ARE 4.0 will be administered starting in July 2008. Like previous versions of the ARE, ARE 4.0 assesses candidates' knowledge, problem-solving skills, and ability to approach design projects. It consists of the following 7 divisions.
The ARE is an evolving exam and NCARB continually works towards improving the ARE's content, delivery, grading, and administration. Version 4.0 was guided by the 2001 Practice Analysis survey conducted by NCARB and developed to emphasize integration of content and the assessment of day-to-day problem-solving skills.
NCARB will begin administering ARE 4.0 in July 2008.
ARE 4.0 will update and change the current format to
View NCARB's comparison chart.
ARE 4.0 includes the following seven divisions:
| Division | # of Multiple-Choice Questions | Multiple-Choice Testing Time | # of Vignettes/ Topics | Graphic Testing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Design & Construction Systems | 85 | 1:45 hrs | 3 Accessibility/Ramp Roof Plan Stair Design | 2:45 hrs |
| Building Systems | 95 | 2:00 hrs | 1 Mechanical & Electrical Plan | 1:00 hr |
| Construction Documents & Services | 100 | 2:00 hrs | 1 Building Section | 1:00 hr |
| Programming, Planning & Practice | 85 | 2:00 hrs | 1 Site Zoning | 1:00 hr |
| Schematic Design | 0 | N/A | 2 Building Layout Interior Layout | 5:00 hrs* |
| Site Planning & Design | 65 | 1:30 hrs | 2 Site Design Site Grading | 2:00 hrs |
| Structural Systems | 125 | 3:30 hrs | 1 Structural Layout | 1:00 hr |
*Interior Layout 1:00 hr, Building Layout 4:00 hrs
ARE 4.0 covers the same material as ARE 3.1, however, the material has been organized by topic resulting in the integration of multiple-choice and graphic materials, fewer divisions, and slightly less test-taking time.
Yes. Graphic vignettes are included in ARE 4.0. The 11 vignettes comprising the graphic portion of ARE 3.1 have been redistributed among the different divisions in ARE 4.0. This has resulted in fewer divisions consisting of one or more graphic vignettes and a multiple choice component. Only one division (Schematic Design) is entirely graphic-based.
ARE 3.1 and ARE 4.0 cover the same topics, however, they are organized differently between the two exams. ARE 3.1 includes six multiple-choice divisions and three graphic divisions whereas ARE 4.0 integrates the graphic vignettes into an appropriate multiple-choice division, and reduces the number of divisions from nine to seven.
No. ARE 4.0 has seven divisions.
The ARE 4.0 divisions have been designed to represent what a candidate would do while practicing architecture. Consequently, the exam challenges candidates to not only recall knowledge while answering multiple-choice problems, but also to use the problem-solving skills an architect would employ when they encounter a design vignette. Additionally, the combined exam format gives examinees the benefit of preparing for one topic at a time without having to study the same material twice.
ARE 4.0 will be administered exclusively on computers at testing centers across the United States, it's territories, and Canada. Most of these centers are open six days a week, fifty weeks a year. Once approved by a state or provincial registration board, you may take the exam divisions in any order and location you choose.
Whether you take ARE 3.1 or 4.0 depends greatly on your eligibility for the exam. Candidates made eligible to take the ARE in May 2008 or later will be required to take ARE 4.0. Similarly, those who are eligible but who have not passed at any division of ARE 3.1 before May 2008 will be automatically transitioned to ARE 4.0.
Candidates who have passed at least one ARE 3.1 division before May 2008 will have until June 2009 to pass all remaining divisions of ARE 3.1. If the candidate does not pass all 3.1 divisions, the candidate must transition to ARE 4.0.
If you are eligible to sit for the ARE in the months leading up to the release of ARE 4.0, it is up to you to decide which version to follow. Keep in mind that examinees that have not successfully completed all nine divisions of ARE 3.1 by June 2009 will be transitioned to ARE 4.0. If you are transitioned to ARE 4.0, the exams that you will have to take depend on which divisions you passed in ARE 3.1. You may need to retake some of the exam material previously passed in version 3.1.
View NCARB's transition chart.
ARE 4.0 review materials are now available from PPI. We will continue to introduce additional products leading up the start of ARE 4.0 in July. See PPI's ARE 4.0 review materials.
No. For a period of one year, ARE 3.1 and ARE 4.0 will be offered simultaneously. If you have not passed all remaining divisions of ARE 3.1 by June 2009, you will be transitioned to ARE 4.0.
Yes. If you are eligible to sit for the ARE in the months leading up to the release of ARE 4.0, it is up to you to decide which version to follow. Keep in mind that examinees that have not successfully completed all nine divisions of ARE 3.1 by June 2009 will be transitioned to ARE 4.0. If you are transitioned to ARE 4.0, the divisions you will have to take will depend on which ARE 3.1 divisions you passed.
Candidates made eligible to take the ARE in May 2008 or later will be required to take ARE 4.0. Similarly, those who are eligible but who have not passed at any division of the ARE before May 2008 will be automatically transitioned to ARE 4.0.
Those who are eligible but who have not passed any division of the ARE 3.1 before May 2008 will be automatically transitioned to ARE 4.0.
No. Candidates who have passed divisions of ARE 3.1 will continue to follow this path. If you have not passed all divisions of ARE 3.1 by June 2009, you will then be transitioned to ARE 4.0.
Possibly. A Cut Score study for ARE 4.0 will be performed prior to the release of the new exam so that scores are not delayed.
No. Candidates will no longer be allowed to bring calculators into the testing room. A new onscreen calculator will be available for all divisions. A demo version of the new on-screen calculator will be available from NCARB prior to the release of ARE 4.0. Plan to acquaint yourself with it before the exam, as examinees will no longer be able to bring their own calculators.
For more information about ARE 3.1 and ARE 4.0, visit The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) for the following resources and more:
NCARB has made available the following brief study guides for each division of ARE 4.0:
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