Recently I attended an event hosted by the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter. They had a social in Bethlehem, PA that culminated with an overview of the ARE 4.0 as presented by Erica Brown, the Director of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).  This was a rare opportunity and I have to give credit to Timothy Mahoney, Assoc. AIA and Osnat Gafni-Pappas, Assoc. AIA (both serve on the Eastern PA board)  for getting a presenter with such high credentials. The evening was a mix of great social interaction between Intern Architects and Registered Architects and an educational opportunity.  The prospective architects that attended were able to learn more about the test that is in their near future, while the registered architects were given valuable insight on how to better prepare their inters for licensure.
 
Erica Brown explained that the transition was in part a response to a 2001 practice analysis study conducted by NCARB.  An overwhelming response indicated that the test needed to be more integrated.  At the time ARE 3.0 was in place and it held the current format of six multiple-choice tests and three graphic tests.  As a stepping-stone NCARB released version 3.1 in 2004.  This was primarily a change in the types of questions, but it did not directly address the integration issue.  The new ARE 4.0, due to hit testing centers all across America July 1st, has responded to the request for integration and has resulted in a reformatting of the entire test.  
 
What's new?
 
The most noticeable difference is that there are now 7 tests instead of 9 tests.  This is because the test has been divided up by subject matter instead of types of questions.  Each test has integrated the multiple-choice questions and the graphic vignettes together to create a more comprehensive understanding of the subject.  In addition there will be quantitative fill in the blank questions.  To the advantage of interns being tested in ARE 4.0, there will be no more "check all that apply" multiple choice.  It has been replaced by the instructions of "check 2" or "check 3".  Brown noted that test takers were spending too much time second guessing weather or not they had really checked enough off in the previous "check all that apply" format.  One minor change is that you will no longer be permitted to use your own calculator during the test.  The new ARE 4.0 will include an on screen scientific calculator. 
 
The Site Grading and Mechanical & Electrical Plan sections have received upgrades as well with the advent of the ARE 4.0.  The computer program for Site Grading is considerably different allowing the user to manipulate the site and arrange the objects in ways that were not possible in previous versions.  The Mechanical & Electrical Plan vignette will have new lighting requirements that were previously not included in ARE 3.1.  Brown cautioned people studying for the exam to be sure that they are studying the correct content specific to the version they intend to take.  Trying to recycle a friend's ARE 3.1 study guide could prove to be disastrous when it comes to these particular sections.
 
I haven't finished ARE 3.1 yet.  Do I have to retake the test?
 
No.  Not yet, at least.  NCARB has spent a lot of money to ensure that people who are currently taking the ARE 3.1 have time to finish.  If you are an intern architect and have currently passed a section of the test in ARE 3.1 you will have until late June 2009 to finish the remaining sections of the test.  If by that time you have not finished all of the sections of the test you will be forced to transition into ARE 4.0.  Depending on which tests you still have outstanding, this could mean a lot of retesting on material you've already taken.  For example, the worse case scenario is if an intern has not passed Building Technology in ARE 3.1 by late June 2009.  Since the test is more integrated this section is now split up and paired with respective subjects in four different sections under the new ARE 4.0 system.  This would mean that the intern would have to complete Building Design & Construction Systems, Building Systems, Construction Documents & Services, and Structural Systems.  No other section is this drastic, but there are some significant changes in the format that will result in more work for the test taker if they are forced to transition into ARE 4.0 from the previous version. 

For a complete transition chart visit www.ncarb.org/are and take a look at the ARE Transition chart as well as the ARE Reverse Transition chart.
 
Brown advised that after taking a look at these charts, a person attempting to complete ARE 3.1 before the cut-off should develop a plan for completing their remaining sections in a timely manner.  Be sure to take the tests that have the least efficient conversions first so that if you end up having to transition in to ARE 4.0 you are making up the least amount of work.  Don't work yourself into a corner by waiting too long to continue your testing.  If there is a subject that you feel you may have to take more than once to pass then take it as soon as you are prepared.  Remember that a failed test means six months of waiting to retake.  If you take a test too late in the year you might not have the ability to retake it under ARE 3.1.
 
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