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What Do The 6 ARE Architecture NCARB Exams Each Cover?

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The 6 Architecture ARE 5.0 exams for licensure each cover a different field/phase/skills within architecture.

 

Here is an article excerpt directly from the NCARB website referring to the 6 current exams for licensure.

 

”  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 ARE 5.0 by passing all six divisions is required by all U.S. jurisdictions as a key step on the path to earning a license.

The ARE is designed to assess aspects of architectural practice related to health, safety, and welfare. Specifically, the ARE focuses on areas that affect the integrity, soundness, and health impacts of a building, as well as an architect’s responsibilities within firms, such as managing projects and coordinating the work of other professionals.  “

 

Below, we have provided short paragraphs on what each of the 6 exam divisions historically focuses on. It is important to be aware that there is definitely significant overlap between some of the exam divisions in terms of study material.

For instance, knowing your project delivery types very well will likely help you on the following three divisions tremendously… Practice Management, Project Management, and Construction and Evaluation.

 

1. Practice Management

This exam tends to focus on Contract Documents, Project Delivery types, Architect duties and Professional Conduct. As well as the ever important Client/Architect/Contractor relationship and roles throughout the entire project. This exam tends to focus on legal terms and contractual relationships.

 

2. Project Management

This exam tends to focus on management of your own architecture firm, including the ethics involved with making big decisions, project scheduling, firm roles and heirarchy, HR and hiring, project delivery methods, quality control, firm marketing, budgeting and Client-Architect relationships, among other related tasks.

 

3. Construction & Evaluation

The Construction & Evaluation exam tends to focus on project construction administration and post-construction phases, as well as the contractor’s roles and responsibilities on site. This exam may also cover field reports, project close out procedures, RFI’s (Requests for Information), submittals and third party inspections, among other tasks. As well as the different project delivery methods and the roles and responsibilities associated with each.

 

4. Programming & Analysis

The Programming and Analysis exam tends to focus on the following: Site data, Site analysis, Zoning regulations and Local Ordinances, as well as existing site and surrounding infrastructure. Evaluating the myriad of site conditions is important when placing and orienting your building on site.

 

5. Project Planning & Design

The Project Planning & Design exam tends to focus heavily on building code analysis and the Schematic Design phase of projects moving into Design Development. Different materials, finishes, and building systems are included in this exam as well as being able to evaluate local, state and federal codes that may impact design. Code interpretation will likely be a significant part of this exam.

 

6. Project Development & Documentation

The Project Development & Documentation exam tends to focus on Construction Documentation, proper integration of building materials and systems, Project Manual & Specs, Construction cost estimates and Codes & Regulations. Knowing your construction detailing is important for these final two exams. Working at a firm (a firm that understands quality project documentation) in the meantime while studying for this exam will only help you.

 

  • Working at a quality architecture firm while studying for these final two exams will only help you! It will give you real world experience in project documentation, which is quite useful.
  • That being said, the firm you select to work for is very important and therefore you should carefully hand pick the firm you want to work for, if possible. Don’t just take any job available, because not all firms understand quality documentation or document in a clear and efficient manner.
  • Also, not all older architects at firms are willing to teach young architects, so make sure that you find someone who is willing to teach you the ‘correct’ way of doing things. The correct way of course is not always clear cut, and often times there are many ways to develop Construction Documents. That being said, use your best judgement and if you think your firm is cutting corners or not documenting projects effectively, then maybe it is time to move on.

 

Remember to take several practice quizzes prior to taking your real exam for each division. The NCARB website should have a practice quiz available for each division, which we advise taking. When studying for all of these exams, remember to use multiple study resources because NCARB does not pull exam material from only one place.

 

If you are looking for the best order to take your ARE Exams please see the blog article titled “What Order Should I Take My ARE Exams?”

 

 

 

 

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Written: Study Warrior Staff