Your path to licensure

ARE 5.0

The Architect Registration Examination® is a multi-division exam designed to test your knowledge and skills regarding the practice of architecture.

To start scheduling exam appointments, you'll need:

Active NCARB Record

Testing eligibility from your jurisdiction

The Six Divisions

Each division tests different aspects of architectural practice and maps to a real-world project phase.

Division	Description	Questions	Duration	Avg/Question
PcM Practice Management	Addresses firm operations, finances, and professional/legal responsibilities.	65	2 hr 40 min	2m 28s
PjM Project Management	Focuses on managing project workflow, contracts, schedules, and teams.	75	3 hr	2m 24s
PA Programming & Analysis	Focuses on early project analysis, including site, zoning, and program requirements.	75	3 hr	2m 24s
PPD Project Planning & Design	Addresses early design decisions, building systems, and code considerations.	100	4 hr 5 min	2m 27s
PDD Project Development & Docs	Covers detailed design development and coordinated construction documents.	100	4 hr 5 min	2m 27s
CE Construction & Evaluation	Covers administering construction contracts and evaluating built work for compliance.	85	3 hr	2m 7s

PcM: Addresses firm operations, finances, and professional/legal responsibilities.

PjM: Focuses on managing project workflow, contracts, schedules, and teams.

PA: Focuses on early project analysis, including site, zoning, and program requirements.

PPD: Addresses early design decisions, building systems, and code considerations.

PDD: Covers detailed design development and coordinated construction documents.

CE: Covers administering construction contracts and evaluating built work for compliance.

Exams in Real-World Context

Each ARE division corresponds to a phase in architectural practice.

Setting up a firm

(Pre-Project)

Building and Site Layout

(Schematic Design)

Finalizing Drawings and Details

(Construction Documents)

PcM

PjM

PPD

PDD

Contracts

(Pre-Project)

Increased Coordination

(Design Development)

Roles during Bidding and Building

(Construction Administration)

PcM

Setting up a firm

Pre-Project

PjM

Contracts

Pre-Project

Building and Site Layout

Schematic Design

PPD

Increased Coordination

Design Development

PDD

Finalizing Drawings and Details

Construction Documents

Roles during Bidding and Building

Construction Administration

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Begin your journey to becoming a licensed architect with our comprehensive practice exams.