The FAA exam system is based on contemporary western astrology that uses a counselling perspective. Candidates wishing to sit this exam system must display sound counselling skills or positive framing and use the outer modern planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto which are often called the collective or transpersonal planets.

There are four exams that make up the FAA Diploma of Astrology. Each exam may be attempted in any order. It is not necessary to successfully complete one examination in order to do another. Any person may apply to sit an exam; the only requirement is that the candidate must be a financial member of an affiliated FAA association.

The four exams that make up the FAA Exam System leading to the FAA Diploma of Astrology are:

1. Interpretation – offered annually in February/March
2. Specialist Techniques & Relationship – offered biennially in April /May
3. Calculation – offered annually in August
4. Dynamic – offered annually in September/October

Each exam is held at approximately the same time each year.

• Exam dates are published on the FAA website and advertised in the FAA National Journal.
• Candidate must pass all four exams to gain the FAA Diploma of Astrology

The present fees for the exams are:

• Interpretation, Relationship & Specialist Techniques, Calculation & Dynamic – $245 ($165 concession card holders).
• All prospective exam candidates are welcome to apply for an APA scholarship which can assist in paying one exam fee per year.
• Fees are subject to inflationary rises when warranted

Updated Timeframes

Since the introduction of the FAA Exam System structure of four exams, in 2000 and the FAA Diploma of Astrology in 2008, the FAA Exam System has continued to evolve, resulting in changes to maintain the FAA Diploma as an achievable, high-standard qualification with worldwide recognition.
The changes in the exam’s content and structure could result in some exam candidates, who began the exams before 2015 not being assessed on all areas of expected competency for the Diploma. Based on this, the Exam Board is recommending timeframes be put into place in relation to completion of the four exams to achieve the FAA Diploma.

Timeframes

• FAA Exam candidates who undertake their first exam after 1st July 2026 will have 10 years to complete the four exams to achieve the FAA Diploma of Astrology.
• FAA Exam Candidates who successfully passed one or more FAA Exams since 1st July 2015 will be able to access a ‘grandfather’ clause allowing them to complete all four exams to achieve the FAA Diploma if all the exams are completed by 30th June 2030.
• FAA Exam Candidates who have successfully completed any of the FAA Exams before 1st July 2015 may apply for special consideration of their exam results being credited towards achieving the FAA Diploma by 31.12.2026.

The Diploma of Astrology is the FAA’s minimum qualification to practice astrology professionally; therefore, a high standard is expected of candidates.