Examinations
			All applicants for architectural registration in North Carolina by written examination must pass the Architectural Registration Examination (ARE) prepared by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards(NCARB). Please refer to the NCARB web site for information regarding the transition of ARE 3.1 to ARE 4.0. Each candidate for licensure through examination must obtain a passing score in each of the nine divisions of the ARE. A division not passed may be retaken after six months. A passing score for any division on any examination taken after July 1, 1996 shall be valid only for five years. Scores are mailed to candidates upon receipt of scores from testing centers. Please note that Board file retention policies require that records be archived and destroyed after seven years of inactivity. General Information Fees. The Board charges a $50.00 application fee which is non-refundable. The examination costs per division are payable directly to the testing center where a candidate wishes to sit for the examination. For scheduling and refund information, contact the NCARB Testing Centers. Application process. All applicants must submit a completed application to the Board along with the non-refundable application fee of $50.00. The applicant must request, in writing, to NCARB to have the completed IDP record sent to the Board office. Once both pieces of information are received the eligibility will be deteremined. The candidate will be notified of approval to take the exam. The Board office also notifies Prometric of the candidates eligibilty and which divisions must be passed by a candidate prior to application for licensure. An application for the A.R.E. is available for download in the forms library. Qualification.The following are the minimum qualifications necessary for an applicant's admission to the exam are as follows: be of good moral character be at least 18 years of age hold a degree in architecture from a college or university where the degree program has been accredited by NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board). These degrees include the Bachelor of Architecture which is a five-year program or the Masters in Architecture. Two universities in North Carolina offer the NAAB accredited program - North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC and University of North Carolina at Charlotte, NC. Complete the NCARB Intern Development Program (IDP) having at least three years' practical training or experience in the offices of registered architect. (Some individuals can complete the IDP in less than three years, NC will require that you have a total of at least three years experience.)For more information on IDP you may call 202-783-6500. Architectural Registration Exam The Architectural Registration Exam is given on a year-round basis at various testing sites throughout the country. Candidates will schedule when and where they wish to take a division. The current divisions of the A.R.E. 4.0 are: Programming, Planning & Practice   Site Planning & Design   Building Design & Construction Systems   Schematic Design   Structural Systems   Building Systems   Construction Documents & Services   Candidates must contact the testing center directly to schedule dates and times to take divisions of the ARE or to cancel appointments. Regardless of your residency and State of Eligibility, you may test at any center in the country. A list of testing centers can be found at NCARB Testing Centers. A $35.00 fee will be assessed each time a candidate makes any changes to his/her previously scheduled appointment. Candidates will be required to select their future appointment date at the time they notify the Prometric Candidate Services Call Center (1-800-479-6215) of their schedule change. The only acceptable form of payment for this fee will be by credit card. Rescheduling an existing appointment must take place no later than 12:00 noon ET (Eastern Time) on the third business day prior to the candidate's scheduled appointment. Please note that in some cases Saturday is considered a business day. If a candidate fails to arrive for his/her scheduled appointment or attempts to reschedule without giving the required notice, he/she will forfeit the entire test fee. Examination Costs ARE 4.0   Programming Planning and Practice $170 Site Planning & Design $170 Building Design & Construction Systems $170 Schematic Design $170 Structural Systems $170 Building Systems $170 Construction Doc. & Services $170