Washington, DC—The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has implemented updates to the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) to align the program with the NCARB Competency Standard for Architects, effective April 27, 2026. The changes, which are described below, include minor updates to some exam objectives and formatting adjustments to case studies. All changes are reflected in the ARE Guidelines.

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Updates to the ARE 

The following changes are effective as of today, April 27, 2026:

  • Exam Objective Adjustments: NCARB has made 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 NCARB Competency Standard for Architects.  
  • Refreshed Case Studies: The format of the exam’s case studies has also been refined to make case studies more efficient for candidates. Case studies now 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. Candidates should still expect to see the same total number of case study items per exam division.  
  • Software Update: Testers should also notice reduced item loading times due to updated exam delivery software.  

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 those reinstated under the former rolling clock policy, will not be affected.

Expanding Licensure Access  

In addition to informing updates to NCARB’s programs, the NCARB Competency Standard for Architects will shape NCARB’s Pathways to Practice effort. Launched in 2023, Pathways to Practice seeks to expand licensure access for individuals of all backgrounds by creating a more flexible licensure model beyond the traditional combination of education, experience, and examination.  

NCARB will use the competencies defined in the Competency Standard to envision new pathways—and refresh traditional pathways—to become an architect, including expanded options for individuals who don’t hold a degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). For more information, visit www.ncarb.org/pathways.

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 LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.