This library page will help anyone studying for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), beginning with links to basic information about the exam, through study guides and access to all of the source materials recommended by NCARB covering exam topics. We especially encourage IPAL students pursuing licensure through the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure, to use this resource.
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), provides information about the exam on their website. This information is essential for anyone planning to take the ARE.
Watch the Test Prep Series
Watch the ARE 5.0 division videos to get familiar with the new exam.
Explore the ARE 5.0 Community
Not sure how to request your eligibility or schedule an ARE division? You can find that information and more in the Taking ARE 5.0 section of the ARE 5.0 Community. Plus, share study tips and resources, ask questions, and get real-time help from NCARB’s exam experts.
Start Studying
You can find all the resources you need to take your first ARE 5.0 division on the NCARB website, including:
ARE Handbook
The ARE 5.0 Handbook is the go-to resource for understanding ARE 5.0, providing a breakdown of each exam division, sample questions, suggested study resources, and more.
ARE 5.0 Guidelines
This essential document includes an introduction to the exam and an overview of exam policies and procedures you should know before you take the ARE.
ARE Demo Exam
Use the ARE 5.0 Demonstration Exam—accessible via your NCARB Record—to practice navigating the exam interface.
Still have questions? Ask the experts on the ARE 5.0 Community, or contact NCARB customer service at 202-879-0520 or customerservice@ncarb.org.
PA PPD PDD
PcM PjM CE
PA PPD PDD
PcM PjM CE
PA PPD PDD
PA PPD PDD
PA PPD PDD
PA PPD PDD
PA PPD PDD
PA PPD PDD
PA PPD PDD
PA PPD PDD
PA PPD PDD
Time-Saver Standards for Architectural Design
PA PPD
PA PPD
PA PPD
PA PcM PjM
PA
PA
PPD PDD
PPD PDD
PPD PDD
PPD PDD
PPD PDD
PPD PDD
PPD PDD
PPD PDD
PPD PDD
PPD PDD
PPD PDD
PPD
PDD
Steel Construction Manual
PcM PjM
PcM
These study materials are the source materials recommended by NCARB in the ARE 5.0 Handbook. Each resource may help with studying for one or more sections of the exam:
| Programming & Analysis - PA | Construction & Evaluation - CE |
| Project Planning & Design - PPD | Project Management - PJM |
| Project Development & Documentation - PDD | Practice Management PCM |
In addition to the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), the California Architects Board (Board) requires the California Supplemental Examination (CSE) for licensure.
Information on the California Supplemental Examination (CSE)
The Woodbury University Libraries own copies of the study guides by David Ballast. Study guides can be checked out for 2 hours at a time for in-library use.
Other study guides worth exploring:
Online Resources
Starting on October 1, 2018, ARE 5.0 will reference the newest version of the AIA Contract Documents and the 2015 International Building Code—which you can access for free online.