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."
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 shut down testing centers as the pandemic began to take hold.
The extension will bring a full 15 months of additional time to ARE candidates and will ensure "that no exam scores are impacted by the rolling clock until June 2021 at the earliest," NCARB explains. Candidates do not need to take any action to receive this extension, as it will be applied automatically by NCARB.
In addition, NCARB has announced that it has "expedited efforts in order to launch an online proctored version of ARE 5.0 in late 2020," a move that should help relieve a growing backlog of examinations that have been on hold since March.
"NCARB continues to pursue development and implementation of an online (or remote) proctored option for the ARE. The content of the ARE and the division structure will not change," the organization writes. "While NCARB initially anticipated launching this option in early-2021, recent progress will allow for an earlier-than-anticipated launch of remote proctoring in late-2020," a recent memo explains.
14 Comments
Thank you NCARB. Maybe I'll be able to schedule to take the ARE exam from home. I look forward to the news on that. This way, I can do it more in tandem with the AIBD/NCBDC exam which already is online. Since the ARE is already computerized, it shouldn't be too hard to implement. We just need to get things setup in the exam for proper testing. If anyone from NCARB is reading this, take a look at how AIBD/NCBDC is doing it and work an implementation that fits your rules like no books within reach or something as far as setting up space in a room suitable for the proctoring. You just need to implement the scheduling with your MyNCARB site and then its just implementing a portal to the proctoring service managing the online proctoring on behalf of Prometric and NCARB to assure reasonable protocols are met. This can make taking the exam by those farther from testing centers without needing more testing centers. Consider this for an on-going basis even after the COVID-19 situation.
When the online proctoring is up and running, I'll begin taking the exam divisions.
Once it's online, I'll not have the excuse of not having to go to Portland to take the exam. Only factor left is cash on hand, studying, and all the rest is just me. Right now, it's waiting on NCARB for online proctoring.
How the fuck did you complete the AXP?
My authorization to test is through the state of Washington.
To inform you: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.08.360
(4) Applicants for registration may begin taking the examination upon enrollment in a structured training program as approved by the board.
I still have to complete AXP for licensure. This is just one of the licensing requirements but I still have to complete all that remains for initial licensure and any other requirement as needed for reciprocity/NCARB Certification. If I pass the exam, it doesn't mean I am yet licensed. I hope that is clear enough for you.
Crystal. I had forgotten that states were allowing the exam first, a stance I agree with.
I'm probably one of the first candidates granted authorization under this rule in Washington as it is a relatively new rule (last year).
I do support the concept of online proctoring. Implementing it well is key. For me and for many of us who aren't living locally to a prometric testing center, it will be nice to be able to do the exam.
I knew that didn't sound right so I asked a friend in Seattle to confirm. He said it was bogus as he got licensed years ago in WA and took the ARE before finishing the then IDP. To be clear, the rule allowing candidates to take the exams without completing a structured training program (AXP) first is not new ... looks to be about a decade old in WA. Previously it applied only to candidates who had an accredited degree. The new rule change from last year that Ricky is referring to is the change to allow non-accredited degree holders the ability to take the ARE without first completing the AXP training program. See marked up language below...
Thanks, E_A. I was trying to keep it short and sweet for SneakyPete. All the detail is acquirable starting from the link I provided and the links at the bottom of the statutory text that will point to the applicable legislative bills.
Thanks for adding detail into the thread which I was omitting for sake of brevity and keeping to the point.
I get all worked up about encouraging more folks from different backgrounds into the profession. Now you went and made me reconsider.
.
Anyone should be able to take the ARE when they are ready. If they are enrolled in AXP, fine. It may not be wise for everyone to take the ARE right out of high school and most won't.
Those without an accredited architecture degree includes those with only a 4-year bachelors degree. Yes, they need to get experience. Different people have so varying background. The worst thing that happens is the person fails the division and have to retake the division and cost them more money. They still need to meet the requirements for licensure before they are issued a license.
For me, I'll take the exam now before waiting another 10-15 years while I'm not too old to want to bother with it. If I pass the ARE exam divisions, I'll mainly have to focus on the work experience part.
you can take licensing exams in Canada at 50% completion of IDP.
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