2015 Edition, Issue 3


ARE 5.0 Transition

NCARB will be launching a new version of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). First announced in June 2013, the new version (ARE 5.0) is scheduled to be launched in late 2016, and will be offered concurrently with the current ARE version (ARE 4.0) until June 30, 2018, when ARE 4.0 will be retired.

NCARB has developed the ARE 5.0 Test Specification document that identifies the division structure of the examination and additionally defines the: major content areas (sections), measurement objectives, and percentage of content coverings (weightings). ARE 5.0 will consist of six divisions and be structured to align with the more commonly defined professional architect activities of practice management, project management, and project design. ARE 5.0 will also be replacing the graphic vignettes with incorporated graphics, performance items, and case studies. The goal of ARE 5.0 is to better integrate the examination while improving the assessment of a candidate’s knowledge, skill, and ability to practice architecture independently.

Candidates made eligible by the Board prior to ARE 5.0 launching will have the option of transitioning from ARE 4.0 to ARE 5.0 once ARE 5.0 launches. It is important to note that candidates will not be permitted to transition from ARE 5.0 to ARE 4.0. NCARB has released an ARE 5.0 Credit Model that shows how ARE 4.0 divisions transition into ARE 5.0. Candidates are encouraged to review this chart to best plan their examinations. NCARB also announced the future implementation of an ARE 4.0 to ARE 5.0 interactive transition calculator that will be incorporated into the My Examination section of a candidate’s NCARB Record. The transition calculator will allow candidates to see exactly which ARE 5.0 divisions will receive transitional credit. Based upon the information we currently have, candidates made eligible by the Board after ARE 5.0 has been launched will be required to complete ARE 5.0.

On July 23, 2015, NCARB announced the fees for ARE 5.0 divisions will be the same as ARE 4.0 divisions ($210) until June 30, 2018, at which point the cost will increase to $235 per division. The overall cost of ARE 5.0 ($1,460) will be slightly lower than ARE 4.0 ($1,470).

Candidates are encouraged to stay informed on the upcoming changes to the ARE. One of the best ways to do this is by signing up to receive ARE updates directly from NCARB and to periodically visit the Board and NCARB websites.