The updates to the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) 5.0 and the option to test via online proctoring launched today, December 14.

You can now schedule an online proctored exam in My NCARB or reschedule an existing in-person appointment to be taken online. Keep in mind, the exam changes launching today will apply to all future exam appointments, even if you’re testing in person.

Highlights: 

  • Learn how to schedule an appointment or reschedule an existing appointment with our detailed walk-through. 
  • Rescheduling fees are waived through December 31, 2020, and will be reinstated at a reduced rate starting January 1, 2021. 
  • Candidates taking exams online will be subject to the same security procedures as those testing in person. 
  • To facilitate the ID verification portion of your check-in, make sure you use a webcam that can auto-focus.
  • NCARB provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities or temporary medical conditions.  

Scheduling an Appointment
Whether you’re scheduling an in-person or online appointment, you may notice some changes to the scheduling process, but the basics are the same. To schedule a new appointment, navigate to the “Exams” tab in your NCARB Record and purchase a seat credit. Then select “Schedule” next to the division you would like to book, confirm some information, select the delivery method (online or in person), and proceed through the steps as instructed. Read a step-by-step explanation of how to schedule an appointment.

Rescheduling an Existing Appointment
You can also reschedule an existing exam appointment and, if desired, switch delivery methods. To reschedule, navigate to your “Exams” tab in My NCARB and select “Reschedule” under the previously scheduled appointment you’d like to change. From there, you’ll select your delivery method and go through the scheduling steps above.

As a reminder, rescheduling fees are waived through December 31, 2020, and will be reinstated at a reduced rate starting January 1, 2021. NCARB has been waiving reschedule fees throughout the pandemic as we’ve prepared to launch the online proctoring option. If you want to adjust your existing appointment without incurring a rescheduling fee, please reschedule now.

After January 1, you will still be able to reschedule at no cost if you reschedule more than 30 business days before your original appointment. If you reschedule 30 business days or less from your scheduled appointment time, you will be charged a rescheduling fee that has been reduced by more than thirty percent.

Preparing for an Online Proctored Exam
Before you schedule an online proctored exam, please review the requirements for setting up your online proctored testing space, and watch our video on how to prepare for the check-in process. Plus, check out Prometric’s video of what to expect during your appointment. If you don’t think you can meet the requirements for testing online, please plan to test in person.

If you’re testing from a computer with a firewall or antivirus software, or from a Mac, you may need to take additional steps to prepare for your appointment.

Remember: Even if you’re testing from home, you should still avoid wearing jewelry and accessories except for religious reasons, and make sure no pets are in the room with you. As with in-person appointments, you’re not allowed to have water or other beverages in your testing space unless you have a specific accommodation.

During your appointment, you’ll need to be able to move your webcam to provide a 360-degree view of your testing space. To facilitate the ID verification portion of your check-in, make sure you use a webcam that can auto-focus.

Requesting Exam Accommodations
NCARB is committed to making sure the ARE is equitable and accessible, which is why we work with our testing partners to provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities or temporary medical conditions. Download our new one-page guide, which walks you through requesting an accommodation whether you’re testing online or in person—learn more.

Receiving Your $50 Prepaid Card
To help offset the cost of purchasing an external webcam, NCARB is offering all candidates a one-time, $50 prepaid card the first time they schedule an online proctored appointment. Learn more about the prepaid card and how you’ll receive it.