Scheduling an Appointment

To take an ARE 5.0 division, you’ll need to schedule an appointment. The ARE is administered securely by PSI to protect the exam’s content and ensure all candidates have a consistent experience. 

Where can I take the exam?

Regardless of where you are seeking registration or received eligibilities, you have the flexibility to test online, at a test center, or a combination of both options.  

• In-person appointments: The ARE is offered at secure test centers throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as several international locations. You do not have to test in the jurisdiction where you are seeking a license.
• Online appointments: With online proctoring, you can test 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in most places around the world—as long as your test environment meets certain physical and technical requirements. 

How to Schedule an Appointment

Under the Exams tab in your NCARB Record, navigate to the “All Divisions” section and click “Schedule Division.” Then follow the prompts. For a more comprehensive overview, watch our videos about scheduling test center and online proctored appointments.

If you are applying for an ADA or ESL accommodation for the exam, do not schedule an appointment until after you have received written approval from NCARB for your accommodation. 

Please note: You must schedule an appointment at least 48 hours in advance of an in-person exam and 24 hours in advance of an online proctored exam.

Rescheduling an Appointment

You can reschedule an ARE appointment at no cost up to 48 hours in advance of in-person appointments and 24 hours in advance of online proctored appointments. Additionally, you can cancel an appointment and retain your exam seat (seat credit) for a $100 fee.

To reschedule an appointment or switch delivery methods, visit the "Exams" tab in your NCARB Record and select the scheduled exam you’d like to adjust. If you'd like to change your exam delivery from online to in person or vice versa, or to move your in person exam to a different physical test center, you will need to go through the rescheduling process. 

To learn more, download the ARE 5.0 Guidelines.