What Is the ARE 5.0?
The Architect Registration Examination (ARE) 5.0 is the licensing exam required to become a registered architect in the United States and Canada. Administered by NCARB, the ARE consists of six divisions that test your knowledge across the full scope of architectural practice - from project management and codes to structural systems and construction administration.
Unlike many professional exams, the ARE has no single exam day. You schedule each division separately, and you can take them in any order. Most candidates spread the six divisions over one to three years.
The Six ARE 5.0 Divisions
Each division tests a distinct area of architectural practice:
Practice Management (PcM)
PcM covers business operations and the architect's role within a firm. Topics include business development, project delivery methods, agreements and contracts, and financial management. Questions focus on how architecture firms operate, how services are priced, and how client relationships are managed. PcM is often recommended as a starting point because it covers foundational knowledge applicable to every other division.
Project Management (PjM)
PjM tests your ability to manage a project from kick-off through closeout. Topics include project scheduling, consultant coordination, budget management, risk assessment, and documentation. PjM builds directly on PcM and is typically the second division candidates tackle.
Programming & Analysis (PA)
PA covers the early phases of a project - needs assessment, site analysis, zoning, code research, and programming. Questions test your ability to gather information, evaluate site conditions, and define the scope of a project before design begins. PA heavily emphasizes IBC occupancy and egress requirements, ADA accessibility, and basic structural and environmental systems concepts.
Project Planning & Design (PPD)
PPD is widely considered one of the most difficult divisions. It covers schematic design and design development, including structural systems selection, mechanical and electrical systems, envelope design, accessibility compliance, and sustainability. PPD requires deep knowledge of building systems and how they integrate during the design phase.
Project Development & Documentation (PDD)
PDD picks up where PPD ends, covering construction documents and technical coordination. Topics include detailing, specifications (CSI MasterFormat), coordination across disciplines, material selection, and documentation standards. PDD often pairs with PPD in study plans since the content overlaps significantly.
Construction & Evaluation (CE)
CE covers construction administration - the architect's role during construction. Topics include bidding and negotiation, submittals and RFIs, field observation, change orders, pay applications, and project closeout. CE also covers legal and contractual obligations during construction.
ARE 5.0 Question Types
Each division uses a mix of question formats:
- Multiple Choice - Single best answer from four options. The most common format across all divisions.
- Check All That Apply (CATA) - Select all correct answers from a list. Partial credit is not available - you must select every correct option and no incorrect ones.
- Drag and Place - Place items on a diagram, floor plan, or image.
- Hot Spot - Click the correct area on an image.
- Fill in the Blank - Type a numeric answer.
Division Length and Time Limits
| Division | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| PcM | 65 | 2 hr 40 min |
| PjM | 65 | 2 hr 40 min |
| PA | 65 | 2 hr 40 min |
| PPD | 120 | 4 hr 40 min |
| PDD | 120 | 4 hr 40 min |
| CE | 65 | 2 hr 40 min |
Scoring and Pass/Fail
NCARB uses scaled scoring. Each division is scored on a scale of 1–100, with a passing score set by a national panel of licensed architects. NCARB does not publish the exact passing score, but candidates consistently report that scoring roughly 70% or higher on practice exams correlates with passing. Results are typically available within 10 business days of your exam.
How Many Times Can You Retake?
You can retake a failed division after a 60-day waiting period. There is no limit on retakes, but each attempt requires a new exam fee. Most candidates pass within two attempts per division.
Recommended Study Order
While there is no required order, most candidates benefit from this sequence:
- PcM - Build your foundation in professional practice
- PjM - Extends PcM into project-level management
- PA - Codes, zoning, and programming
- CE - Construction administration
- PDD - Technical documentation
- PPD - Save the hardest for last, or pair with PDD
How to Prepare
The most effective preparation combines three elements: studying reference materials, taking practice exams under timed conditions, and reviewing explanations for wrong answers. The ARE is not a memorization test - NCARB designs questions around applied knowledge and professional judgment.
AREprep provides 400 original flashcards, 30 timed mini exams, and 3 full-length simulations per division - all written to match the rigor and format of the actual ARE.
Related ARE Resources
- ARE Cheat Sheets - Quick-reference sheets for every major topic
- PcM Exam Tips | PjM Exam Tips | PA Exam Tips | PPD Exam Tips | PDD Exam Tips | CE Exam Tips
- ARE 6-Month Study Schedule
- How Hard Is the ARE? - Pass rates and difficulty by division