ARE 3.1 to 4.0 Transition

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Get the information and materials you need to understand your ARE exam options, plan your ARE exam-taking strategy, review the exam subjects, and pass each exam.

ARE Exam Options

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) administers the Architect Registration Exam. From July 2008 through June 2009, they will administer two versions of the exam: ARE version 3.1, and ARE version 4.0.

If you have passed at least one division of the ARE 3.1 by May 2008, you can continue to take the remaining divisions of ARE 3.1 through June 2009. If you have not passed all divisions of the exam by the end of June 2009, you will need to transition to the ARE 4.0.

If you have not passed any division of the ARE exam by May 2008, you will automatically be enrolled to take the ARE 4.0 divisions.

The two versions of the exam cover essentially the same content, but are structured differently. ARE 3.1 consists of 9 divisions, 3 of which contain only graphic vignette problems, and 6 of which contain only multiple choice problems. ARE 4.0 integrates the graphic and multiple choice problems into 7 divisions. Both versions of the exam are administered at computer testing centers, and the graphic portions of the exams must be solved on the computer using NCARB's own software. NCARB provides a useful chart that compares the subject areas and structure of the two versions of the exam.

Because the ARE 4.0 combines the graphic and multiple choice sections presented in the ARE 3.1, there is not a one-to-one relationship between the divisions of each version. If you don't pass all ARE 3.1 divisions, you may need to take the ARE 4.0 division that tests the same material. A solid exam strategy can help you avoid this.

Strategizing for the Transition

If you've passed one or more ARE 3.1 division but don't expect to pass all nine divisions by June 2009, you'll want to use an exam-taking strategy to avoid retaking divisions of the exam that you have already passed. This can happen because of the overlap in the two versions of the exams, created when the 3.1 exam was restructured as the 4.0 exam.

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) provides a useful chart that describes the 3.1 and 4.0 exam overlap.

When choosing which ARE 3.1 divisions to prioritize, consider the following.

• The ARE 3.1 Building Technology division is key to pass because its vignettes will be distributed over four ARE 4.0 divsions.
• If you have passed any of Building Design/Materials & Methods, Construction Documents & Services, General Structures, Lateral Forces, and Mechanical & Electrical Systems in ARE 3.1, you will also need to pass the ARE 3.1 Building Technology division to avoid being retested on this material.
• The ARE 3.1 Pre-Design and Site Planning divisions will be divided into the ARE 4.0 Programming, Planning & Practice and Site Planning & Design divisions. Therefore, you need to pass both the ARE 3.1 Pre-Design and Site Planning divisions in order to avoid being retested on this material in ARE 4.0.
• The ARE 3.1 General Structures and Lateral Forces divisions and the Structural Layout vignette from Building Technology will be combined into the Structural Systems division in ARE 4.0. To avoid being retested on material, you will need to pass all three divisions.

Additional Resources

Additional resources about the transition from ARE 3.1 to ARE 4.0 can be found online at NCARB's website. The following resources are particularly useful as you plan your strategy for the transition to ARE 4.0:

• ARE 4.0 Introduction
• Comparison of ARE 3.1 to ARE 4.0
• Timeline - ARE 3.1 to ARE 4.0
• ARE 4.0 General FAQs
• ARE 4.0 GuideLines
• ARE Study Aids

NCARB has made available the following brief study guides for each division of ARE 4.0:

• Programming, Planning & Practice - Study Guide
• Site Planning & Design - Study Guide
• Building Design & Construction Systems - Study Guide
• Schematic Design - Study Guide
• Structural Systems - Study Guide
• Building Systems - Study Guide
• Construction Documents & Services - Study Guide

PPI Materials

PPI continues to be your premier destination for ARE review materials. Whether you are preparing for the ARE 3.1 or the ARE 4.0, PPI is here to help you pass. We continue to publish our Architecture Exam Review line to support ARE 3.1 candidates. Our new Architect Registration Exam line is specifically designed for ARE 4.0 candidates.

Get the information, support, and review materials you need to pass the ARE from PPI, regardless of the version you are taking.