New Testing Format
Many people have posted on this topic, but just to drive it home for NCARB- this new testing format is TERRIBLE. I cannot believe they removed pencils and paper, it makes it much harder to think, sketch, perceive, and work through things. Architects need to take pen to paper, not work out a structural problem on MS Paint.
Also- these exams are supposed to be cumulative, meaning you might find an answer to a previously asked question in another question, or in the resources for that question. With the new "locked after the break" format, this is no longer. It is absolutely ridiculous that NCARB is treating the proctored exams the same as the at-home exams, and shame on them for adding another layer of difficulty to this whole process.
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Haley,
We understand that the change in format and tools are something that ongoing candidates will need to become familiar with and the demonstration exam has been provided to allow all candidates as much time as they need to do so. The tools provided maintain exam security while allowing candidates to still use graphic means to workout ideas.
We will note that the exams are not supposed to be cumulative as you propose. Each question, whether a discrete item or an item on a case study is a standalone question. The expectation is that a candidate is able to answer each question given the information presented with that question. If one is lucky enough to see information or concepts in another question that may spur a new thought on a previous question - that is lucky, but it is not a factor in determining what number of questions are necessary to be answered correctly to pass.
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NCARB,
I think Haley's point is that the tools provided do not allow candidates to use a graphic means to work out ideas. It's not about time - it's about the way architects think. We have spent years sketching ideas with our hands, and no matter how much time you devote to practicing with the virtual whiteboard, it is simply not equivalent to having a pen to jot down ideas as you think. For one, what about left handed architects, who cannot use the mouse with their left hand? For another, the whiteboard covers up part of the screen, so you have to think about moving, adjusting, and closing the tab, which interrupts your thought process as you work through ideas.
I genuinely appreciate the need and desire to provide an at-home testing option and the need to provide a secure process for each method. However, it is a choice for those who wish to test at home, and it is an inherently different experience anyway. Why not consider methods that are still reasonably fair for both, but may be different? Or have you considered some sort of tablet program that could allow people to sketch with their hands, but not retain paper when testing at home? I know NCARB is doing their best to make licensure accessible for anyone who wants it, but the current program is not sustainable.
Thank you so much for all that you do for our profession, and I genuinely mean this with the utmost respect. I simply believe that this is just the first iteration of a new program, and that the best solution has not yet been found.
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NCARB,
I was under the impression that taking the test at the testing center was security enough for me to be afforded the "luxury" of pen and paper. If ya'll don't want people cheating at home, modify their experience (perhaps you could mail them an envelope with scratch paper that they can't open until they're in front of the proctors?), not the experience of those of us who can't comply with the online proctoring and must go into a testing center (which is enough of an ordeal on it's own).
I am seriously worried about my ability to successfully take the exam because of this. Obviously, I'm going to practice the new program, but that is beside the point. I NEED pen and paper. As architects, you all should know how fundamental the connection is between our brains and expression through drawing/writing. For you to deprive ARE candidates that is inconceivable.
It's also amusing to me that, after FINALLY upgrading from 4.0, you all thought it was a good idea to make candidates use another program conceived and executed by NCARB. And in place of pen and paper, no less. We're supposed to be studying content that is the basis of our profession, not how to use some crackpot program we'll never see again.
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Complaining to NCARB about NCARB is a waste of time. Talk to your State Boards and AIA Components and ask why they are not advocating for the future of our profession.
Why are you paying AIA Associate dues, if they are not advocating on behalf of the profession with these types of issues?? What's the point of having an AIA????
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The fact that they take away the fundamental tools of the architect, pencil and paper, and replace it with such a horrible substitute is beyond the pale. The only reason to "learn" digital whiteboard is to take the test. It's not part of the profession. It's like giving an abacus to those taking the CPA exam. Hell, learning to use a slide rule instead of a calculator is much easier than the digital whiteboard, it does not change the fundamental way one;'s brain operates. The digital whiteboard is 100% left brain activity whereas the pencil is totally right brain. We
It's about how architects think. And Micheal is correct, NCARB has dug in. Call your state board. And push back by not taking tests. That's our only power.
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