Getting Started With the ARE

Architect Registration Examination

In order to take the ARE, you must:

Meet the requirements of the registration board you plan to receive your initial license from, and
Establish an NCARB Record.

You should always contact your registration board directly to verify the requirements to gain access to the ARE.

Authorization to Test

To receive authorization to take the ARE you must transmit your NCARB Record to your registration board. If you have completed the Intern Development Program (IDP), you should select “IDP Complete: Request transmittal of NCARB Record to your jurisdiction” in My NCARB Record. If you have not completed the IDP, you should follow the steps outline here.

Your registration board will make you eligible for the ARE unless it participates in NCARB’s Direct Registration Program.

You will receive an Authorization to Test from Prometric. Your Authorization to Test includes your name, address, candidate identification number, your registration board, and all divisions you are eligible to take.

It is important that the name printed on your Authorization to Test matches the name printed on your primary form of identification. If your name is incorrect or you have changed you name, contact your registration board. Do not schedule an appointment to test until your receive a corrected Authorization to Test.

To change the address on your authorization to test, you must contact the ARE Helpline, your registration board, and NCARB. NCARB and Prometric are NOT responsible for lost, misdirected, or delayed mail.

Scheduling an Exam

Candidates may take the ARE divisions in any order, and at any time and Prometric location they choose (subject to availability). Most test centers are open six days a week, 50 weeks a year. [more]

Paying for the ARE

Each division of ARE 4.0 is $210. This fee is non-refundable. [more]

ARE 4.0 Divisions

The ARE consists of seven divisions that include multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and check-all-that-apply questions as well as graphic vignettes. [more]

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Related Publications

ARE Guidelines
The ARE 4.0 Guidelines is essential reading for anyone preparing for the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®). The document includes an overview of the exam divisions as well as the exam program, the rolling clock, exam eligibility, and six steps to taking and completing the ARE.

Download (PDF, 13,031K)

ARE 4.0 Voucher Request Form
Complete this form if you wish to pay by check or money order and indicate the division(s) for which you are submitting payment. A separate voucher for each division will be mailed to you within four weeks after receipt of your request.

Download (PDF, 76K)

Related FAQs

For the graphic vignette sections of the exam, will I be able to move from one vignette to another?

Yes. You are able to stop working on one vignette, move to a second or third vignette, come back to the first, etc., within each section of vignettes. However, once you choose to exit that section of vignettes, you cannot return to them. You do not need to save your work, as it is automatically saved approximately every minute. Each time you leave a vignette to move to another vignette your work also is saved.

How do I register to take the ARE?

Contact the registration board in the state/province in which you wish to become licensed in to apply to take the exam. Your board will provide you with all application requirements. Although NCARB develops the ARE, it does not register candidates to take the exam. For jurisdictions that participate in the Direct Registration or Direct Eligibility programs, NCARB does process candidate exam eligibilities based upon their jurisdiction’s requirements.

If I make an appointment now, will I be able to cancel or reschedule it?

Once you schedule an appointment, your test fee cannot be refunded or transferred to another division of the ARE. As outlined in the ARE Guidelines, you can reschedule an existing appointment by calling Prometric’s Candidate Services Contact Center at 800/479-6215. At the time of your call, you must reschedule the appointment for a later date. A $35 reschedule fee will be charged to your credit card.

For more information about rescheduling an appointment, please refer to the ARE Guidelines, which can be downloaded from the NCARB web site.

[More FAQs]

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