The Architect Registration Examination (ARE) is the professional licensure examination for architects in the United States and 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. Eligibility to take the exam is governed by the prospective architect's state or Canadian provincial licensure board (the same test format is used in Canada). Licensure refers to the granting of a license (in the US, whilst, elsewhere the term registration is used), usually to work in a particular profession. ... An architect is a person licensed in the art of planning, designing and overseeing the construction of buildings, or more generally, the designer of a scheme or plan. ... The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is the professional association of architectural registration boards of the various states in the United States. ...

The examination consists of a series of nine tests in two formats: multiple-choice and graphic. The six multiple-choice tests are Pre-Design, General Structures, Lateral Forces, Mechanical & Electrical Systems, Building Design/ Materials & Methods, and Construction Documents & Services. The three graphic sections are Site Planning, Building Planning, and Building Technology. Building design is the design of architectural exterior/interior spaces, engineered elements and shelter design. ... Building material is any material which is used for a construction purpose. ...

Prior to the wide spread availability of computers, the exam was offered annually, over a single week. Today, the exam is computer based, with candidates being able to set their own study and examination schedule.

An updated version of the computer-based ARE was introduced on 27 February 2006, known as ARE 3.1.

• The new Site Zoning 'vignette' is combined with parts of Site Analysis
• Site Parking and Site Design are combined in the Site Design vignette

A 'rolling-clock' policy will begin on January 1, 2006 with the provision that candidates must pass all the divisions of the exam within five years. Refer to external links below for more information.

External links

• Official NCARB website for the Architect Registration Exam