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 request authorization to take the ARE, you must transmit your NCARB Record to your registration board. [more]

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]

Related Publications

ARE Guidelines
Updated July 2012! 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, 8,483K)

One Leg of the Stool: NCARB's Guide to Authorization and Examination for Licensure
Getting through the licensure process can be a little intimidating. There are a number of steps involved from applying to your chosen jurisdiction and scheduling to take the ARE to waiting for test scores. NCARB has put together a brief summary of some important information that will help keep you on the right track.

Download (PDF, 117K)

Related FAQs

Why does it cost so much to develop exam content?

Before a vignette or multiple-choice item is added to the exam it must be written, reviewed, edited, and thoroughly pretested. Prometric, NCARB’s test consultant, evaluates the psychometric data on each pretested item to determine if it meets established requirements to be included on the exam. Any item—multiple-choice question or vignette—that isn’t performing as expected is revised or thrown out. The rewritten items go back for another round of pretesting. Only items that perform acceptably during pretesting are included as a scored item in an actual exam. This process takes a minimum of two years from concept to becoming a scored item.

How do I locate a test center?

The ARE is administered at approximately 300 standardized test centers across the United States and Canada. Visit Prometric’s web site www.prometric.com/NCARB to locate a test site or schedule a test. You may also call Prometric’s Candidate Services contact center at 800/479-6215 to schedule an examination. For Teletyper, call 800/529-3590.

[More FAQs]

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