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.
What's on the exam
ARE 5.0 Guidelines (April 2026 update: 12 of 91 objectives adjusted, case studies reformatted; division structure unchanged)
Practice Management
65 itemsBusiness operations · Finances, risk, and development of practice · Practice-wide delivery of services · Professional ethics and law
Project Management
75 itemsResource management · Project work planning · Contracts and agreements · Project quality control · Compliance and professional service contracts
Programming and Analysis
75 itemsEnvironmental and contextual conditions · Codes and regulations · Site analysis and programming · Project budget and cost · Building analysis and programming
Project Planning and Design
100 itemsEnvironmental, 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
100 itemsIntegration of building materials and systems · Construction documentation · Project manual and specifications · Codes and regulations · Building and material assemblies
Construction and Evaluation
75 itemsPreconstruction activities · Construction observation · Administrative procedures and protocols · Project closeout and evaluation
Frequently asked questions
How much does the ARE 5.0 cost?
The ARE 5.0 costs $263. Per division ($1,578 for all six); an NCARB Record ($105 application, $105 annual renewal) is also required, and state boards may add separate fees.
How long is the ARE 5.0 and how many questions does it have?
65–100 items per division (490 items total across all six) — 2 hr 40 min to 4 hr 5 min of testing per division (19 hr 50 min total), plus allowed break time.
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 60 days after the previous attempt; up to 3 attempts per division in any 12-month period.
What is the best way to study for the ARE 5.0?
Start from the official outline and your primary study materials: the exam is weighted by domain (Practice Management 65 items, Project Management 75 items, Programming and Analysis 75 items, Project Planning and Design 100 items, Project Development and Documentation 100 items, Construction and Evaluation 75 items). Once you've learned the material, spaced-repetition flashcards organized by those domains are an efficient way to retain it and refresh it before test day.
Program in development
We're building a program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 84 exams.
Explore programs →