As Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) candidates continue to test with our new delivery vendor, PSI, we’ve received more questions about some of the differences between PSI and our previous vendor, Prometric.

To help you better prepare for your exam appointment and clear up any confusion, we’ve updated the ARE 5.0 Guidelines to clarify two PSI policies that may be different than you’re used to if you previously tested with Prometric:

PSI doesn’t provide compensation for lost time.

Occasionally, test centers must close unexpectedly. While Prometric sometimes provided candidates with monetary compensation for lost time in these situations, neither NCARB nor PSI provides monetary compensation for lost time due to test center closures. PSI also does not provide monetary compensation for lost time due to technical issues. However, NCARB does provide replacement seat credits for test center closures and technical issues when appropriate.

In the event your test center is closed during your scheduled appointment time, you will be contacted by NCARB. You will also receive a replacement exam seat within your NCARB Record, which you can use to reschedule your exam for a new date and time. If you are unsure whether a test center is closed due to inclement weather or any other reason, please refer to PSI’s Test Center Openings page.

If your test center is closed during your scheduled appointment time and you were not alerted in advance, please contact us.

PSI does not allow candidates to leave the test center after signing in.

If you are testing at a PSI test center, you cannot leave the test center after signing in with the proctor, which includes during a break from your exam. This policy applies to all individuals testing with PSI, not just ARE candidates.

If you intend to access personal belongings during your break, you must bring them into the test center and store them in PSI’s secure storage locker or bag so you can access them during your break. If you are unable to store the items you need to access during your break at a PSI test center, please contact NCARB.

Note: Lockers or storage bags WILL NOT accommodate large items like briefcases, backpacks, laptops, purses, or other large personal items.

Other PSI Differences

Have another question about testing with PSI? Check out our answers to recent FAQs from ARE candidates, or contact us.