NCARB Releases Expanded Content Information for the ARE

After careful consideration by the Examination Committee and approval by the NCARB Board of Directors, NCARB has released new exam guides to include expanded information regarding the makeup of the multiple-choice sections of the Architect Registration Examination^® (ARE^®).

"This level of expansion is consistent with the amount of information disclosed by many other licensure programs, and aligns with the NCARB value of transparency," said John E. Enkemann Jr., AIA, NCARB, Chair of the Examination Committee.

How does this benefit you?
The newly released editions include a detailed breakdown of the test content areas and a percentage outline for the major content areas of each multiple-choice section. You can use this information to better outline and focus your preparation.

"We are excited to offer candidates this additional level of information to use while preparing for the ARE. This change is a dramatic shift for the exam guides and we hope it will help to ease anxiety over the content distribution and make-up of the ARE," said Erica J. Brown, AIA, Director, ARE.

As an example of the change, the previous edition of the exam guide for the Construction Documents & Services division provided the following information on Codes & Regulations:

1 CODES & REGULATIONS

1. Incorporate building codes, specialty codes, zoning, and other regulatory requirements in construction documents and services.

The new edition of the exam guide for this division provides the percentage of scored items and the expanded content information for Codes & Regulations:

1 CODES & REGULATIONS (5-8 percent of scored items)

1. Incorporate building codes, specialty codes, zoning, and other regulatory requirements in construction documents and services.
   
   1. Government and Regulatory Requirements and Permit Processes
      Conduct code analysis to ensure compliance with all building codes, zoning ordinances and other regulations and document code compliance in the contract documents.
      
   2. Specialty Codes and Regulations including Accessibility Laws, Codes and Guidelines
      Conduct code analysis to ensure compliance with all specialty codes, such as seismic, life safety, historic preservation, accessibility, universal design, energy, or other specialty regulations.

The percentages published provide a range of scored items only. Within the six divisions that include multiple-choice items, some questions are being pretested and will not affect your actual test score and are not included in the content distribution breakdown. These pretest questions will be evaluated and may be included in future editions of the test.

AIA Documents FREE Through My NCARB for the ARE

In cooperation with the AIA, NCARB is able to offer ARE candidates free access to key AIA documents for the purpose of preparing for the Construction Documents & Services division of the ARE. This is another great resource to help you prepare for the ARE.

Interns may download the following sample documents through their NCARB Record:

Conventional Family

Contract Administration and Project Management Forms

To access documents:

1. Log into "My NCARB"
2. Click "Go" to access your NCARB Record
3. Follow link for ARE Candidates: Construction Documents & Services Resources visible in the lower left of your Record.
   

Updated Exam Guides (PDF)
Programming, Planning & Practice

Site Planning & Design

Building Design & Construction

Schematic Design

Structural Systems

Building Systems

Construction Documents & Services

July 2011 ARE Guidelines
Updated July 2011. The ARE 4.0 Guidelines is essential reading for anyone preparing for the ARE. This edition supersedes all previous editions. Download today!

2010 Pass Rates
The 2010 division pass rates and pass rates by school are now available on NCARB's website.

Introducing My NCARB
In June 2011, NCARB upgraded its electronic systems in order to combine all of its services under one login. This upgrade provides additional security to each account and the framework for future improvements to our electronic services

In order to access your NCARB Record or renew your Record, you must update your account. [Learn more.]

Stay Informed
To help you stay up-to-date on the latest news and announcements, NCARB is now offering four opions.