Starting June 1, 2026, delivery of the ARE via online proctoring will only be supported on computers running a Windows Operating System. Mac and Linux devices will no longer be accepted.  

How This Impacts You

If you are planning to test via online proctoring on or after June 1, you must use a device with a native (OEM) Windows Operating System (i.e., not a Mac device running Windows). If you have scheduled an online proctored appointment on or after June 1 and will be impacted by this change, you may reschedule your appointment at no cost to you. If you need help rescheduling your appointment, please contact us.

Other Policy Changes

In addition, several updates to the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) will go into effect on April 27, 2026:

  • Exam Objective Adjustments: NCARB will make 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 will also be refined, with the goal of making case studies more efficient for candidates. Effective April 27, case studies will feature fewer total resources and fewer items per individual case study—reducing exam loading times as well as time spent reviewing case study resources during the exam. You should still expect to see 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.  

NCARB has released an updated version of the ARE Guidelines, effective April 27, 2026, as well as updated divisional practice exams that reflect these changes. 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 more, read answers to the top questions we’ve received about the changes.