Archinect - News

Why We’re Thankful for Licensed Architects

2016-11-21T09:00:00-05:00

This post is brought to you by PPI.

Being able to call yourself an architect is just one perk of becoming licensed. After hours of studying, practicing, and testing, licensed architects can confidently take on unique design projects with knowledge and experience to back up their choices. This is why their clients trust them with important decisions, and why we are thankful every day for their expertise. Here are a few reasons we are thankful for licensed architects.

1. They make choices you can trust.

High-level knowledge of design practices and how to best avoid errors only comes with practice and studying, two things with which every licensed architect is intimately familiar. After participating in Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and passing the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), involving hours of studying, testing, and practicing in the field, licensed architects are equipped for success. Architects utilize their arsenal of knowledge to inform the decisions they make...

ARE 5.0 officially launches today

2016-11-01T19:32:00-04:00

The ARE 5.0 is finally here, and it's eight hours and one division shorter than its predecessor. Additionally, new testing methods, including the soothing sounding drag-and-place, have been added to the exam. As a press release pithily explains:

"ARE 5.0 features the latest graphic testing methods, replacing vignettes with two new question types: hot spots and drag-and-place. ARE 5.0 also includes case studies, which provide candidates with multiple pieces of information and require them to assess and solve the types of problems architects face on a daily basis."

Archinect will be featuring an in-depth series of feature articles on the ARE; for now though, here's more on the exam:

Five Can’t-Miss ARE Updates from NCARB

2016-10-19T09:00:00-04:00

This post is brought to you by PPI.

It’s an exciting time to be an ARE candidate. With the release of ARE 5.0, new information is revealing itself daily. Keeping up with these updates can be difficult, but not impossible. Read on to discover essential ARE updates from NCARB that will help you on your path to licensure.

1. Earn a $100 Gift Card by Contributing to the Cut Score

If you’re among the first 600 candidates to take the ARE, not only will you contribute to the cut score (defined points on the score scale that determine the passing standard), but you will receive a $100 gift card from NCARB. NCARB will temporarily hold the release of ARE 5.0 score reports until the cut score of each division is decided, so encourage other ARE 5.0 candidates you know to test early.

2. Navigate the New Testing Interface with NCARB’s Demo Exam

The ARE 5.0 Demonstration Exam is an interactive tool that helps you become familiar with the interface of the new test, and can be accessed easily through yo...

Are You Ready for ARE 5.0?

2016-09-12T11:00:00-04:00

This post is brought to you by PPI.

As the release date for ARE 5.0 draws near, knowing what to expect on the new test is becoming more pertinent for ARE candidates. Exciting breakthroughs in graphic testing methods and a desire to move away from the outdated CAD software system were just a couple of considerations fueling the latest ARE update. NCARB’s aim of making ARE content better reflect the day-to-day activities of professional architects also played a large role.

NCARB’s goal with any update is to use the most effective methodology to properly test a candidate’s ability to protect public safety and welfare - not to mention making the test as logical and cost-effective as possible. With the update, candidates will only have to take six divisions in contrast to the seven divisions of ARE 4.0. In fact, you may qualify to take advantage of a unique and lucrative Loophole Combo Strategy to the transition between tests. Check here to see if you’re eligible.

What’s New?

With the relea...

The ARE 5.0 Loophole You Should Know

2016-08-15T09:00:00-04:00

This post is brought to you by PPI.

If you are on the path to becoming a licensed architect, you may already be aware that the Architecture Registration Exam (ARE) is being updated starting November 1st, 2016. You may not know that there could be significant benefits in store for you if you adopt a strategic approach to the update from ARE 4.0 to ARE 5.0. You could be among a group of candidates who can take advantage of a special loophole that may save you considerable time and money.

This “loophole strategy” (or Combo Strategy) involves taking a combination of division exams from both exam versions by beginning your testing with three specific divisions from ARE 4.0 and then completing your requirements with two divisions from ARE 5.0. The key to saving time and money is that you will complete just five divisions total, instead of the required seven for ARE 4.0 and six for ARE 5.0. Completing fewer divisions will subsequently save you time and money. But you’ll need to act before ...

Upcoming Architect Registration Exam® (ARE®) Change

2016-03-15T09:00:00-04:00

This post is brought to you by PPI.

As an aspiring architect, you are required to pass the ARE for initial licensure in all U.S. jurisdictions.

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) have just released new information regarding their upcoming release of ARE version 5.0.

There will be six divisions, compared to seven in ARE 4.0. As a result, an aspiring architect can expect to spend up to eight hours fewer completing ARE 5.0 divisions.

Though the exam will continue to use multiple-choice, check-all-that-apply, and quantitative fill-in-the-blank question formats, it will replace ARE 4.0 vignettes with new problem types, including:

Case Studies
Hot Spots
Drag-and-Place

Each division will include at least 80 questions, along with one to two case studies.

ARE 5.0 Timing and Planning Tools

NCARB will begin the final stages of ARE 5.0 exam development this spring, which will determine the official launch date of ARE 5.0 in late 2016.

If you have already started ARE 4.0, th...

ARE 5.0 Is Coming—Why Start Studying Now?

2016-01-11T08:00:00-05:00

This post is brought to you by PPI.

In 2016, NCARB announced a change to the ARE exam format. The goal is to align the ARE with current practice management, project management, and project design activities in the architecture profession.

The new exam will be launched late 2016, but you have will until June 2018 to pass the ARE 4.0 divisions. Now is a great time to plan and start studying so that you can pass all seven divisions before the exam changes. You can still find study tips from architects who have already taken and passed the ARE. Click here to download a side-by-side chart showing topics covered by the seven ARE 4.0 divisions.

You can visit the NCARB web page to learn more about the upcoming transition to ARE 5.0.

Studying for ARE 4.0

There are no requirements from NCARB regarding the order in which examinees should take the seven divisions. Examinees often choose to assess division subject matter and schedule the exams in order from easiest to most difficult (as ranked by t...

Becoming an Architect

2015-09-28T10:00:00-04:00

This post is brought to you by PPI.

A 2014 Survey of Architectural Registration Boards reported the highest number of aspiring architects to date. More than 37,000 aspiring architects were testing and/or reporting hours. The 3,543 candidates who completed the Intern Development Program (IDP) are ready to start taking the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®). Last year, 3,719 exam candidates completed the ARE, which was the highest number of completions for all sections since 2008.

Worried About the ARE?

PPI publishes a comprehensive exam review series for the ARE, authored by David Kent Ballast, FAIA. Click here to learn more about this best-selling author and how his books can help you prepare to pass your exam. PPI is committed to helping architects and engineers pass their licensing exams. Visit ppi2pass.com to learn how you can get started today.

In 2016, the ARE exam format is changing to align the ARE with current practice management, project management, and project design ...

IDP Change: Effective July 1, 2015

2015-06-22T11:00:00-04:00

This post is brought to you by PPI.

If you would like to become a licensed architect one day, you will need to fulfill your state’s experience requirements for Architect Registration Exam® (ARE) qualification. Each state requires work experience under the direct supervision of a registered architect for a specific period of time prior to registration for the exam.

Most states have adopted the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Intern Development Program (IDP) as the experience requirement for exam registration. IDP guides interns and is the standard means of completing the requirement in almost all U.S. jurisdictions.

On July 1, 2015, NCARB will streamline the IDP by no longer requiring elective hours.
Click here to visit your State Board website to learn more about its particular requirements.

Professional Publications, Inc. (PPI) publishes a comprehensive exam review series for the ARE, authored by David Kent Ballast, FAIA. Click here to learn more about thi...

Architecting Your Career: It’s Time to Pursue Licensure

2014-11-14T17:16:00-05:00

This post is brought to you by PPI.

Just as a doctor, lawyer, dentist or engineer require licensure to protect public health, safety, and welfare—architects must also be licensed. A significant part of becoming licensed is taking and passing the Architecture Registration Exam® (ARE).

National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) administers the ARE. NCARB is an organization that regulates the practice of architecture through the development and application of standards for architect licensure. Its members represent architectural registration boards across the United States and U.S. territories.

Why Become Licensed?

You can go to college, graduate, and earn a degree in architecture, but the road to becoming an architect doesn’t stop there.

Benefits of Becoming Licensed

Without the license, you aren’t a legally sanctioned architect. You are not legally allowed to call yourself an architect until you are licensed.
With a license, you have the legal right to sign, seal or stam...