Washington, DC—The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has released six updated Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) practice exams that reflect upcoming changes to the exam’s case study format and exam objectives. These changes, which go into effect on April 27, are part of NCARB’s efforts to align existing licensure programs with the NCARB Competency Standard for Architects. Licensure candidates can access both the updated version of the practice exams and the existing practice exams through April 26, 2026. Beginning April 27, only the updated version of the practice exams will be available.

The updates that will go into effect on April 27, 2026, include minor adjustments to 12 out of the 91 exam objectives, clarifying revisions to several objective descriptions, and formatting changes to case studies. All changes are reflected in a new version of the ARE Guidelines, which also goes into effect on April 27. 

Licensure candidates can access the practice exams through their NCARB Record:

  • ARE candidates with active eligibilities can access the updated and existing practice exams through the Practice Exam Dashboard on the “Exams” tab of their Record.
  • Licensure candidates without exam eligibilities can access the updated and existing practice exams through “Practice the ARE” on the “Quick Links” tab of their Record.

Other customers, such as AXP supervisors and mentors, can also access PDF versions of both the updated and existing practice exams for reference.

About NCARB

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ membership is made up of the architectural licensing boards of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCARB, in collaboration with these boards, facilitates the licensure and credentialing of architects to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

To achieve these goals, NCARB works with its Member Boards and volunteers to develop and facilitate standards for licensure, including the national examination and experience program. NCARB also recommends regulatory guidelines for licensing boards and helps architects expand their professional reach through the NCARB Certificate. Connect with NCARB on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.