A new tool to assist aspiring architects in transitioning from the current licensing exam to the new version debuting in late 2016 has been unveiled by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. NCARB has released a Transition Calculator tool for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) that will help licensure candidates make a plan to transition from ARE 4.0 to ARE 5.0. A much anticipated version of the nationally used exam, ARE 5.0 will launch in late 2016 and run concurrently with ARE 4.0 until June 2018 to maximize the ability of candidates to determine the transition plan that works best for them.

The ARE is a multi-division test developed by NCARB and taken by all candidates seeking architectural registration in the United States. The release of ARE 5.0 will be the latest update update to the exam to keep it aligned with the current practice of architecture.

“NCARB has previously released a credit model that will work in conjunction with this new calculator tool to help candidates determine a strategic approach to taking the exam over the next two years to allow for a smooth transition.” said NCARB Examination Director Jared N. Zurn, AIA, NCARB.  “We encourage all candidates to use the calculator, make a plan, and reach out to NCARB if they have any questions along the way.”

When determining how to transition candidates to ARE 5.0, NCARB developed a number of options that will benefit candidates when making a plan:

• Dual Delivery. ARE 4.0 will continue to be available after ARE 5.0 launches in late 2016. Candidates will be able to transition anytime during the period of dual delivery up until ARE 4.0 is retired on June 30, 2018.
• Self-Transition. ARE candidates who began the testing process in ARE 4.0 will have the option to “self-transition” to ARE 5.0 as soon as it launches—or at any time before ARE 4.0 is retired. This will allow candidates to continue testing in the version that is most convenient for them. Once a candidate begins to test in ARE 5.0, however, they may not transition back to ARE 4.0.
• Tools and Resources. NCARB is introducing more interactive tools and resources as the launch of ARE 5.0 approaches. NCARB representatives are available to help candidates determine the best strategy for the transition. In addition, the ARE 5.0 Transition Calculator has been created to assist licensure candidates immediately.

ARE 5.0 Transition Calculator

NCARB has designed the ARE 5.0 Transition Calculator to help candidates develop a personalized testing strategy. Candidates can log in through their My NCARB account to import their current testing status to the calculator. 

The calculator will help candidates develop a personalized testing plan. It also shows how the test divisions used in ARE 4.0 will evolve in the ARE 5.0 test structure, to help any candidate plan for successfully completing their test taking. For candidates who have already begun testing, the calculator will help track exam expiration dates for individual divisions so that they can complete the ARE within five years.

A Tool to Help Test Strategically

The calculator is used in conjunction with NCARB’s Credit Model (see chart below) to determine which plan works best for each individual.

Practicing architects, who volunteer to serve on NCARB’s Examination Committee, partner with a test development consultant to review the content covered in each of the divisions of ARE 4.0 and ARE 5.0 to find a reasonable level of alignment. As a result, candidates have the opportunity to receive credit for ARE 5.0 divisions based on ARE 4.0 divisions passed.  

For more information on the ARE 5.0 Calculator visit http://arecalc.ncarb.org/ and the ARE 5.0 at http://www.ncarb.org/ARE/ARE5/ARE5-TransitionPlan.aspx.