Preparing for an Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) appointment? We’ve clarified two policies in the ARE 5.0 Guidelines to help ensure your exam day goes as smoothly as possible. Be sure to reference the latest version of the Guidelines to stay up to date with the latest exam policies and procedures.
Taking a Break During Your Exam
We’ve updated the instructions in the ARE 5.0 Guidelines for taking a break during your test center and online proctored exam appointments.
You have the option to take a break at any point during your ARE appointment, whether you’re testing online or in person. To take a break:
- Navigate to the “Exam Summary” page
- Click the “Break” button
- Click “Yes” to confirm that you want to take a break
- Then, be sure to notify the proctor that you are taking a break and show them your “On Break” screen
The latest update to the ARE 5.0 Guidelines clarifies that candidates must show their proctor the “On Break” screen before taking a break. This is especially important for candidates taking an online-proctored exam. Failing to show your proctor the “On Break” screen may result in your exam appointment being terminated.
Don’t forget—after returning from a break, any exam items you viewed prior to your break will be locked, including those left unanswered or marked for later review.
Experiencing Technical Issues
We’ve also updated the language in the ARE 5.0 Guidelines regarding how NCARB will address technical issues outside of your control.
We hope that everything goes smoothly during your exam appointment. However, if you do experience a technical issue, please alert NCARB in writing immediately by filling out our Contact Us form. While you should always file an incident report with your PSI proctor, keep in mind that you must also contact NCARB within 15 days of your exam appointment.
Our Customer Relations team will review your incident following the procedures laid out in the ARE 5.0 Guidelines. The update to the ARE 5.0 Guidelines clarifies that candidates who are unable to complete an exam due to a technical issue beyond their control will be issued a replacement seat credit. If you are able to complete your exam, you will not be issued a seat credit.
Questions? Find expert advice and tips from your fellow candidates on the ARE 5.0 Community.
