As an exam candidate, you probably know that NCARB takes the security of the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) very seriously. But what’s expected of you when it comes to exam security, and how does NCARB address potential security violations? Our experts recently answered common candidate questions in a live webinar—watch the recording or read the key takeaways below!
What is exam candidate misconduct?
NCARB’s ARE 5.0 Guidelines and ARE Candidate Agreement set out policies for candidate behavior before, during, and after taking the ARE. Exam candidate misconduct includes the following violations of the policies detailed in those documents:
- Copying, recording, obtaining, or sharing ARE content
- Seeking to obtain or share ARE content
- Neglecting to inform NCARB if you received or witnessed exam content being shared
- Failing to maintain the confidentiality of ARE content
- Engaging in inappropriate conduct during the examination process
- Violating any other exam rules or policies established by NCARB
Why does it take 7-10 days to receive my official score report?
With support from psychometricians, NCARB analyzes all exam administration results through the use of data forensics to detect exam performance abnormalities, anomalous candidate behavior, unusual testing circumstances, and other information that might raise questions about the validity of exam results. This process typically takes NCARB 7-10 days to complete and must be finalized before exam scores are validated.
Will I still be able to review provisional feedback?
Yes. Even though it will take longer to receive your official score report, you will have the option to view provisional feedback at the end of each exam you take.
What does it mean for me if NCARB detects abnormalities in my exam performance?
During the 7-10 days when your score is being validated, data forensics will be used to analyze your exam results. If your exam is part of the small percentage of exams that are found to have a performance abnormality, NCARB staff will conduct a preliminary investigation and decide if further action is warranted. NCARB may determine that the abnormality found in your exam results does not warrant further action or investigation. In this case, your official score will be released to you before the score validation period has passed and the investigation will be dismissed. If the performance abnormality raises questions about the validity of your exam results, then NCARB staff will withhold validation of your score and notify you with steps on how to proceed.
How does NCARB respond to exam candidate misconduct?
When NCARB becomes aware of potential candidate misconduct, NCARB will conduct a thorough analysis of available forensic exam performance data and research publicly and internally available sources of information. Also, NCARB will inform candidates if they are under investigation and provide them with an opportunity to address misconduct concerns. NCARB’s Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) will then review the case, including all available evidence, via the processes outlined in NCARB’s Policy for the ARE: Exam Candidate Conduct and Professional Conduct Committee: Rules of Procedure. These documents establish categories of candidate misconduct, as well as the procedures for reviewing suspected candidate misconduct and the potential consequences and sanctions for each misconduct category. When applicable, NCARB’s Board of Directors will determine a final disciplinary action for candidate misconduct.
What are my responsibilities when it comes to exam content?
When you accept the ARE Candidate Agreement, you agree not to copy, record, obtain, or share exam content; to refrain from seeking to obtain content from others or from seeking to share content with others; and to let NCARB know if you are exposed—or suspect you may have been exposed—to exam content (even accidentally).
This means you can’t discuss, share, or record content (even for personal use) that you see on the exam, beyond the broad content areas and objectives that are publicly documented in the ARE 5.0 Guidelines, and you must let NCARB know if you suspect someone else is sharing or recording exam content.
Can I write down notes about content I saw on an exam for my own personal use?
You cannot write down notes about detailed exam content, including specific questions and case study scenarios, even if it’s just for your personal use. You can, however, take notes about general content areas or objectives that you’d like to review more thoroughly for your next exam.
Can I recommend specific chapters of study resources from NCARB’s recommended references to other candidates based on my exam experience?
In general, yes—you can share recommended study materials with other candidates based on your experience taking the exam. However, your recommendations cannot include any details about specific questions or case study scenarios for which you found those resources to be helpful.
If I know or suspect someone has shared exam content, do I need to report them?
Yes. By accepting the ARE Candidate Agreement, you are agreeing to notify NCARB if you believe you have received or witnessed exam content being shared. If you know or suspect someone is sharing exam content—including if you receive it accidentally—you must alert NCARB. If you fail to alert NCARB to suspected candidate misconduct, you may be subject to disciplinary action.
What should I do if I see an item in third-party test prep material that I previously saw on a real exam?
The ARE is copyrighted, so if you recognize real exam content in third-party test prep material, you must alert NCARB immediately. Even if you believe that ARE content is accidentally featured in third-party test prep material, you should still report it. NCARB may work with the third party to see the exposed content removed or may pursue legal action against the third party to recover monetary damages suffered in cases of copyright infringement.
How do I report candidate misconduct (or suspected misconduct) to NCARB?
Help protect the public, the ARE, and yourself by reporting even minor concerns to NCARB. Contact our ARE Security Tip Line at ARESecurity@ncarb.org. All information you share will remain confidential, and NCARB will not disclose your identity unless required to by law.
If someone is found to have shared exam content, what kind of disciplinary actions will they face?
If a candidate is found to have violated the ARE Candidate Agreement, they may face cancellation of their exam scores, suspension of authorization to test, revocation or suspension of the NCARB Certificate, mandatory ethics education, or a public reprimand. NCARB may alert their licensing board so the board can consider any additional appropriate action, such as revocation of licensure. NCARB may also pursue legal action to recover monetary damages suffered in cases where infringement of copyrighted ARE content has occurred.
