Architect Registration Examination
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Architect Registration Examination (ARE) is the professional licensure examination for architects in the United States and British Columbia, Canada. In the rest of Canada, it is a recognized alternative examination to the Examination for Architects in Canada. The ARE is written and maintained by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) with input from the Committee of Canadian Architectural Councils.
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[edit] Eligibility
Eligibility for the ARE is governed by the prospective architect's state or provincial registration board. A candidate in most U.S. states is required to have a professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch), and to complete the Intern Development Program (IDP).
In some states, a candidate without a professional degree but with more work experience may sit for the ARE. Some states also allow a candidate to begin taking the ARE prior to completion of the IDP.
A full list of requirements for each state is available on the NCARB website.
[edit] Process
As requirements and fees vary by jurisdiction, candidates must contact their state or provincial registration board for application information and forms.
For most candidates, the process begins by establishing an NCARB "Council Record" and submitting IDP documentation. When the candidate has fulfilled the requirements of their jurisdiction, he or she then requests that NCARB transmit their Council Record to the appropriate registration board. Once approved by the registration board, the candidate may begin taking the ARE.[1]
The test is computerized and administered by Prometric, with each division taken separately. Exams are graded by Prometric and results sent to the state or provincial registration board. The board will then record the score and send a letter to the candidate. (For "Direct Registration" states, pass/fail letters are sent to the candidate by NCARB. Some states also allow candidates to view their results online).
If a candidate fails a division, he or she must wait six months before retaking that exam. Under the requirements of the "rolling clock" provision implemented in 2006, a candidate must pass all divisions of the ARE within five years.
[edit] Test structure
[edit] ARE 4.0
The ARE 4.0 was introduced in July 2008, and consists of 555 multiple-choice questions and 11 vignettes in seven divisions:[2]
- Programming, Planning & Practice (85 multiple choice questions and one site zoning vignette)
- Site Planning & Design (65 multiple choice questions and two site grading vignettes)
- Building Design & Construction Systems (85 multiple choice questions and three vignettes in accessibility, roof plan and stair design)
- Schematic Design (two vignettes in building layout and interior layout)
- Structural Systems (125 multiple choice questions and one structural layout vignette)
- Building Systems (95 multiple choice questions and one mechanical & electrical plan vignette)
- Construction Documentation & Services (100 multiple choice questions and one building section vignette)
[edit] ARE 3.1
Introduced in 2006, the ARE 3.1 began a one-year phase-out in June 2008. The test consists of 590 multiple-choice questions and 11 vignettes in nine divisions:
- Pre-Design (multiple choice)
- General Structures (multiple choice)
- Lateral Forces (multiple choice)
- Mechanical & Electrical Systems (multiple choice)
- Building Design / Materials & Methods (multiple choice)
- Construction Documents & Services (multiple choice)
- Site Planning (graphic)
- Building Planning (graphic)
- Building Technology (graphic)
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- NCARB
- Examination for Architects in Canada website
- AREForum.org - Internet Forum for ARE Discussions
[edit] References
- ^ The IDP Process: Applying for the Examination, NCARB, http://www.ncarb.org/idp/applyexam.html, retrieved 2009-02-01
- ^ ARE 4.0 - What's Different, NCARB, http://www.ncarb.org/are/40/whats_different.html, retrieved 2009-02-01
