Archinect - News

NCARB shares feedback on rolling clock policy phase-out and the ARE 5.0

2024-05-07T12:22:00-04:00

Since phasing out several exam policies in last year's update to the ARE, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has shared positive news about implementing the retirement of its former five-year Rolling Clock Policy.

The change mandates that scores from all previously expired divisions be added to the ARE 5.0. With the reinstated ARE 4.0 results, over 6,658 credits have been added for ARE 5.0 version learners. Of the 7–8 years inactive group affected, about 20% have restarted their licensure. The organization says 70 candidates have now completed their exams and that it has benefitted women and candidates from minority backgrounds at a higher rate.

NCARB President Jon Baker stated that the new policy emphasizes their commitment to removing the barriers to licensure while still upholding exam integrity and increasing equity.

However, only 52 of the 55 NCARB ju...

Citing equity concerns, NCARB nixes its rolling clock policy for the ARE 5.0 and above

2023-02-23T19:24:00-05:00

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has just announced a milestone change to the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) process that will affect the ARE 5.0 and any subsequent versions to follow.

The organization says it will now do away with its five-year Rolling Clock Policy governing the length of time it takes to successfully pass each division of the exam and register as a professional architect in the United States. The change will go into place effective May 1st.

The decision was purportedly the result of an analysis that showed disparities of race and gender under the current policy in addition to a marked increase in candidates' competency where that policy was not in place, to begin with.

Previously on Archinect: Tell us your experience: Challenges on the path to architectural licensure

“This research-backed decision to eliminate the rolling clock policy was unanimously supported by the Board of Directors and the new score validity policy ...

NCARB adjusts ARE 5.0 testing policies to protect health and safety of test-takers

2020-03-13T11:54:00-04:00

In a statement released March 12th, NCARB announced it has adjusted its testing policies to protect the health and safety of licensure candidates. Among those adjustments include:

Effective immediately and continuing through the end of April, all ARE appointments can be rescheduled at no cost to the test-taker.
Candidates can apply for a rolling clock extension if they have a division that will expire between now and the end of April 2020.
Lastly, NCARB assures candidates that if they decide to keep their test appointment that the Prometric test centers have "fully reviewed all test center operations and continues to mitigate the risk of spread of the virus at their testing locations."

The six-month countdown begins until ARE 4.0's retirement

2018-01-23T13:05:00-05:00

Candidates seeking licensure will have until June 30, 2018 to test in ARE 4.0, after which ARE 5.0 will be the only accepted exam. The NCARB first announced the retirement of ARE 4.0 in 2014 providing testers with enough time to make the transition. Many have already switched to the latest version since the launch of ARE 5.0 in 2016. Up until this summer, candidates have the option of taking either exam or a combination of both to complete licensure.

If you haven't switched your testing strategy yet, now is the time to do so. The ARE 5.0 features six divisions organized around the phases of a typical architecture project. The exam incorporates testing methods of case studies, hotspots, and drag-and-place questions.

NCARB has developed free resources including a Transition Calculator showing how ARE 4.0 credits will transfer to the new exam.

Win PPI's “ARE 5 in a Flash” study flashcards!

2017-07-17T09:00:00-04:00

This post is brought to you by PPI.

PPI is proud to sponsor this week’s Archinect giveaway. One lucky winner will walk away with an architecture bundle that includes:

PPI’s ARE 5 Flashcards that include 400 cards categorized by exam division and section to aid you in recalling key concepts and definitions. ($39 value)
LEGO’s Flatiron Building Architecture Set with 560 pieces and a booklet with details on design and history. For ages 12+. ($50 value)
PPI’s Stainless SteeI Water Bottle that keeps fluids hot for up to 12 hours and cold for up to 24 hours. ($24.95 value)

Save 15% on review materials for ARE 5.0 with Hot Summer Savings from PPI. This limited time offer will be available through July 31, 2017 (some restrictions apply). Click here and start your licensure journey today.

To enter the giveaway just fill out this survey before Friday, July 28, end of day.

Three Reasons Why You Need to Get Your Architecture License

2017-03-14T09:00:00-04:00

This post is brought to you by PPI.

Here are the top three reasons licensure matters and why you shouldn't delay the process.

1. Let's face it, money is pretty important!

Licensure allows you to position yourself for career advancement and income generation. On average, licensed architects have a higher earning potential than unlicensed architects. More than half of architecture firms offer higher salaries to licensed architects (AIA 2015 compensation report).

2. Move from doer to leader

Why wait for the future to define you when you can take control of your own future? In many states, only licensed architects can design buildings over three stories or commercial buildings. As a licensed architect, you'll be able to choose the type of projects you work on and firms that you join. You will be able to sign-off on projects, supervise teams, and start your own firms.

3. Claim the title of an architect

It may be a surprise to many people, but without licensure, you cannot claim the title of ar...

Winner of PPI's ARE 5.0 Review Manual Book giveaway

2017-02-22T18:21:00-05:00

In Archinect's most recent giveaway, our readers had the chance to win an architecture dream bundle that includes PPI’s ARE 5.0 Review Manual Book written by David Kent Ballast, FAIA, CSI, NCIDQ-Cert. No. 9425, and Steven E. O Hara, PE ($250 value); a LEGO set from the Architecture Collection, The White House (no longer available); and PPI’s Stainless SteeI Water Bottle ($24.95 value).

The lucky winner is: Laura from New York City.

Congratulations, and thanks to everyone who participated!

Win PPI's ARE 5.0 Review Manual Book

2017-02-06T19:35:00-05:00

This post is brought to you by PPI.

PPI is proud to sponsor this week’s Archinect giveaway. One lucky winner will walk away with an architecture dream bundle that includes:

PPI’s ARE 5.0 Review Manual Book written by David Kent Ballast, FAIA, CSI, NCIDQ-Cert. No. 9425, and Steven E. O Hara, PE ($250 value). Offers a comprehensive review of all six divisions of ARE 5.0 with hundreds of tables, figures, advice, tips, and strategies.
A LEGO set from the Architecture Collection, The White House (No Longer Available). With 560 pieces, this kit allows you to build a LEGO replica of the White House and includes a booklet with details on design and history. For ages 12+.
PPI’s Stainless SteeI Water Bottle ($24.95 value). Keeps fluids hot for up to 12 hours and cold for up to 24 hours.

Opt into our newsletter and receive a 15% off promotion code valid through the end of February 2017. This offer is exclusive to Archinect and is only valid for residents of the United States.

To enter the giveawa...

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...