NCARB is implementing a new rescheduling fee policy for the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®). Starting October 1, candidates may not reschedule their exam fewer than seven days before their exam appointment date. 

NCARB has been working to address the lack of availability in exam appointments for candidates attempting to schedule divisions of the ARE. NCARB’s data shows that candidates reschedule their exams at a high rate, impacting the ability of candidates and others using PSI’s test network to find an in-person or virtual appointment close to their preferred testing date. 

New Rescheduling Policy

Under the current rescheduling policy, candidates pay a fee based on the number of times they reschedule an exam division, with a fee increase each time a candidate reschedules the same exam appointment. 

Under the new rescheduling policy, candidates will pay increasing fees based on the date of their scheduled appointment. Unlike the previous policy, candidates may reschedule an exam seat up to three times for free if they are at least 31 days away from their scheduled appointment. 

  • Candidates can reschedule a previously scheduled exam seat up to three times 
  • 31+ days out from appointment: Free 
  • 15-30 days out from appointment: $75 
  • Seven-14 days out from appointment: $150 
  • Less than seven days out from appointment: No reschedules allowed 

As of October 1, exam cancellations will include a $200 fee, and candidates may not cancel exams less than seven days before their appointment. Candidates who have rescheduled their exam seat three times may cancel their exam appointment instead. When candidates cancel an exam, a new seat credit will be added to their My NCARB account, with an expiration date of one year out from their cancellation date. Candidates may schedule an appointment for new exam seat at any time. 

If you have questions about this policy change or are unable to reschedule your exam appointment less than seven days out due to an emergency, contact us. Learn more about NCARB's ARE and join our online ARE 5.0 Community at https://www.ncarb.org/pass-the-are.