Archinect - News

NCARB updates ARE 5.0 Guidelines

2024-03-01T08:00:00-05:00

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has shared an update to its official ARE guidelines effective this week (February 27).

The updated ARE 5.0 Guidelines include changes to exam security policies and the ARE 5.0 Reference Guide. The revision also covers new building code references and the retirement of quantitative-fill-in-the-blank (QFIB) items that were announced previously in December.

A new set of exam data forensics protocols has been introduced to enhance existing data analysis. NCARB notes this will impact the timing of test scores results being released. Official score reports will now take between seven and ten days to process. Exam security and candidate misconduct policies have been updated as well.

Importantly, all code-related items on the ARE 5.0 will now reference the 2021 International Code Council (ICC) family of codes and related standards...

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 ...

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

2022-08-11T09:20:00-04:00

In June 2020, we conducted an interview with Princeton University School of Architecture Dean Mónica Ponce de León on the future of architectural licensure. Ponce de León’s perspective, which generated 90 comments from our readers, centered on disparities in licensure success along racial and gender groups.

“We need to be honest,” Ponce de León told us. “The profession is predominantly white and male. Only 2% of all architects are Black American. In 2008, that number was 1.5%. Let’s do the math, at that rate, it will take 240 years for the profession to look like the rest of America. I, for one, cannot wait that long.”

Media interest in the path to architectural licensure peaked once again last week with the news of two architecture graduates from Auburn University in Alabama who had become licensed architects at the age of 23. For perspective, NCARB data shows that the average age of those beginnin...

Architectural profession is recovering from COVID, and becoming more diverse, says NCARB

2022-06-23T12:55:00-04:00

The path to licensure within the U.S. is becoming more diverse from gender, race, and ethnic standpoints, according to NCARB’s annual NCARB by the Numbers report. The report also notes that the profession is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, with the number of candidates on the licensure path also increasing.

2021 saw a 23% increase in the number of candidates completing the path to licensure compared to 2020, when the pandemic saw a significant decline in participation in the licensure path. There was also a 39% increase in exams taken, and a 26% increase in exams completed.

The number of new architects increased by 23% from 2020, but is still 24% lower than pre-pandemic averages, suggesting the impact of the pandemic has still not waned.

The report also found that the average candidate takes 13 years to complete the path to licensure from starting college to receiving a ...

NCARB launches free practice exams for ARE ensuring 'equitable access to exam prep'

2022-06-17T08:10:00-04:00

NCARB has announced the launch of a suite of free practice exams for ARE candidates. The full-length, fully-scored tests have been created for each of the six divisions which comprise the ARE exam.

"The availability of high-quality, free practice exams will help ensure equitable access to exam preparation materials, leading to a more equitable experience for diverse candidates,” said NCARB CEO Michael Armstrong upon the initiative’s announcement.

Questions within the practice exams were developed using the same method as the real ARE, and can be taken in two modes. A test mode mimics the experience of the real exam with a score report afterwards, while a practice mode provides the correct answer and supporting notes for each item as the candidate proceeds through the test.

The resource was launched in response to findings from the NCARB/NOMA Baseline on Belonging study, which fo...

NOMA/NCARB report exposes exam disparities for people of color and older candidates

2021-09-13T13:28:00-04:00

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) have released a report focused on disparities in architectural licensing examination. Titled Baseline on Belonging: Examination Report, the study seeks to explore factors that impact equity, diversity, and inclusion for candidates taking the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).

Infographic via NOMA/NCARB

The 100-page report is centered on survey data from the experiences of people preparing for or taking the ARE, including obstacles in the areas of financial support, mentoring, and overall cost. More than 5,000 people submitted responses to the survey, including over 2,800 people of color and almost 2,500 women. The report also features an analysis of a multi-year collection of NCARB data, which as we previously reported, indicates that people of color have significantly lower pass rates in the ARE than their white peers.

Infographic via NOMA/NCARB

Among th...

NCARB adds six months to exam clock, plans for remote examinations

2020-08-18T14:16:00-04:00

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has announced additional measures to aid prospective Architect Registration Examination (ARE) candidates.

Access to ARE examination sites has been spotty, if not outright unavailable, throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic so far, though testing centers in certain states began reopening earlier this summer. In order to help test takers stay on track with their examination schedules, NCARB has issued an additional six-month rolling clock extension to ARE candidates that had "passing exam scores that were valid as of March 1, 2020."

Previously on Archinect: Architectural Licensure at a Crossroads: An Interview with NCARB President Robert M. Calvani and President-Elect Alfred Vidaurri. Images courtesy of NCARB.

This extension builds on a previous nine-month grace period that was put into effect back in March when Prometric, the company that administers ARE examinations across the country, made the move to shu...

NCARB delays licensing exams through end of May

2020-04-27T11:44:00-04:00

Prometric, the test administration company responsible for hosting NCARB's Architect Registration Examination (ARE), has decided to keep all test centers in North America closed until May 31, 2020. According to NCARB, when the test centers do reopen they will operate at 50 percent capacity to maintain social distancing for test takers. Additionally, if a test center becomes booked beyond the 50 percent capacity limit, Prometric will randomly select candidates to reschedule.

Due to the closures and test cancellations, NCARB has offered rescheduling at no-cost and has added an additional six months to test taker's rolling clocks. The organization will be hosting a live Webinar this Thursday, April 30th, to answer questions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the ARE.

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."

Getting it Done: Tips to Shorten Your Time to Licensure

2017-04-05T09:00:00-04:00

This post is brought to you by PPI.

The road towards licensure is exciting, humbling, and full of unexpected surprises. However, as daunting as the task may seem, there are ways to shorten the duration and ease stress as you go from wide-eyed architecture student to stamp-carrying architect. Follow these tips to get ahead of the pack and shorten your time to licensure.

1. Know the Basics

Learn what lies ahead. The maze of educational and experiential requirements you must navigate before becoming a licensed architect is long and complex. Know these requirements like you know your shoe size. Then plan accordingly.

Education requirements vary depending on where you acquire your degree. If you’re at all confused about whether or not your degree path sets you up for early licensure, refer to this resource from NCARB. Consider how long it will take to receive an accredited degree before settling on an institution to complete your architecture education.

Also, there are ways to start earning ...

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...

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...

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...