New ARE Prep Courses: Need to take the PcM or CE division? Check out our new Live Online and OnDemand course options.

ARE® 5.0 Exam

Six Division Exams Designed to Test Your Knowledge of the Practice of Architecture

Explore Exam Prep Options: Choose Your ARE Division

PPI exam bundles provide everything you need to pass each division of the ARE 5.0 Exam. Divisional exams can be taken in any order to obtain ARE 5.0 licensure. Pick your division below to choose an industry-leading exam prep bundle.

Practice Management (PcM)

Project Management (PjM)

Programming & Analysis (P&A)

Project Planning & Design (PP&D)

Project Development & Documentation (PD&D)

Construction & Evaluation (C&E)

About the ARE 5.0 Exam

Looking for ARE 5.0 all division products?

 

Shop Now

 

What Makes PPI Exam Prep Different?

PPI Learning Hub: The Learning Hub is more than an eLearning platform—it is a time-tested program that guides examinees through their exam prep from start to finish. 

ARE Learning Hub

ARE 5.0 Free Resources

Stay on top of your exam prep and save with PPI's ARE 5.0 free offers and promo codes.

Free Offers

What Our Customers Say

Wadiah
“I passed my Project Management Exam. On the first attempt! Pretty much the only study resource I used was PPI2Pass. Thank you!”
ARE Customer
“The practice exams where very useful. They are similar to the ARE test format but some key aspects vary.”
ARE Customer
“Used the online month to month subscription to study for the ARE. I found the study guide tool very helpful for creating a structured study schedule.”
ARE Customer
“The ARE practice exam questions/quiz questions and explanations are great. PPI2Pass is worth the money and it's resources certainly help you identify your strengths and areas of weakness.”
ARE Customer
“Questions on quizzes were exactly what I needed to make me think a little deeper and a little harder, exactly what NCARB wants you to do on the exams.”
ARE Customer
“I've appreciated using PPI to prepare for my exams. I am happy that as I am going through the exam, I can contribute by leaving feedback on the questions.”
ARE Customer
“I have used PPI Learning Hub for all of my exams so far (3 total), and it has been an excellent part of my study routine and I have recommended it to several people. I love that I can access the flashcards and practice quizzes and exams on my phone so I can study anywhere. I also enjoy having a method of studying that is computer based (vs. books) since it is similar to the exam.”
ARE Customer
“The question bank is great - I've passed my tests so far by getting familiar with the content provided.”
ARE Customer
“I thought the platform was great for what I needed it for.”
ARE Customer
"I think the variety of material covered in all of the questions and flashcards are great and a great addition to my studying.”
ARE Customer
“PPI is a very useful studying tool! The way that it's broken down really helps one focus on their studies!”
ARE Customer
“I like the site and I will recommend it to anyone I know."
ARE Customer
“I love the subscription."

FAQs for the ARE Exam

ARE 5.0 is a computer-based test and has content divided into six divisions that may be taken in any order. They are: 
  • Practice Management (80 items, 2 hours and 45 minutes test duration)
  • Project Management (90 items, 3 hours and 15 minutes test duration)
  • Programming & Analysis (95 items, 3 hours and 15 minutes test duration) 
  • Project Planning & Design (120 items, 4 hours and 15 minutes test duration)
  • Project Development & Documentation (120 items, 4 hours and 15 minutes test duration) 
  • Construction & Evaluation (95 items, 3 hours and 15 minutes test duration) 
For more information, you can visit ncarb.org.
After you pass an ARE division, it remains valid during the delivery of the version of the exam under which it was taken. Your passed division could also be used to establish credits during the delivery of the next exam version. After two versions of the exam, passed divisions will expire. Please see NCARB's website for more information on their score validity policy.
  • Practice Management: 51%
  • Project Management: 62% 
  • Programming & Analysis: 53% 
  • Project Planning & Design: 46% 
  • Project Development & Documentation: 53% 
  • Construction & Evaluation: 70%
The Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) is a multi-division exam used to assess your knowledge and skills regarding the practice of architecture. The current version of the exam, ARE 5.0, is developed by NCARB and features six divisions. Completing the ARE 5.0 exam by passing all six divisions is required by all US jurisdictions as a key step on the path to earning a license. The division exams can be taken in any order.

ARE 5.0 has a mixture of item types. There is not a set percentage of any one type of item type on an exam. Here are the item types found on the ARE 5.0:

  • Multiple Choice
  • Check-All-That-Apply
  • Hotspot
  • Case Studies
The tests are administered at Prometric test centers and must be scheduled three days in advance. 

In addition to testing, there are other education and work experience requirements that must be fulfilled to earn a license. For more information on additional requirements, exam policies, and eligibility, please visit the NCARB website.

There are three different item types utilized during each ARE 5.0 exam division. Here are the item types:

  • Multiple Choice
  • Check-All-That-Apply
  • Hotspot
To better assess your skills and abilities, each exam division contains two Case Studies. A Case Study presents a scenario that represents an architecture project and includes supporting resources. Using the information provided, you'll be asked to answer questions related to the scenario.

View More ARE FAQs

Industry Insights

how to become an architect wider
How to Become an Architect
Learn about architect licensure, the ARE Exam, how long it takes to become an architect & more.
Top Architecture Schools for 2024-2025
Top Architecture Schools for 2024-2025
Review our list of the best colleges for architecture programs (Bachelor’s and Master’s) for 2023-2024.
Man sitting in front of laptop with chin resting on his hand image
What Order Should I Take ARE 5.0 In?
Take a look at this map for completing the ARE 5.0 divisions.

Explore More Insights