Becoming a licensed architect is a significant milestone in any architect’s career, but the path to licensure may appear daunting. One of the required steps is passing the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®). The ARE® is designed to assess the skills and knowledge required for the practice of architecture, and with the rigorous nature of the exams, preparation can be key.

As you start to map out your journey, the AIA Northern Virginia (AIA NoVA) ARE® Prep Series is available as a program to help guide candidates through each division of the exam. On Wednesday, Jan. 14 we kicked off the series with a roundtable discussion led by Jared Zurn, AIA, NCARB, CAE, a leading expert from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). If you were unable to attend, you can see to the recording on our YouTube channel until mid-April.

Key Takeaways
Participants received valuable insights into the entire NCARB and testing process including understanding different requirements across jurisdictions, upcoming changes to the exam structure and useful resources for being fully prepared on exam day.

Resources and Tips for Success
Candidates were encouraged to explore many of the available exam prep resources including:

• NCARB’s ARE 5.0 Guidelines: With the recent migration to PSI, the ARE Handbook has been merged with the ARE Guidelines. This document now includes all policies and procedures for taking the ARE, as well as information about the content covered in each division of the exam.                                                                                                                                                                                  
• Study Materials: NCARB now offers a full length practice exam as well as an online community of professionals working towards licensure.                                                                                       
• Local NCARB Advisors: Licensing advisors are professionals, educators, and students who volunteer their time to help others pursue licensure. These volunteers often provide candidates with their first glimpse into the licensure process, lending help and advice along the way. You can look to your advisors for insight into completing the AXP, passing the ARE, and meeting licensure and reciprocity requirements. We are fortunate that our very own AIA NoVA Member, Gina Robinson, is also the Component Appointed Licensing Advisor through August 2027!

Mindset and Exam Strategy
In addition to studying, it is also important to be set up for success on the actual day of the exam. Some strategies to consider include how to plan your breaks and deciding on your preferred setting of a private location or a testing center. It’s essential to remember that failing does happen. Participants reviewed the process for reading score reports and how NCARB determines the score required to receive a passing score. 

Upcoming Changes 
While the current version of ARE® 5.0 is not likely to be overhauled in the near future, minor adjustments to the exam will go into effect as of April 27, 2026. These updates will more closely align the ARE® with the NCARB Competency Standard for Architectsandinclude changes to the format of the exam’s case studies.

So What is the AIA NoVA ARE® Prep Series?
The ARE® Prep Series is a program hosted by AIA Northern Virginia and designed to help candidates familiarize themselves with each section of the ARE® exam. One of the six courses is hosted virtually one Saturday a month between February and July. Whether you’re just beginning your studies or are looking for a focused review, our ARE® Prep Series is adaptable to different stages of your licensing journey.

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2026 Series Schedule – Download the 2026 schedule and post in your office and/or share with your professional network. Take any one, two, or all even all six of the classes.                                                                                                                                                                    
Dates are subject to change.  
Jan. 14 – NCARB ARE® Roundtable (1.5 AIA LU | Elective) – 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Feb. 07 – Practice Management (6 AIA LU | HSW) – 10:00am – 4:00pm
Mar. 07 – Project Management (6 AIA LU | HSW) – 10:00am – 4:00pm
Apr. 11 – Programming + Analysis (5 AIA LU | HSW) – 10:00am – 3:00pm
May 16 – Project Planning + Design (6 AIA LU | HSW) – 10:00am – 4:00pm
June 06 – Project Development + Documentation (6 AIA LU | HSW) – 10:00am – 4:00pm
July 18 – Construction & Evaluation (5 AIA LU | HSW) – 10:00am – 3:00pm