Following is a short list of suggestions intended to help candidates develop their own strategies and priorities. We believe each item is important in achieving a passing score on the Architect Registration Exam (ARE). The ARE Guidelines, available from the NCARB website, also lists suggestions for examination preparedness.
Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled test time. Focus on your goal of passing and eliminate any unnecessary stresses.
With a signature. The name on your ID must match your NCARB record. For security reasons and for recognition at future test center visits, you will have your picture taken and you will provide fingertip scans from both hands. You will also be asked to turn your pockets inside-out, and you’ll be scanned with a handheld metal detector.
Provide scratch paper and pencils, and assign you a workstation. For each exam, you will receive access to applicable references, an online calculator, and an online clock that displays the time remaining in your exam.
Simply raise your hand and your TCA will come to your workstation. You can request additional sheets of scratch paper, but used paper will be collected before you’re given more scratch paper. If you experience any computer problems or errors, be sure to notify your administrator immediately and don’t clear any error messages.
Upon re-entering your exam room, you’ll need to show your ID, scan your fingertips, and sign the log book again. Additional restroom breaks are permitted, but the time remaining for you to take the exam will continue to count down.
Each question is worth one point, and blank responses are considered incorrect. After reviewing your answers, you will be prompted to exit the exam and complete a short survey. Any used scratch paper and pencils will be collected when you exit the exam room, and you’ll be asked to sign the log book a final time.
Although many have received their score reports in just a few days.
