Taking the ARE

Scheduling An Exam

All divisions of the ARE are administered exclusively on computers at Prometric test centers, year-round throughout the United States, the U.S. territories, and Canada. Candidates may take the divisions in any order, and at any time and location they choose (subject to availability). Most test centers are open six days a week, 50 weeks a year.

After you have received your Authorization to Test letter, visit Prometric's home page (www.prometric.com/NCARB) to locate a test site and/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.

Scheduled Appointment Times

Appointment times range from four to six hours. You should schedule your appointment a few weeks in advance to have the best chance of reserving an appointment at your preferred test center. [more]

Special Testing Accommodations

All Prometric test centers are designed to accommodate people with disabilities. Special testing accommodations will only be made with authorization from your registration board or NCARB if your board participates in the Direct Registration program. See the ARE 4.0 Guidelines for more information.

ARE Exam Fees

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]

At the Test Center

You should arrive 30 minutes before your exam and bring personal identification and your Authorization to Test. Also, there are procedures in place should you experience a technical problem at the test center. [more]

Rolling Clock

All divisions of the ARE must be completed within five years. [more]

Exam Security

NCARB takes upholding the integrity of the ARE very seriously. Every candidate must review and accept the Confidentiality Agreement before being allowed to take each division. [more]

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. [more]

Whom to Contact If...

Find out who to call (NCARB, Prometric, or your board of architecture) if you have questions about your Authorization to Test, the Rolling Clock, scheduling an exam, special accomodations, and technical issues experienced while testing. [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)

ARE Scheduling Verification Form
Scheduling an appointment to take the ARE is governed by contractual agreements between NCARB and Prometric. If you encounter difficulty scheduling a testing appointment within the guidelines outlined below, please use this form to detail your complaint. Prometric has 48 hours to comply with your schedule request.

Download (PDF, 125K)