Your Path to Becoming an Architect:
Architect Registration Examination

Overview

You must pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) to become an architect. The ARE is developed by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and has been adopted by the Canadian provincial and territorial architectural associations, including the OAA, as a requirement for licensure.

Step 3

You may apply for the ARE only after obtaining CACB certification and being appointed as an Intern Architect with the OAA. When you have obtained certification and appointment as an Intern Architect, you should contact the OAA. OAA staff will then prepare an eligibility form and forward it to the USA-based test consultants who administer the ARE. You must receive the Authorization to Test from the USA test consultants before you can write the ARE. This will be sent to you by mail.

About the Architect Registration Examination (ARE)

The ARE has nine divisions: six divisions contain multiple-choice questions; the other three consist of problem-solving questions. The multiple-choice divisions are pre-design; general structures; lateral forces; mechanical and electrical systems; building design/materials and methods; construction documents and services. The problem-solving questions appear in the graphics divisions, which include site planning, building planning, and building technology.

French-language examinations are available at test centres in Canada, and ARE guidelines in French can be requested from the Ordre des Architectes du Quebec (OAQ.)

Click here to contact NCARB for detailed information about the ARE.

For helpful resources about the ARE from the OAA Web site, click here.

You do not have to take all divisions of the ARE at the same time. Once you have been approved to take the ARE you have the opportunity to take the exam in any order at any time you choose during your eligibility period. If you fail a division, you must wait for six months before you can retake this division.

Preparing for the Architect Registration Examination

A test information package will be sent to you by the USA test consultants when they receive your eligibility form from the OAA. The information package contains:

• the ARE guidelines, which include a detailed description of the exam, information on testing centres and scheduling, and references
• a practice program for the graphics components of the exam
• an up-to-date list of testing centres
• your Authorization to Test letter

Practice problems (vignettes) are available at the NCARB Web site. To download free ARE practice software, click here. To download free ARE guidelines, click here. A free tutorial is also offered 30 minutes before the exam. Prior knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) or other drawing software programs is not necessary.

Taking the Architect Registration Examination

The ARE is administered on computers in test centres across Canada and the United States. Ontario centres are located in Kitchener, Toronto, London, Hamilton, and Ottawa. Test centres may be open six days a week, Monday to Saturday, 50 weeks a year. All divisions of the ARE are offered year-round. Contact the test centre of your choice to determine its hours of operation. You may take the ARE at any test centre in any jurisdiction regardless of where you become eligible.

Although the OAA sends your eligibility information directly to the testing organization, you are responsible for scheduling your exams. You must contact the testing centre when you are ready to take an exam. Test centres may be open six days a week, Monday to Saturday, year-round. Click here for contact information of the test centre closest to you. You may take the different divisions of the exam in any order, and at any time.

If you fail a division, you must wait for six months before you can retake this division.

Results from the Architect Registration Examination

It usually takes between two to five weeks to find out the results of the ARE. The multiple-choice exam scores usually come in more quickly than the graphic exam results. Test results are sent directly to the OAA. The OAA then forwards the results to you.

Outcome of Test	Next Step
Passed all Divisions	Proceed to Step Four
Failed a particular Division	You must wait at least six months to retest

Related Fees

Pre-design	US$ 102.00
General Structures	US$ 102.00
Lateral Forces	US$ 102.00
Mechanical and Electrical Systems	US$ 102 .00
Building Design/Materials and Methods	US$ 102.00
Construction Documents and Services	US$ 102.00
Site Planning	US$ 153.00
Building Planning	US$ 153.00
Building Technology	US$ 153.00
Note: The ARE fees are subject to change. Contact NCARB before submitting payment. The ARE fees are payable in US dollars. Canadian applicants must pay the exchange rate plus GST. Test fees cannot be refunded once an appointment to write an exam has been set.