Licensure

Pass the ARE & Get Licensed

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.

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.

1. Practice Management
2. Project Management
3. Programming & Analysis
4. Project Planning & Design
5. Project Development & Documentation
6. 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.

AIA LBSB A.R.E. Scholarship

AIA Long Beach/South Bay provides the opportunity for Associate members to apply for a $1,000 scholarship to help offset the costs related to becoming a licensed architect in the California. Four scholarships are offered each year.

Learn more

AIA California Study Hub

The AIA CA’s Academy of Emerging Professionals officially launched the ARE/CSE California Study Hub in September 2023! Come join us for a FREE study session, bi-weekly on Mondays at 6PM. Each session will be hosted by a different professional and exam divisions change every two months. Join our network and find other programs to support you on your path to licensure. We know licensure is a long road, lets traverse it together.

Register to attend

Join the AIA CA Study Hub Slack Group

Contact us about local study groups

NCARB

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.

Demonstration exam and video prep are also available in the Prepare for the ARE 5.0 {https://www.ncarb.org/pass-are/are5/prepare} section of the NCARB website.

AIA Resources

AIA National and AIA California (AIA CA) provide a number of resources for Emerging Professionals as well as the firms that support them:

• AIA CA Academy of Emerging Professionals (AEP) – The Academy is the collective voice and source for information and support regarding the career development for Emerging Professionals in the early stages of their architectural career.
• AIA Center for Emerging Professional (CEP) – The Center is the authoritative voice and resource for architecture students, recent graduates and newly licensed architects. Whether you’re seeking information on licensing or testing, job prospects, leadership opportunities or entrepreneurial issues, the CEP is the place to start.
• Emerge by AIAU – Emerge provides emerging professionals with online video-based education courses, supplying knowledge that is not always available at firms. Emerge by AIAU offers HSW courses on a number of topics including economics, ethics, and sustainability. Free for AIA Associate Members.
• Young Architects Forum, an AIA National member group, addresses issues of particular importance to recently licensed architects, providing resources on leadership, mentorship and fellowship useful to those launching their careers.