This blog has been updated on February 6, 2026, to reflect the latest information on score reports.
Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) score reports are designed to provide you with clearer feedback on failed division performance so you understand where to focus your test prep before retaking a division.
All divisions of the ARE are administered and graded by a computer on a pass/fail basis. Although you will see provisional feedback at the end of your exam appointment, your score is not official until you receive your official score report within your NCARB Record. Your official score report contains complete information about the appointment, your performance on the exam, and rolling clock information.
Score reports are typically processed within 7-10 calendar days of your test date. When your score has been processed and is available, you’ll receive an email from NCARB.
Reading Your Official Score Report
All score reports are clearly labeled pass or fail along the top of the first page. Reports include a verification link should anyone need to confirm the authenticity of your score.
On the top half of the second page of your score report, you’ll see a description of the sections assessed within the division. These descriptions correspond with percentage-based performance feedback provided on failing score reports, which is provided at the bottom half of the page. If you fail, use the feedback to guide your preparation for your retest. Performance feedback, including a scaled score on page one, is not provided on passing score reports for several reasons—most importantly because the exam is designed to assess your knowledge and skills, not to be used as a teaching tool.
When reviewing a score report, keep in mind, a pass/fail decision on an ARE division is determined by the total number of items answered correctly across all sections and is not based on individual performance within each section; however, performance in the content areas with the larger percentage of content will have the greatest impact on a score.
Questions? Ask our experts on the ARE 5.0 Community!