NCARB

ARE 5.0

Architect Registration Examination 5.0

The multi-division licensing examination required to become a licensed architect in the United States. Candidates must pass all six divisions, each covering a phase of architectural practice essential to protecting public health, safety, and welfare.

Roughly 2 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes per division, depending on item countRequired to practice

What's on the exam

ARE 5.0 Test Specification (six divisions)

Practice Management

80 items

Business operations · Finances, risk, and development of practice · Practice-wide delivery of services · Professional ethics and law

Project Management

90 items

Resource management · Project work planning · Contracts and agreements · Project quality control · Compliance and professional service contracts

Programming and Analysis

95 items

Environmental and contextual conditions · Codes and regulations · Site analysis and programming · Project budget and cost · Building analysis and programming

Project Planning and Design

120 items

Environmental, social, and economic factors · Building codes and regulatory requirements · Building systems integration · Project design and integration of systems · Project costs and budgeting

Project Development and Documentation

120 items

Integration of building materials and systems · Construction documentation · Project manual and specifications · Codes and regulations · Building and material assemblies

Construction and Evaluation

95 items

Preconstruction activities · Construction observation · Administrative procedures and protocols · Project closeout and evaluation

Frequently asked questions

How much does the ARE 5.0 cost?

Fees vary. NCARB charges a per-division exam fee (historically about $235 per division); confirm current fees with NCARB and your state board, which may add separate fees.

How long is the ARE 5.0 and how many questions does it have?

80–120 items per division (600 items total across all six) — Roughly 2 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes per division, depending on item count.

What do you need to pass the ARE 5.0?

Pass/fail standard set per division by NCARB (no fixed percentage).

Can you retake the ARE 5.0?

A failed division may be retaken after 60 days; up to 3 attempts per division in a 12-month period.

What is the best way to study for the ARE 5.0?

Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Practice Management 80 items, Project Management 90 items, Programming and Analysis 95 items, Project Planning and Design 120 items, Project Development and Documentation 120 items, Construction and Evaluation 95 items). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.

Program in development

We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 11 exam.

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