ARE/AXP Resources
JUST GETTING STARTED? LET AIA HELP YOU!
First thing’s first: Start your NCARB record.
AIA Continuing Education courses can be used for some of your elective AXP hours. 1 AIA HSW Learning Unit or Continuing Education Unit equals 1 AXP experience hour. For helpful information about the AXP program, visit https://www.aia.org/pages/2661-axp-resources.
TAKING THE ARE?
1. Download the authorization to test number application!
A lot of graduate architects don’t realize they need an authorization test number to schedule and start taking the ARE. Alabama allows graduate architects to register for an authorization to test number after they have completed six months of AXP hours which then allows them to start testing.
2. Study, study study!
AIA BIRMINGHAM ARE LIBRARY
ARE 5.0
Brightwood Architecture ARE 5.0 study guides are available for checkout at the AIA Birmingham office. Each set includes a study guide and flashcard set.
Sets in stock are:
- Construction & Evaluation
- Practice Management
- Programming & Analysis
- Project Management
- Project Planning & Design (PPD)
- Project Development & Documentation (PDD)
CHECKOUT POLICIES
Deposit:
- AIA Birmingham members: $50 CASH deposit (returned to you when all materials are checked in)
- Non-members: $50 CASH deposit ($25 returned to you when materials are checked in)
Check out period: 2 weeks (no exceptions if there is a waiting list)
Late fees:
ARE 5.0: $2 per day for every day past 7 calendar days (high demand)
ARE 4.0: $1 per day for every day past 14 calendar days
Please call AIA Birmingham at 205-322-4386 or email Erin Epperson at erin@karmamanagementinc.com to see what is available. If needed, we will start a waiting list and will strictly adhere to it.
STUDY SESSIONS
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to stay in the loop. Contact Erin Epperson at erin@karmamanagementinc.com for more information.
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3. Testing Tips
Important Test Center Information
You should arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam appointment. You will need:
- An official photo ID with a signature (Accepted forms of ID include: a valid drivers license, passport, military identification with photo, or national identification with photo.)
- ARE Test Voucher (if applicable)
You must remain in your seat during your examination, except when authorized to leave by test center staff. Each division includes one mandatory 15-minute break. Scratch paper and pencils are provided and may be replaced as needed during the test. You may not remove scratch paper from the test center under any circumstance.
Technical Difficulties
You should notify test center staff immediately if:
- You experience a problem with your computer, or
- An error message appears on the computer screen.
If you experience software or hardware problems, please wait to see if the test center administrator can resolve the problem. The computer software has been designed to suspend testing time in the event your computer must be restarted. If your technical difficulties cannot be resolved, your examination will be rescheduled at your earliest convenience at NO COST.
Reporting Testing Concerns
DO NOT wait to receive your test results before expressing your concerns. You must report concerns in writing within 10 days of your examination to the ARE Helpdesk—not NCARB. Filing a report with the test center administrator does NOT satisfy the requirement of notifying the ARE Helpdesk directly. The ARE Helpdesk can be reached at:
ARE Operations Helpdesk
Prometric
1200 Lenox Drive, Suite 100
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
FAX: 609/895-5022
A copy of the letter to the ARE Helpdesk should also be forwarded to your registration board and NCARB. ______
Helpful Links
ARE 5.0 Guidelines
ARE 5.0 Handbook
www.ncarb.org – Information on ARE testing and licensing procedures
www.boa.alabama.gov – Alabama licensing information
www.prometric.com – Information on local testing centers
www.epcompanion.org – Online resource to aid in gaining IDP credit
http://www.ncarb.org/ARE/ARE5.aspx – ARE 5.0 Information______
