This June, the delivery of the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) will move from Prometric to PSI. We know that exam-related changes can add stress to a process that’s already challenging, but don’t panic! The migration is intended to improve your exam experience and provide you with more flexibility. Here’s everything you need to know as we get closer to the launch date with PSI:

1. The exam isn’t changing. The ARE’s content, structure, navigation, and tools are not changing as part of the PSI migration. You can continue preparing for the ARE using the same resources and study methods you’re already using—but you should refer to the ARE 5.0 Guidelines for things like appointment check-in, scheduling, and other policies. 

2. You can start testing with PSI on June 14, 2022. June 14 is the first day exam appointments will be available, but you’ll be able to migrate your exam eligibilities to PSI and start scheduling appointments later this spring. We’ll let you know when migration is available, so if you aren’t already, please subscribe to our ARE Updates.

3. May 31, 2022, is the last day to test with Prometric. You can continue scheduling, rescheduling, and testing with Prometric through May 31. After May 31, you’ll be automatically migrated to PSI.

4. Prometric appointments can’t be transferred to PSI. Because of the way the appointment system works, we can’t cancel your Prometric appointments, offer refunds for existing Prometric appointments, or move a Prometric appointment to PSI’s system. You can continue rescheduling Prometric appointments as long as the reschedule window allows, but ultimately, you’ll have to take any Prometric appointments with Prometric or forfeit the cost of that appointment.

5. Want to browse PSI test center locations? Use NCARB’s list. Moving to PSI will allow NCARB to offer the ARE at more physical test centers than are currently available with Prometric, thanks to PSI’s third-party test center network. If you’re trying to find your nearest PSI test center, don’t use Google or PSI’s website—they won’t include those third-party test centers. Please use the list on our website for the most comprehensive list of test centers that meet NCARB’s technical and security requirements.

6. Get ready for a better exam experience. NCARB chose PSI because of the benefits they can offer exam candidates, including:

  • More direct customer service, including dedicated online proctors who will be familiar with the ARE policies and procedures
  • More flexible and less expensive exam rescheduling, plus the option to cancel PSI appointments and retain some of the cost of the exam (see the draft Guidelines for details)
  • More detailed feedback on failing score reports, including a scaled score
  • More physical test center locations

7. Prepaid exam seats (seat credits) will roll over to PSI. If you have unused, unexpired exam seats that you purchased before the migration, you will be able to use those credits to schedule PSI appointments after the migration.

NCARB Live

Miss our recent NCARB Live about the migration to PSI? Watch a recording as NCARB’s Vice President of Examination Jared Zurn, AIA, NCARB; and Assistant Vice President of Examination Michelle Cohn, AIA, NCARB, answer candidates’ questions about the upcoming change in exam delivery vendors.