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 Exciting breakthroughs in graphic testing methods and a desire to move away from the outdated CAD software system were just a couple of considerations fueling the latest ARE update.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 release of ARE 5.0 this fall, candidates will need to prepare not only for rearranged subject matter in new divisions, but also for updated question types. The exam will contain new question types and the content will be restructured into six divisions. The first step to prepare for the exam’s release on November 1st, 2016 is becoming familiar with the new format.

Changes in 5.0 Question Types

Being ready for the new question types will give you extra confidence on test day. The exam will introduce two new question types, hot spots and drag-and-place, and will no longer feature vignettes. Case studies will also be a new feature on the test. Responses will continue to be recorded as multiple choice, check-all-that-apply, and quantitative fill-in-the-blank.

Case Studies ask candidates to analyze several pieces of information and make evaluations, directly reflecting the tasks of licensed architects, who often have to make decisions based on multiple factors.

Hot Spots are a new type of question format which presents an interactive exhibit. Candidates will be asked a question and in response, expected to select the correct area of the interactive exhibit.

Drag-and-place question types present a base drawing and a series of design elements. To answer these questions, you will click and drag the correct design element to the proper place on the base drawing.

Changes in 5.0 Divisions

ARE 5.0 will restructure the exam content into six divisions, in contrast to the seven divisions of ARE 4.0. These new divisions may be taken in any order. They are:

• Practice Management
• Project Management
• Programming & Analysis
• Project Planning & Design
• Project Development & Documentation
• Construction & Evaluation

The new structure reflects the stages of a project from the idea to the construction, so that it better represents the actual work of a licensed architect. These divisions also align with the Architectural Experience Program, setting a clear route to licensure. Not only do the restructured divisions provide an updated representation of the daily work of an architect, but by taking one less division than ARE 4.0, you will save study time and testing time. You could be working as a licensed architect sooner than you thought.

Start Preparing Today

Strategic preparation is the key to successfully navigating the exam updates on test day. Ideally, you will enter the testing center with an arsenal of knowledge on content as well as format. To prepare for the new question types and divisions, take a look at PPI’s website for the latest ARE 5.0 exam preparation materials, including review manuals and practice problems. ARE 5 Practice Problems for the Architect Registration Exam contains more than 600 challenging practice problems organized according to ARE 5.0 exam divisions. The problems follow the same formats as those on the exam, including multiple choice, case study, check-all-that-apply, fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-place, and hot spot. By preparing with the latest review material for ARE 5.0, you will be ready for success on exam day.