IDP, the cruel mistress, like the Spynx she is: a vile monster from the bowels of Tartarus. She decides your fate, you either fail and get eaten and digested for six months or pass the trial and go on to kick-ass in Thebes.
Right now, I'm looking into the next step now that the hours situation has been more or less figured out (not finished, but not as confusing as it had been previously): So, according to the scuttle-butt, depending on what state you are in, you can start taking parts of the ARE (Architectural Registration Exam) early.
But I've been searching and there's no clear list stating in which states that method is kosher.
So far the only concrete answer I've gotten is "consult your state ARE council". This emphasis on confederacy seems like a shady deal or two is being done. Which, don't get me wrong, makes this process much more interesting, but still how hard would it be to put the list up NCARB?
Anyway, below are some FAQs regarding the ARE from their website:
Who Writes the ARE?A committee of architects made up of representative members from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), Committee of Canadian Arcthitectural Councils (CACC), consulting engineers and code officials.
How do I register for the exam?You register for the exam with your state. Contact your state board for application requirements.
Is the exam the same in every state?Yes. Every state gives the same examination.
When is the exam given?You can take the exam whenever you want. The exam is administered year-round six days a week Monday - Saturday at authorized test centers around the country. Hours of operation vary so contact your test center of choice to verify business hours.
Where are the test centers located? There are more than 350 standardized test centers across North America. Once your application has been processed, you will receive a list of test centers with your approval notification.
Do I have to take the exam at a test center located within the state/province where I am seeking my registration?No. The computer based format of the exam allows candidates to take any portion of the test at any test center. However if you do relocate to another area before completing the exam, you will need to make sure that your scores are forwarded to the initial state jurisdiction where you initially began registration.
What is the exam format? The exam is given on computer. There are nine different divisions of the exam. Site Planning, Building Planning, and Building Technology are graphic tests. The remaining six divisions Pre-Design, General Structures, Lateral Forces, Building Design/Materials & Methods, Mechanical & Electrical Systems and Construction Documents & Services are muliple-choice tests. See exam information for complete details on ARE format.
Is the exam open or closed book? The examination is closed book, that is, no reference material is permitted. For some exam divisions, reference material can be accessed electronically. This material may contain excerpts from sources such as the AISC Manual of Steel Construction and the UBC. Candidates should therefore obtain copies of these books prior to the exam in order to become familiar with their scope and format.
Which part of the exam should I take first?Since candidates must pass all divisions of the ARE to become registered, you may start with any of the nine divisions. It is generally beneficial to take the three graphic divisions successively, since all use similar graphic tools. It may also be beneficial to take Pre-Design last, since this division includes material covered by other divisions, such as Building Design / Materials & Methods and Construction Documents and Services.
What if I fail a division of the exam?If you fail a division, you will have to retake it. However you will not be allowed to retake the same exam until at least six months has passed from the time of the first administration.
We may need to check back in a bit, because I think they are changing the AREs - I think the last time I checked the website they were saying there were only 7 sections??? I have a pamphlet explaining the "transition," more information on this later...
ReplyDeleteThe ARE transitioned to 7 sections quite a while ago.
ReplyDeleteIt's very important for anyone planning to pursue licensure to start by gathering information at two key websites:
1) Your state licensing board.
2) NCARB.org
If you're selecting colleges, you must also go to NAAB.org to make sure your options are properly accredited.
You really need to get the information first hand - AND visit those sites regularly to keep up with changes!
There's so much bad information floating around. It's terribly disturbing to hear the horror stories from college grads who find out too late that their degree is not accredited or they lost credit for employment or passed exams because they let too much time pass.