@yellowranger Hi, there's already a thread in the forum that discusses this.
[https://pinoyau.info/discussion/898/architect-applying-as-architectural-draftsperson/p1](https://pinoyau.info/discussion/898/architect-applying-as-architectural-draftsperson/p1)
Essentially you have 2 options: either go with VETASSESS to have your credentials assessed for architectural draftsperson (for 190 state sponsorship visa, but only a few states/territories offer sponsorship at the moment), or AACA to be assessed as an architect (to be eligible for 189 independent visa). VETASSESS looks at your educational qualifications and work experience, while AACA only looks at your educational qualifications.
From what I've gleaned from other people in the forum, it's quite difficult to get a positive skill assessment from AACA, mainly because Australia doesn't see the 5-year Philippine bachelor degree to be equivalent to their Master of Architecture degree. People argue/think that 5 years of study in the Philippines "should" be equivalent to 5 years of study in Australia (3 years bachelor degree + 2 years master degree), but that doesn't seem to be the case here. Australia isn't just looking at the length of studies, but more about the content of your curriculum and how well you can justify that your education is equivalent to Australian Architecture degree.
If you're interested in reading up on either options, have a look here:
[https://vetassess.com.au/skills-assessment-for-migration](https://vetassess.com.au/skills-assessment-for-migration)
[https://aaca.org.au/overseas-qualifications-assessment/](https://aaca.org.au/overseas-qualifications-assessment/)