Scheduling the ARE Is a Multi-Step Process That Takes More Time Than Most Candidates Expect
The ARE 5.0 is delivered at Prometric testing centers - a network of test delivery sites located in most major cities across North America and at international locations. The scheduling process runs through NCARB's online platform, which connects to Prometric's scheduling system. From start to finish - NCARB record setup, state approval, and test center scheduling - the process can take four to six weeks for first-time candidates. Understanding how the process works and starting it early enough to schedule your exam at a convenient time and location is a practical advantage that many candidates underestimate until they are trying to schedule and discover that their preferred center is booked out three weeks.
Step 1: Establish Your NCARB Record
If you do not already have an NCARB record, create one at ncarb.org. Your NCARB record is a digital portfolio that holds your educational credentials, AXP documentation, and ARE exam scores. You will pay a one-time fee to create the record. After creating your record, you must link your NAAB-accredited degree by submitting transcripts from your institution directly to NCARB - candidates cannot self-report their education. NCARB reviews the credentials and updates your record status, which can take several weeks.
Step 2: Apply for ARE Access Through Your State
NCARB manages the ARE on behalf of state licensing authorities, but you must formally apply for exam access through the state in which you are pursuing licensure. In most states, this is done through NCARB's ARE launch interface - you apply for the specific division you want to take, and the request is transmitted to your state licensing board for approval. The state board reviews your education and AXP status and approves or denies the application. Response times range from a few business days to several weeks depending on the state board's processing capacity.
Step 3: Receive an Eligibility ID and Schedule
Once your state approves your application, NCARB provides you with an authorization to test, which includes an eligibility ID for the approved division. You then go to the NCARB scheduling portal (which links to Prometric) to select a testing center, date, and time. Finding a convenient appointment slot can require some flexibility - popular locations and time slots (early morning, weekend) book quickly. You have a specific exam window (a defined period, often 6 months, during which you must sit for the approved division) before your authorization expires. Check the window start and end dates when you receive your authorization.
Testing Center Locations and Selection
Prometric has hundreds of testing centers across the United States. When searching for a center, look at centers in your city and nearby cities - if your local center is booked out, a center an hour away may have more availability. Some candidates prefer to travel to a center where they have no personal or professional connections, to avoid the anxiety of running into colleagues or being recognized in a professional context. Once you select a center, location, date, and time, you will receive a confirmation email with the testing center address and specific instructions about the check-in process at that location.
Rescheduling and Cancellation
Life happens. If you need to reschedule or cancel your exam, Prometric's policies allow changes with adequate notice - typically 30 days before the exam to avoid fees, with shorter cancellation windows incurring fees that increase as the exam date approaches. Canceling within 24 hours of the exam typically results in forfeiture of the exam fee. If you reschedule with adequate notice, you can reselect a new date within your eligible testing window.
Step-by-Step Summary
- Create NCARB record and submit transcripts (allow 2–4 weeks for processing).
- Enroll in AXP and begin logging hours.
- Apply for ARE access through your target state via NCARB (allow 1–3 weeks for state approval).
- Receive eligibility ID after state approval.
- Schedule at Prometric through NCARB portal - select center, date, and time.
- Confirm appointment; note check-in requirements for your specific center.
- Arrive 30 minutes early on exam day with valid photo ID.
Start Studying on AREprep
AREprep covers all six ARE 5.0 divisions with flashcards and practice exams built around the actual NCARB exam guides - so every hour you study is targeted at what the exam actually tests.