ARE PA Exam Day - What to Expect at the Testing Center
Programming and Analysis tests your ability to evaluate site conditions, interpret codes and zoning, and translate client requirements into architectural programs. The exam leans heavily on graphics, making screen navigation skills just as important as content knowledge. Here is what to expect when you sit for ARE PA.
What to Bring
- Two forms of valid, unexpired identification. Primary ID must be government-issued with a photo and signature. The name must exactly match your NCARB record.
- Your confirmation email or appointment number.
- Nothing else. Personal items go into a locker. Prometric supplies scratch paper or a dry-erase board and marker - useful for sketching site analysis diagrams and quick calculations.
Prometric Testing Center Procedures
Plan to arrive 30 minutes early. The check-in process includes ID verification, a digital signature, a photo, and a palm-vein scan. Once checked in, you will be escorted to your workstation. The testing room is quiet, climate-controlled, and monitored by cameras and staff. Noise-canceling headphones are usually available upon request.
Timing and Pacing Strategy for PA
PA provides 3 hours and 20 minutes (200 minutes) for approximately 75 questions, averaging about 2 minutes 40 seconds each.
| Question Type | Target Time |
|---|---|
| Code lookup / zoning recall | 1–2 minutes |
| Site analysis graphics / hot spots | 2–4 minutes |
| Programming case studies | 5–8 minutes |
PA includes a higher proportion of graphic-based questions than most other divisions. Expect to interpret site plans, topographic maps, sun path diagrams, and zoning overlays. Spend a few seconds orienting yourself to the graphic - find north, the scale, and the legend - before reading the question. Detailed strategies are on the PA exam tips page.
Question Types to Expect
- Multiple choice (single answer): Covers zoning definitions, programming concepts, site evaluation criteria, and environmental factors.
- Check-all-that-apply: May ask you to select all factors relevant to a site selection decision or all applicable code requirements.
- Drag-and-drop: Match programming requirements to spaces, or rank site evaluation criteria by importance.
- Case studies: PA cases often present a site with constraints (setbacks, easements, topography, utilities) and ask you to evaluate feasibility, determine buildable area, or select the best building placement. Expect multiple exhibits including site plans, survey data, and zoning tables.
- Hot spot: Click on the correct location on a site plan, topographic map, or zoning map. PA uses hot spots more frequently than other divisions, so practice reading site graphics carefully.
Avoid the most frequent errors by reviewing PA common mistakes.
On-Screen Calculator and Reference Tools
The on-screen calculator is available for area calculations, FAR computations, or setback math. PA may require you to calculate buildable area, parking ratios, or floor area ratios from zoning data provided in the question. No code books or external references are provided - all necessary code information is included within the question text or exhibits. Review the PA glossary for critical terms before your exam.
When to Skip and Flag Questions
Graphic-heavy questions can be time sinks. If you have spent 4 minutes studying a site plan without confidence in your answer, flag it and move on. Many PA questions are concept-based and can be answered in under 2 minutes, giving you a time bank for the tougher graphics. Always select an answer before flagging - blank responses receive zero credit.
Managing Stress and Fatigue
The visual intensity of PA can cause eye fatigue. Every 15–20 questions, close your eyes briefly and rest them. If you feel overwhelmed by a complex site graphic, break it down systematically: orientation, then scale, then the specific element the question asks about. Build familiarity with graphic question types using PA flashcards and PA mini-exams before the exam.
Break Strategy
The clock continues during breaks. A brief break around the halfway point (question 35–40) helps reset visual fatigue. Keep it under 5 minutes. You will need to re-scan your palm vein upon return. Using the restroom before the exam reduces the need for mid-exam breaks.
What Happens After the Exam
After you finish, a short survey appears, followed by a provisional pass/fail result displayed on screen. This is unofficial; official results post to your NCARB Record within a few business days. If you do not pass, the diagnostic will indicate which PA content areas - site analysis, code research, programming - need additional study. Use the PA study guide, code compliance cheat sheet, and zoning and land use topics to focus your review.
Start practicing with real exam-style questions - sign up for AREprep today.