Receiving Your Score

Results for all divisions are typically processed within four to six weeks of your test date and then sent to your registration board. Test results are not released at the test center and are not available through NCARB.

All test score are reported as pass or fail. You will receive limited diagnostic information for each failed division. The ARE is a high-stakes licensing examination—as such, you are required to demonstrate your knowledge, skill, and ability. The ARE is not a teaching tool.

The Passing Standard

The passing standard is the same for every registration board and is not affected by the number of candidates who pass or fail each examination. There is no fixed percentage of candidates who pass or fail the ARE.

Review and Challenge

A review procedure is available only if your registration board permits reviews of failed examinations. Contact your registration board to better understand the procedures and fees involved. The application for review must be received by NCARB within four months of the administration of your exam. Only questions answered incorrectly or vignettes marked with an asterisk (*) on your score report may be reviewed.

Depending on the laws in your jurisdiction where you are seeking registration, you may be able to the challenge the score received on any ARE division. If your registration board (or a court with jurisdiction) changes your score from fail to pass, only that jurisdiction is required to accept the new score. NCARB will not recognize the new score for the purposes of NCARB certification.

Retaking the ARE

There is a mandatory six-month waiting period between failed divisions. If you fail a division, you will be sent a new Authorization to Test approximately two months before the start date of your new eligibility period for that division.

If you fail a division, it is important to spend the time between test administrations gaining additional knowledge, skills, and abilities in the appropriate areas of practice.