Note: NCARB staff updated this blog in February 2026.
We know how important it is for emerging professionals to feel comfortable and prepared for the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®). To help ease your nerves, we’ve created a checklist to guide you toward a successful test day.
1. Take NCARB’s free, full-length practice exams.
NCARB developed practice exams for each of the six ARE divisions. Before you take a division, take the time to complete the related practice test and review your results to identify your strengths and weaknesses. You’ll be able to view your examination results for the practice exam, so you’ll know which content section(s) you should focus on before your actual exam.
2. Download and review the ARE 5.0 Guidelines.
Complete with all the information you need to prepare for testing online and in-person, the ARE 5.0 Guidelines includes information on scheduling your exam, requesting testing accommodations, testing requirements, study resources, and more.
3. Plan to arrive or log in early.
To allow time to check in, arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment—even if you’re testing online. Your test session should begin within 30 minutes of your scheduled appointment time. To check in, you must provide a valid, signed photo ID with a first and last name that match the first and last name in your NCARB Record. And if you're testing online, remember that you must also complete a free test run appointment with PSI to confirm with a proctor that your computer and testing space meet the requirements for online proctoring.
4. Take advantage of our ARE 5.0 Test Prep video series.
As part of our goal to help you tackle each ARE division with confidence, we’ve put together the ARE 5.0 Test Prep Video series. These videos offer exclusive insight into each ARE 5.0 division, including information on content, sample questions, and suggested references.
5. Stuck on a question? Rule out the answers you know are wrong.
The ARE features highlight and strikethrough tools that can be used to mark out answers you know are wrong or other distracting information. Narrowing down your choices can help you focus on the right answer.
6. Don’t spend too much time on one question.
If you find yourself stuck on one question, keep moving and come back to it later. The ARE features a “mark for review” tool that lets you easily revisit questions you were unsure about. But don’t forget: items marked for review must be reviewed and answered before taking a break—after the break, all questions you’ve previously viewed will be locked.
7. Reach out to your architecture community.
We know the journey can seem lonely, but many emerging professionals are on the same path toward licensure. Get advice and support from your fellow candidates on the ARE 5.0 Community.
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