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 2011! 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, 1,333K)

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)

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

Aside from the vignettes being paired with multiple-choice questions, what else changed with the implementation of ARE 4.0?

The Site Grading vignette and the Mechanical & Electrical Plan vignette have slightly different content than ARE 3.1. The updated Site Grading vignette requires candidates to re-grade the site and create a level pad on which a given object must be placed. There are new lighting requirements in the revised Mechanical & Electrical Plan vignette. Additionally, the test specification used for multiple-choice items has been updated to contain content noted in the 2001 Practice Analysis of Architecture.

How do I register to take the ARE?

Contact the registration board in the jurisdiction 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.

Can I reschedule my appointment and not lose my test fee?

Please refer to the ARE 4.0 Guidelines for the policy and fees associated with rescheduling existing appointments. Cancellation of an appointment is not permitted. If you cancel an exam, regardless of the reason, your testing fee is non-transferrable and non-refundable.

[More FAQs]

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