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.
- 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.
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.
ARE® Prep with Black Spectacles
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 + a monetary stipend. Contact us if you are interested. Email associates@aialb-sb.org .
ArchiPrep®
How you prepare matters and AIA has developed a great resource to help you get ready for the Architect Registration Exam (ARE®). Introducing ArchiPrep, AIA’s premier ARE prep resource designed to help emerging professionals get licensed faster. {https://www.aia.org/resources/6109972-archiprep} 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. Use ArchiPrep to:
- schedule and track your time
- set personal goals and monitor your progress
- take practice quizzes and create your own flash cards
- connect with peers who are also studying
ArchiPrep is currently available to Assoc. AIA members only. Non-member subscription plans are being considered for the future.