degree title against the LAM list before you apply.

Entry Requirements

Most Part I programmes require strong results in pre-university studies such as STPM, A-Levels, foundation programmes or diplomas. A portfolio is often part of the application, especially for overseas universities. Mathematics and physics are helpful but not always compulsory. English language proficiency is required for study abroad.

Tips for Choosing an Architecture Degree

Students often focus on rankings alone. For architecture, a few other factors matter just as much.

• Check LAM recognition first. Confirm that both the Part I and Part II programmes are on the current LAM list. A beautiful campus will not help if the degree is not recognized.
• Look at the studio culture. Architecture is taught through design studios. Ask about studio hours, class sizes and how much one-on-one feedback students receive.
• Consider the full five years. Changing universities between Part I and Part II is possible, but it can create gaps. Where you can, choose a university that offers both stages in a recognized format.
• Think about work experience. Some universities build internships or industry placements into the programme. This experience counts toward the practical requirement for Part III.
• Plan your budget realistically. Architecture degrees involve model-making, printing and software costs on top of tuition. Factor these in, especially for study abroad.
• Prepare a portfolio early. Even where a portfolio is optional, a strong one can improve your chances of admission and scholarships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

To become a registered architect in Malaysia, you must complete three stages: LAM Part I, LAM Part II and LAM Part III. The first two are academic degrees, usually a three-year bachelor’s and a two-year master’s. The third is a professional examination taken after at least two years of supervised work.

The most important early decision is choosing a degree that LAM recognizes. Doing so keeps your pathway clear and avoids additional examinations later. With careful planning, you can move smoothly from student to Graduate Architect to Professional Architect.