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In February of 2006, NCARB released a new version of the ARE - Version 3.1. There were not any significant revisions to the multiple-choice divisions in this version, however changes were implemented in the 3 graphic divisions. These changes are outlined below.
Changes to the Graphic Divisions in ARE 3.1
- Reduction of the overall number of questions in each division
- A better organized content outline for each division, with more consistent
titles
- The reintroduction of questions about site design throughout several divisions
- Questions covering new content areas, including "green architecture," sustainability,
and new material technologies
- Renaming the Materials & Methods division Building Design / Materials &
Methods to better reflect its expanded scope
- Expansion of practice and project management portions of the Construction
Documents & Services division
- A redesigned screen layout that anticipates new types of questions in the
future
All the ARE review materials published by PPI are current to Version 3.1 of the exam.
The newly revised and updated publication, ARE Guidelines, provides
additional details about changes to exam content and administration. Candidates
may download the publication from the NCARB web site (www.ncarb.org).
The ARE is administered exclusively
on computer at testing centers around the United States 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, at any time and location
you choose.
The ARE includes nine divisions,
divided to two general groups:
Multiple-Choice Divisions
- Pre-Design
- General Structures
- Lateral Forces
- Mechanical and Electrical Systems
- Building Design/Materials and Methods
- Construction Documents and Services
Graphic Divisions
- Site Planning
- Building Planning
- Building Technology
The Multiple-Choice Divisions consist of all multiple-choice questions. The
Graphics Divisions require the candidate to create a solution, graphically,
for a number of vignettes.
Here are the question and
time breakdowns for the Multiple-Choice Divisions:
| Multiple-Choice Divisions |
Questions | Time Limit | Sched. Appt. Time |
| Pre-Design | 105 | 2.5 hrs | 3 hrs |
| General Structures | 85 | 2.5 hrs | 3 hrs |
| Lateral Forces | 75 | 2 hrs | 2.5 hrs |
| Mechanical and Electrical Systems | 105 | 2 hrs | 2.5 hrs |
| Building Design/Materials and Methods | 105 | 2 hrs | 2.5 hrs |
| Construction Documents and Services | 115 | 3 hrs | 3 hrs 30 min |
No, you should definitely
answer every question--there is no penalty for wrong answers. If you don't know,
make your best guess.
The Graphics Divisions consist
of 15 vignettes. The exam is administered in the following blocks. Note that
the times given for each vignette are recommended, not mandatory; between breaks,
you may use your time as you deem necessary.
Site Planning: Scheduled appointment time, 5 hrs
- Site design: 1 hr
- Site zoning : 30 min
- Site parking: 30 min
- 15 min break (mandatory)
- Site analysis: 30 min
- Site section: 30 min
- Site grading: 30 min
Building Planning: Scheduled appointment time, 7 hrs 30 min.
- Block diagram: 45 min
- Interior layout: 1 hr
- 30 min break (mandatory)
- Schematic design: 4 hrs
Building Technology: Scheduled appointment time, 7 hrs
- Building section: 1 hr
- Structural layout: 45 min
- 20 min break (mandatory)
- Accessibility ramp: 45 min
- Mechanical and electrical plan: 1 hr
- 5 min break (optional)
- Stair design: 1 hr
- Roof plan: 45 min
No. Even if you are experienced
with a CADD program, the drawing software you will use during the exam will
be different. Each of the Graphics Divisions begins with a 30-minute tutorial
designed to familiarize you with the drawing tools.
No--bring nothing. On the
General Structures division and the Mechanical and Electrical Systems division,
you will be able to access supplied reference material on your computer screen.
This material includes information that may be helpful in answering questions
in these divisions.
Yes. You must bring your
own scientific calculator for use on the exam. The calculator must be non-printing,
non-programmable, and non-communicating. The test center may refuse the use
of any calculator that has any of these features.
The ARE uses both customary
US units (inch-pound) and SI units (metric). Most questions in the Multiple-Choice
Divisions use both types of units, enabling you to chose the system you prefer.
Pick one system and stick to it; conversions have been rounded for convenience,
so trying to convert from one system to the other may result in wrong answers.
For the Graphic Divisions, you have the opportunity to chose which system
of units you wish to use. Once you have made your choice, you can't change your
mind during the exam. All dimensions and references to standards will be displayed
in the units you have selected.
The NCARB
site has additional information about the exam.
After your state board has
declared you eligible for the exam, NCARB's consultant, the Chauncey Group International,
will send you detailed information about scheduling. At that time, you may call
one of the test
centers to schedule the ARE.
ARE Pass Rates by Division
(all examinees)
| Multiple-Choice Divisions |
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 |
| Pre-Design | 76% | 75% | 77% | 77% |
| General Structures | 75% | 73% | 73% | 77% |
| Lateral Forces | 76% | 77% | 92% | 93% |
| Mechanical and Electrical Systems | 68% | 67% | 74% | 74% |
| Materials and Methods | 77% | 76% | 86% | 88% |
| Construction Documents and Services | 77% | 79% | 85% | 86% |
| Graphic Divisions |
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 |
| Site Planning | 73% | 71% | 70% | 68% |
| Building Planning | 63% | 64% | 68% | 68% |
| Building Technology | 66% | 63% | 65% | 67% |
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