ARE Updates
May 2013
Modified Prometric Check-in Procedures
Following the anticipated launch of My Examination in late August, candidates will adhere to Prometric's standard biometric-enabled check-in process. This simple procedure verifies a candidate’s identity and provides a higher level of security to testing centers and exam content. Learn more about what these changes mean for candidates in the latest ARE Update.
ARE to Expand International Delivery this Fall
ARE candidates will soon have the option of sitting for the exam in major commercial markets outside of the United States and Canada. NCARB is finalizing negotiations to make the exam available through Prometric test centers located in London, England; Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China (PRC); and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The per-division fee to take the exam at international test centers outside North America is $310. Eligible candidates with an NCARB Record can begin scheduling appointments at international test centers beginning in early fall 2013, following the launch of the new My Examination service in late August. [more]
April 2013
To access My Examination, all ARE candidates will need an active NCARB Record. This will allow you to schedule exam appointments and access score reports when the service launches. [Learn More]
April 2013 ARE e-News: Get the facts about changes to the exam process
May I reschedule an exam appointment on 30 June 2013 or earlier for after the blackout?
Yes. You must contact ARE Operations in writing at areoperations@prometric.com. You will be given instructions on how to confirm your cancellation and receive a refund (minus the $35 rescheduling fee). Once the blackout is lifted in August 2013, you may reschedule the appointment, paying the full exam fee. [More Blackout FAQs]
December 2012
In late August 2013, NCARB will launch a new portal within My NCARB for Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) candidates to access their examination information and schedule appointments.
As announced in September 2011, Alpine Testing Solutions, Inc. will take over content and candidate management for the ARE, and Prometric will continue to be the Council’s site management consultant beginning 1 July 2013. In order to facilitate the migration of data to the new consultant, there will be an estimated eight-week blackout for candidates from scheduling and taking exams.
Read the December ARE e-News to learn more about the new portal, the upcoming blackout, a rolling clock extension, and how to prepare for the blackout. [Learn more]
August 2012
Prometric Test Centers Affected by Tropical Storm/Hurricane Isaac
Due to Tropical Storm/Hurricane Isaac, many Prometric test centers have closed. Candidates scheduled to test at an impacted test center will be contacted by a Prometric representative to reschedule their exam. A list of closed test centers can be found here.
If you have not been contacted yet, contact the Prometric Candidate Services Contact Center (800/479-6215). Thank you for your patience.
July 2012
Attention Canadian ARE Candidates: Changes to the ARE
Due to the recent creation and administration of the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC), the number of Canadian candidates taking the ARE has significantly declined. After analyzing this shift in administrations, the NCARB Board of Directors has determined that effective July 2013 the ARE will no longer include the references to Canadian content. [more]
Older Updates:
March 2012
Scheduled Prometric Data Center Outage: Sunday, 15 April 2012, 6 a.m.-2 p.m. ET
NCARB has been informed by its testing consultant, Prometric, that the Prometric Data Center will be unavailable on Sunday, 15 April 2012 from 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. Eastern Time.
This outage will impact the Prometric Candidate Services Contact Center; test center scheduling; the processing of eligibilities, vouchers and results; and all Prometric websites, including www.Prometric.com. Web registration and Helpdesk support services will be unavailable during this time.
Prometric and NCARB apologize for this inconvenience.
September 2009
A message to NCARB from Prometric regarding delayed score reports
Score reports for those candidates who have tested since early July have been delayed. In addition, there are a few candidates who tested in June whose results have also been delayed.
Since early July 2009, Prometric has been involved with terminating the ARE 3.1 program and transitioning almost 20,000 candidates with almost 87,000 eligibilities to the 4.0 program. Along with that, we originally planned for scores for ARE candidates testing in early July to be processed and mailed by late-August, assuming that was sufficient to implement system changes. However, these changes were more complicated than expected and have taken longer to complete.
As we have shared in the past, scores are processed in sets that take about two to three weeks. We have received over 4,000 solutions in the set that is currently being processed. This set started processing in mid-September and we expect to complete it by the end of September. Given the large volume of results and the processing required, we are planning to print and mail about 1,100 score reports by September 25, and another 2,000 by October 2.
We regret any inconvenience that this has caused candidates.
August 2009
Conversion from ARE 3.1 to ARE 4.0: Rolling Clock Chart on Final ARE 3.1 Score Reports
The final batch of ARE 3.1 score reports was recently mailed from Prometric to each jurisdiction. With the processing of this batch of score reports, the conversion from ARE 3.1 to ARE 4.0 has moved into the final stage of completion. In order to prevent a delay in mailing these score reports, some ARE 3.1 candidates’ Rolling Clock Summaries have not yet been updated and may contain inaccurate or incomplete information. The Rolling Clock Summary will be updated on each candidate’s next score report.
July 2009
ARE 4.0 transition update for candidates with no scores pending
NCARB has been working closely with Prometric toward the mid-July completion for the first round of conversions from ARE 3.1 to ARE 4.0. The first round of the conversion is well underway, but not yet complete. Until this round is complete, we ask for your patience. We will post a follow-up notice on the web site when it has been completed.
As a reminder, for candidates who have no ARE 3.1 scores pending, upon completion of the first round of the conversion, you will be able to start scheduling appointments for divisions in ARE 4.0.
If you have any ARE 3.1 exam scores still pending, you will be part of the second round of conversions. You will be transitioned following the typical score reporting process and should be able to start scheduling divisions beginning mid-August.
Please Note: Candidates who failed any ARE 3.1 division must abide by the mandatory six-month retake period, and will be able to begin the scheduling process for equivalent 4.0 divisions, four months from the date of their examination(s).
May 2009
Transition Details
In early July, Prometric will begin to move Transition Candidates from ARE 3.1 to ARE 4.0. If you have no exam scores pending on 1 July 2009, you should be able to schedule appointments for divisions in ARE 4.0 by mid-July. If you have an exam score pending on 1 July 2009, you will be transitioned following the typical score reporting process. The transition to ARE 4.0 will be complete by mid-August for all ARE candidates. Once you have been transitioned, you can find your remaining equivalent division(s) needed to complete the ARE by checking the Prometric scheduling web site or by calling the ARE Help Desk at 800/896-2272. NOTE: You will NOT receive an updated Authorization to Test (ATT). Your current authorization number will continue to work in ARE 4.0.
May and June Appointments
All ARE exam appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and are based on availability at your local test center. Appointment availability cannot be guaranteed. If you are having difficulty scheduling an appointment, please call the ARE Help Desk at 800/896-2272 for assistance.
May 2009
H1N1 Virus Announcement
Prometric is monitoring both the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control web sites for current updates and accurate information. At this time, only two Prometric test sites in Mexico have closed as a precaution. If a site is closed, whether by Prometric, a third-party center owner, or at the suggestion of local government in an impacted area, Prometric will proactively reach out to candidates to reschedule their exams.
Although the Centers for Disease Control have communicated that the wearing of masks is only minimally effective in virus prevention, Prometric will allow candidates to wear medical face masks during their exams if they choose. Please note that Prometric reserves the right to require every candidate wearing a mask to temporarily remove it for inspection prior to being allowed in the testing room. Only then will candidates be allowed in the test room. Prometric will not provide masks to candidates.
In addition, Prometric will post updated information about site closures for candidates at the following link: http://www.prometric.com/ImportantNews.htm. This page can be reached from the home page of their web site as well.
April 2009
NCARB Policy and Procedures for Testing Irregularities
The NCARB’s Board of Directors has updated its policy on procedures concerning ARE testing irregularities. The Board reserves the right to impose any sanction it believes appropriate for testing irregularities, either more or less than those noted in the policy. Action taken by the NCARB Board of Directors is final. Click here to read the policy.
NCARB BOD Takes Action Against ARE Confidentiality Agreement Violators
The Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) is designed to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public by providing a psychometrically justifiable and legally defensible process that measures the level of competence necessary to practice independently. Recently, eight ARE candidates had their testing privileges suspended and scores cancelled for posting exam content and/or questions on the internet. Please see the News Clip and Factually Answered Questions on the topic.
December 2008
A Message from NCARB to all ARE candidates
NCARB’s mission is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public by assuring that those licensed as architects meet the qualifications to practice independently. The ARE is one tool we utilize to serve our mission.
All NCARB exams are created under strict security and held in confidence. All exam questions and vignettes are also registered under the U.S. Copyright Act.Before beginning any test, you are required to accept a “Confidentiality Agreement,” which prohibits any disclosure of exam content. [more]
October 2008
ARE 3.1 IMPORTANT DEADLINES REMINDER
The last date to test ARE 3.1 divisions is June 30, 2009.
The last date to attempt to schedule an ARE 3.1 appointment is June 27, 2009. Please note that appointments are made on a first-come, first-serve basis and will be based on availability at your local test center. Appointment availability cannot be guaranteed. Please allow enough time in advance of these dates to begin scheduling appointments for any remaining ARE 3.1 divisions for which you are eligible.
ARE 3.1 Retakes
If you are currently eligible to take ARE 3.1 divisions, please keep in mind that if you take and fail any ARE 3.1 division on or after January 1, 2009, you will not be permitted to retake that division due to NCARB’s mandatory six-month waiting period. No Exceptions will be made to the six-month retake policy.
July 2008
Personal Calculators
Effective 1 July 2008, ARE candidates will no longer be permitted to bring a personal calculator into the test center. All divisions of the ARE 3.1 and ARE 4.0 will include an on-screen scientific calculator for candidate use.
May 2008
If you have not successfully completed at least one division of the ARE, your eligibilities will automatically be converted to ARE 4.0 over the course of the next several weeks. If you recently took your first division of ARE 3.1 (within the last 3 to 4 weeks) and have not yet received your score, you will not be able to schedule any additional testing appointments until your pending score has been determined. If you passed this initial ARE 3.1 division, your eligibility files will be confirmed in ARE 3.1. If you failed the division, your eligibilities will be converted to ARE 4.0. The final scoring and conversion process should be completed by June 11, 2008. You will be able to schedule future appointments thereafter.
April 2008
ARE 4.0 Reminder
If you have not PASSED any division of ARE 3.1, the last date to schedule an ARE 3.1 division is May 13, 2008 and the last date to test is May 15, 2008. Anyone who has not passed a division of ARE 3.1 prior to these deadlines will test in ARE 4.0. Whether you transition to ARE 4.0 or stay in ARE 3.1 is solely based on the date you test, not the date you receive your score report.
If you have passed a division of ARE 3.1 prior to May 15, 2008, you will be unaffected by these scheduling restrictions.
The first day to schedule an ARE 4.0 exam is May 18, 2008. The first day that ARE 4.0 will be available in the test center is July 1, 2008.
February 2008
If you are an ARE candidate who has yet to PASS one division of the ARE (version 3.1 or earlier) and are at risk of not passing a single division by May 13, 2008, please be advised that if you make an appointment for any date after May 15, 2008, that appointment will be cancelled beginning May 15, 2008 and your exam appointment fee will be forfeited. You will be transitioned to ARE 4.0 and will be required to remit payment when you schedule a new appointment. If you already have an appointment for a date after May 15, 2008, we recommend that you re-schedule that appointment for a date prior to May 15 to avoid any forfeiture of fees. Again, this refers ONLY to candidates who are likely to be transitioned to ARE 4.0 in 2008. Candidates who have passed at least one division will remain in ARE 3.1 and can continue to schedule appointments and test after May 15, 2008 through June 2009.
November 2007
Ready to take the ARE?
Does your jurisdiction allow early access to the ARE? If you have an active NCARB Record and have fulfilled all of your jurisdiction’s requirements, you can request Authorization to Test through the My NCARB Record section of our web site. It’s quick and easy!
Click here for more information.
October 2007
"An Introduction to ARE 4.0: Providing Exam Content in a New Wrapper"
NCARB unveiled ARE 4.0 in the Spring 2007 Direct Connection. Read the article to learn about the seven new divisions, the 3.1 to 4.0 transition period, and the reasoning behind this important change in exam organization.
"The Evolving ARE: Building a Better Exam for the Profession"
The second article related to ARE 4.0 printed in the Fall 2007 Direct Connection. The article goes into greater detail about the evolution of the exam, addresses the Rolling Clock, and has sample plans for preparing for the transition to ARE 4.0.
March 2007
ARE 4.0: The Architect Registration Examination is changing for the better
In July 2008, NCARB will launch ARE 4.0. The latest version of the exam updates and improves the current format by combining graphic and multiple-choice content. ARE 4.0 integrates the exam format while emphasizing the problem-solving skills architects regularly use in day-to-day practice.
The Council has continuously worked toward improving the ARE's content, delivery, grading, and administration. The evolution to ARE 4.0 has been guided by the 1999 Practice Analysis survey conducted by NCARB that provided a comprehensive analysis of the architecture profession.
Click here to read an article from NCARB's Direct Connection (2007 Volume 10 Issue 1).
Please refer to the Council's website for periodic updates.
November 2006
Prometric Website – Direct Link for ARE Candidates
Prometric has created a new link to their website specifically designed to provide ARE candidates with direct access to ARE appointment scheduling and other Prometric information.
Please update the bookmark on your web-browser from the old link www.prometric.com to www.prometric.com/NCARB .
We hope this change is an added convenience for all ARE test takers.
October 2006
Alternate Item Types
NCARB would like to thank all ARE candidates that participated in the Alternate Item Type (AIT) study that was completed in 2006.
The AIT Field Test was conducted to determine the impact of Fill-in-the-Blank and Check-All-That-Apply questions in future versions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
The study was successful and, as a result, the Mechanical & Electrical Systems division will include Alternate Item Types (AIT) beginning in February 2007 . This new question format will appear in the remaining multiple-choice divisions in the near future.
June 2005
Rolling Clock
During NCARB’s 2004 Annual Meeting, the Council passed a resolution officially creating a “rolling clock” requirement for the ARE. Under the terms of the Rolling Clock, which will be officially implemented on January 1, 2006, candidates for the ARE must pass all divisions within five years. Three transitional rules, which are noted below, will guide the process.
Rules
Three basic rules will guide the implementation of the Rolling Clock:
- For applicants who have passed all divisions of the ARE by January 1, 2006, regardless of the time taken, such applicants will have passed the ARE.
- For applicants who have passed one or more but not all divisions of the ARE by January 1, 2006, such applicants will have five years from the date of the first (non-exempt) passed division to pass all remaining divisions. [Exams passed prior to January 1, 2006, are exempt and will NOT have to be retaken unless impacted by the transition to ARE 4.0.] If a candidate fails to pass all remaining divisions within the initial five-year period, the candidate is given a new five-year period from the date of the second oldest passed division. The five-year period shall commence after January 1, 2006, on the date when the first passed division is administered.
- For applicants who have passed no divisions of the ARE by January 1, 2006, such applicants shall be governed by the above five-year requirement. The five-year period shall commence on the date when the first passed division is administered. Adherance to these rules is required for NCARB Certification.