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Architect Registration Exam


The Architect Registration Exam is administered by NCARB in the United States and parts of Canada. The ARE exam (as it’s called) is the only consistent element of becoming an architect through all U.S. licensing jurisdictions. There are testing centers nationwide that offer test takes an electronic exam. There are 7 divisions (also referred to as sections) of the exam, and all must be passed in order for the test taker to pass the exam. A person can not fail one division, pass the rest of the divisions, and still pass the test. Instead, they must wait 6 months to retake the division(s) failed and try to pass it.

The seven divisions of ARE are:

  • Programming Planning and Practice
  • Site Planning and Design
  • Building Design and Construction Systems
  • Schematic Design
  • Structural Systems
  • Building Systems
  • Construction Documents and Services

The test taker may choose any division to test for, as long as they are deemed eligible to test for their jurisdiction. Unlike other professional career exams, test takers are only allowed to test for one division at a time. In many cases, it takes architects years to complete the exam. This could be due to eligibility requirements, procrastination from the test taker, or a test taker attempts, but fails one or more division of the exam and must wait 6 months to retake it. All candidates have 5 years to complete the exam once it’s been started.

Some jurisdictions have additional requirements that must be met, such as an interview or an oral exam. While some jurisdictions are more lenient, allowing a candidate without a professional degree but work experience sit for the ARE. Other jurisdictions allow interns, who have not completed the IDP sit for the exam.

The ARE tests ones knowledge and skills required of a newly registered architect, practicing independently, to provide architectural services. The ARE also evaluates ones competence when it comes to issues such as public health, safety and welfare.

Cost of ARE

The ARE exam fees can become expensive for an intern, however, due to the fact that a candidate can only test one division at a time, gives the test taker a chance to save up again. Each division of the ARE 4.0 is $210.00. If a candidate passes all seven divisions on their first try, they will end up paying $1,470.00 for the entire exam. Unfortunately, if a test taker must retake the test, additional fees will be charged.

Breakdown of the ARE

The ARE consists of seven divisions that include multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and check-all-that-apply questions, as well as graphic vignettes. Below is what you can expect from each division. Currently, the ARE 4.0 consists of 555 multiple-choice questions and 11 vignettes.

  • Programming Planning and Practice- 85 multiple-choice questions and one site zoning vignette.
  • Site Planning and Design- 65 multiple-choice questions and two site grading vignettes.
  • Building Design and Construction Systems- 85 multiple-choice questions and three vignettes in accessibility, roof plan and stair design.
  • Schematic Design- two vignettes in building layout and interior layout.
  • Structural Systems- 125 multiple-choice questions and one structural layout vignette.
  • Building Systems- 95 multiple-choice questions and one mechanical and electrical plan vignette.
  • Construction Documents and Services- 100 multiple-choice questions and one building section vignette.

Preparing for the ARE

A candidate who is going to take the ARE needs to take the preparation very seriously. The best part about taking the ARE is that it’s done in 7 sections. Therefore, a test taker doesn’t need to necessarily study for all parts of the exam initially. He or she can study one division at a time, focusing solely on the one division. Passing each division is mandatory for a candidate to become an architect. Study tools are available everywhere. Book stores, online stores, architecture programs and architecture firms offer study materials for candidates, and chapters of the AIA organize study groups and provide mentors to those who want or need help preparing.

If you don’t know where to start, start here. The five steps listed below are designed to help you get focused, stay focused, and prepare for your exam.

1. Get the basics from NCARB. Their website gives an overview available for download.

2. Understand your strengths and weaknesses. If you know you’re strong in one area of study, then don’t focus so much on it. Instead, study the areas you’re less knowledgeable in.

3. Collect your resources. Don’t just utilize material you got from the book store online. Talk with an architecture firm or the AIA about borrowing the ARE preparation book. Have as many resources as possible before studying begins.

4. Start a routine. Get yourself on a study routine. #2 comes back into play. Do you work well in groups or singular? Do you concentrate more in the morning rather than at night? Set a schedule and stick to it. Even if it’s only an hour a day, stick to your new plan.

5. Mark your calendar. Set goals for yourself. You’re only given 5 years to pass all seven divisions. Take out your calendar and begin marking dates and setting goals to take the exam. Procrastination can prevent you from beginning your career.