Episode 26: NCARB Is Updating to ARE 5.0 [Podcast]

“Change is inevitable. Change is constant.” – Benjamin Disraeli A lot of buzz has been happening within the last couple of months about NCARB’s new ARE 5.0 hitting the streets in late 2016. In this episode, we discuss the overview as well as a strategy to transition from 4.0 to 5.0 that includes taking only 5 of the new 6 exams. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Show Notes: DETAILS: The existing ARE 4.0 consists of 7 divisions: Construction Documents & Services Programming, Planning & Practice Site Planning & Design Building Design & Construction Systems Structural Systems Building Systems Schematic Design The new ARE 5.0 will consist of 6 divisions which will include: Practice Management Project Management Programming & Analysis Project Planning & Design Project Development & Documentation Construction & Evaluation WHAT: 6 all new exams The future exam will include six divisions, and each will be standalone, single test administrations. This structure results from an effort to align the ARE with the more commonly defined professional architect activities of practice management, project management, and project design. each division will cost $210. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR EXISTING CANDIDATES (underway with ARE): No vignettes: The new structure incorporates graphics throughout the exam via new “performance item types” that have candidates perform exercises similar to what an architect does as part of regular practice. Additionally, the incorporation of case studies is anticipated to be implemented in all proposed divisions and will allow more in-depth analysis of architectural scenarios by candidates. BUT GRAPHIC QUESTIONS:The division structure for ARE 5.0 incorporates graphics throughout the exam through new performance item types like hot spots AND CASE STUDY QUESTIONS: based on a set of drawings You can take both versions of the exam: Dual delivery means that both ARE 4.0 and ARE 5.0 will be offered at the same time. Candidates who started in ARE 4.0 will have at least 18 months after the launch of ARE 5.0 to finish in that version before they are transition to ARE 5.0. However, candidates who started in ARE 4.0 will have the option to choose to start testing in ARE 5.0 anytime after it launches. You decide when to switch from 4.0 to 5.0 (but you can never switch back) The last day ARE 4.0 will be available in test centers is 30 June 2018. After this day, any remaining ARE 4.0 candidate will be transitioned to ARE 5.0. They offer a ARE 5.0 Transition Calculator to see which of your existing exams map to the new 5.0 exam. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR NEW CANDIDATES? (should you wait?) ARE 5.0 will not be easier or harder than ARE 4.0. It is going to be different. The rolling clock is still in effect: Before you can decide on how you should test going forward, you need to review your Rolling Clock dates. ARE 4.0 division expiration dates based on the Rolling Clock will remain in effect for the transition to ARE 5.0. The earliest expiration date of any ARE 4.0 division(s) used to create an ARE 5.0 credit will be applied to the credit. Keep testing in ARE 4.0! The average candidate finishes the ARE in two years—meaning most candidates currently testing will be done with ARE 4.0 before ARE 5.0 even launches. TAKE 6 EXAMS FOR THE PRICE OF 5 focus on passing three critical divisions in ARE 4.0 Construction Documents & Services Programming Planning & Practice Site Planning & Design equate to 4 version 5.0 exams If you pass these three divisions in ARE 4.0, you will only need to take two additional divisions in ARE 5.0 you could finish the ARE in only five divisions SEE: http://www.ncarb.org/ARE/~/media/Files/PDF/Brochure/ARE5_CreditModel.ashx WHY THE NEW UPDATE? Why are they doing this to me?! The Council updates the exam every 6-10 years to ensure that it aligns with current practice. These divisions are a change from the current seven division structure in an effort to align the divisions of the ARE with the more commonly defined professional architecture activities of practice management, project management, and project design. The proposed direction for ARE 5.0 was informed by: Multi-year efforts by the Research & Development Subcommittee with additional support from the Graphics Grading Subcommittee Expert psychometric advice Research conducted by a multi-disciplinary staff project team Emerging technology, including interviews of industry leaders Results of the 2012 NCARB Practice Analysis of Architecture WHEN AVAILABLE? Mid 2016: Release of ARE 5.0 study materials and final examination details Late 2016: Launch of ARE 5.0 in June 30, 2018: ARE 4.0 is retired LINKS: ARE 5.0 Home Page ARE 5.0 Test Specification ARE 5.0 Transition Plan Timeline to ARE 5.0 ARE 5.0 FAQs Transition Plan Credit Model ARE 5.0 Transition Calculator Please Subscribe Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a review. It would really help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!