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From consolidated content areas to revised testing times, ARE Version 3.0
incorporates a number of evolutionary improvements that were first identified
in the Architectural Practice Analysis Study conducted during the year 2000.
Most importantly, the Practice Analysis validated the format and content of
the current exam. ARE Version 3.0 acts upon study recommendations that increase
the exam's relevancy. While ARE Version 3.0 is not a major overhauling of the
exam, it is an effort to include more recent topics while adjusting the emphasis
of focus in other areas. In order to eliminate redundancy, some ARE content
areas are shifting; a few others are being strengthened; and a few new content
areas are being introduced. What does this mean for ARE candidates? The most
obvious changes are fewer questions in each multiple-choice division and the
elimination of two graphic vignettes.
Here is a breakdown of some specific changes included in ARE Version 3.0:
Multiple-Choice Divisions
- 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
Graphic Divisions
- Elimination of the Site Section vignette from the Site Planning division
- Elimination of the Block Diagram vignette from the Building Planning division
- Standardizing the sequence of all three graphic divisions by implementing
one mandatory 15-minute break between sections of each division
- Elimination of access to the Practice Program at Prometric test centers
during the examination reduces the scheduled appointment time
- The Practice Program remains available for downloading from the NCARB web
site
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 Desing/Materials and Methods | 105 | 2 hrs | 2.5 hrs |
| Construction Documents and Services | 105 | 3 hrs | 3.5 hrs |
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, 3.75 hrs
- Site design: 1 hr
- Site zoning : 30 min
- 15 min break (mandatory)
- Site parking: 30 min
- Site analysis: 30 min
- Site grading: 30 min
Building Planning: Scheduled appointment time, 5.75 hrs
- Interior layout: 1 hr
- 15 min break (mandatory)
- Schematic design: 4 hrs
Building Technology: Scheduled appointment time, 6 hrs
- Building section: 1 hr
- Structural layout: 45 min
- Accessibility ramp: 45 min
- 15 min break (mandatory)
- Mechanical and electrical plan: 1 hr
- 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% |
| Building Design/Materials and Methods | 77% | 76% | 86% | 88% |
| Construction Documents and Services | 77% | 79% | 85% | 86% |
| Graphic Divisions |
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2001 |
| Site Planning | 73% | 71% | 70% | 68% |
| Building Planning | 63% | 64% | 68% | 68% |
| Building Technology | 66% | 63% | 65% | 67% |
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