The latest updates to the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®)’s objectives and case studies are now live as of April 27, 2026. If you’re preparing for the exam, be sure to use the latest version of our ARE 5.0 Guidelines, which aligns with these updates.
Note that the changes will not impact the ARE’s overall division structure, number of items per division, or testing time per division. Candidates’ passed divisions, including divisions reinstated through the retirement of the former rolling clock policy, will not be impacted.
To learn about the changes, download the new Guidelines and read about the policy updates below.
Exam Objective Adjustments
As of today, NCARB has made minor adjustments to 12 of the 91 exam objectives identified in the ARE 5.0 Guidelines. These adjustments are limited to small clarifying updates and, in some cases, narrowing the competency expectations assessed in the exam to align with the Competency Standard. Learn more about the specific exam objective changes and description adjustments.
Refreshed Case Studies
The format of the exam’s case studies has also been refined to make case studies more efficient for candidates. Case studies now feature fewer items per case study and one or two resources per individual case study, rather than three to six resources—reducing exam loading times as well as time spent reviewing case study resources during the exam. You should still expect to see approximately the same total number of case study items per exam division.
Software Update
Candidates testing on or after April 27, 2026, should also notice reduced item loading times due to updated exam delivery software.
To learn more about the ARE updates, read answers to the top questions we’ve received about the changes.
