Architect Registration Examination (ARE®)
The Architect Registration Examination (ARE) is administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) {http://www.ncarb.org} to assess candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required in the practice of architecture.
Exam guides and practice tests are available in the Preparing for the ARE {http://www.ncarb.org/ARE/Preparing-for-the-ARE.aspx} section of the NCARB website.
The ARE 5.0 is in full effect now and consists of the following six divisions that can be taken in any sequence. Exams include a combination of multiple-choice, check-all-that-apply, fill-in-the-blank, hot spot, and drag-and-place questions, as well as case studies. For the go-to resource to understand this new version, download the ARE 5.0 Handbook.
- Practice Management
- Project Management
- Programming & Analysis
- Project Planning & Design
- Project Development & Documentation
- Construction & Evaluation
For those looking to get licensed in California, in addition to the ARE, the California Architects Board requires the California Supplemental Examination (CSE) {http://www.cab.ca.gov/candidates/cse} for licensure. The CSE ensures that candidates are able to demonstrate minimum standards of competency and necessary architectural knowledge and skills to respond to the unique requirements and conditions in California.
ARE® Prep Resources:
Black Spectacles {https://blackspectacles.com/products/are-5-exam-prep} provides ARE Prep video tutorials, online practice exams, and digital flashcards. AIA LBSB currently has a quarterly group subscription discount for Associate members. Contact us if you are interested. Email associates@aialb-sb.org .
ArchiPrep from AIA {https://www.aia.org/resources/6109972-archiprep} helps relieve the stress of studying for the ARE by offering testing candidates a road map to success. Take ArchiPrep with you wherever you go, using it on your computer, phone, or tablet. Are you ready for the next step in your career? Let ArchiPrep lead the way.
AIA San Fernando Valley offers a free series of seminars at Woodbury University. For dates, times and details, please email ep@aisfv.org.
NOTLY (Not Licensed Yet) Started at USC by Karen Kensek and Doug Noble, NotLY is a free program of classes and support to help get people licensed as architects. It is generally hosted at USC and welcomes everyone (not just USC Alumni). Nearly 100 volunteer speakers teach these free classes. For more information contact Professor Douglas Noble, FAIA, at dnoble@usc.edu. You can also join the NOTLY Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/303038613110000/
Funkaar Institute provides professional in-classroom and online training for the ARE and the CSE. Contact us for current AIA-member discounts.
See www.AIA.org for additional information, ARE scholarships, and other resources.
Join a study group! Email associates@aialb-sb.org to find out how to get involved.