September 2, 2020
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NCARB is excited to announce that Architect Registration Examination(r) (ARE(r)) candidates will be able to schedule remote-proctored appointments in mid-November 2020. The online proctored exam scheduler will launch November 16 – meaning candidates will be able to begin testing as soon as November 17. As test center closures and limited availability continue to impact candidates’ licensure progress, this new option will provide flexibility to take the exam in a location of the candidates’ choice. NCARB will continue to share information regarding online proctoring as soon as it becomes available. Below are a few initial details you may find useful:
* Expected Monday, November 16, 2020, candidates can schedule remote-proctored appointments through their NCARB Record.
* Candidates can still test in-person at Prometric test centers.
* The ARE content and division structure will not change.
* Aspects of the exam’s delivery are being updated for both in-person and remote administrations to increase exam security and provide a more efficient experience.
* More information about exam delivery changes will be released in mid-September.
* We expect to release updated ARE Guidelines, ARE Handbook, and a new demo exam in October.
* These changes will maintain the exam’s rigor, while providing candidates with greater flexibility and accessibility.
* In summer 2021, NCARB will switch to a new test administration vendor, PSI, for both in-person and remote testing.
NCARB will be providing continuous communication and additional resources in the coming weeks. Please reach out to council-relations@ncarb.org<ma
Changes that will make remote proctoring possible are expected to launch November 16, at which point you will be able to schedule remote appointments through My NCARB. Exam fees will remain the same, whether you test in-person or via remote proctoring. To ensure the ARE’s security and validity, exam appointments will be closely monitored by a live “remote proctor,” who will
ensure compliance with testing conditions. In addition to a private location, you will also need a computer with a live video and audio feed; Prometric’s secure testing application; and high-speed internet. This fall, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to schedule a remote exam, plus the minimum technical and environmental requirements.
Once remote proctoring is available, you’ll have the flexibility to choose between in-person or remote testing for each exam appointment you schedule. Regardless of delivery mode, all ARE candidates will experience the same format. It is important to note that the ARE’s content areas and division structure will not change. You can continue to use your existing study materials and resources. However, several elements of the exam’s delivery will be updated to enhance ARE security, make the ARE more efficient, and support remote delivery—including navigation, breaks, the number of questions per division, and overall testing time per division. These changes—which have been validated by independent psychometricians (or testing experts)—will ensure the exam continues to measure candidates’ ability to protect the public. The ARE won’t be “easier,” although candidates will benefit from greater flexibility and accessibility. NCARB will provide detailed information regarding any policy changes in late-September. We’re also planning to release updated resources in October, including a new demo exam and updated ARE 5.0 Handbook. Be on the lookout for an announcement about the exam’s updated format in the weeks ahead.
As we look to the future of licensure and the continued evolution of our programs, NCARB will switch to a new test administration vendor, PSI, in summer 2021. PSI offers both in-person and remote proctored exam appointments. More information around the migration to PSI will be available early next year. More information around the migration to PSI will be available early next year. Our team is here to support you. If you have any questions about remote proctoring, please contact us online or through the ARE 5.0 Community.
Remote (or online) proctoring enables candidates to take the ARE in a private location of their choice that meets the necessary requirements for delivery, during the scheduled appointment time. To ensure the ARE’s security and validity, exam appointments will be closely monitored by a live “remote proctor,” who will ensure compliance with testing conditions.
To take the ARE remotely, you will need a private testing area; a computer that has been loaded with Prometric’s secure testing browser application, plus a live audio and video feed; and a high-speed internet connection. In the coming weeks, NCARB will share the minimum technical and environmental requirements for remote testing. You can also visit Prometric’s website to learn about its remote platform.
Once remote proctoring is available, you’ll have the flexibility to choose between in-person or remote testing for each exam appointment you schedule. Regardless of delivery mode, all ARE candidates will experience the same format. Ensuring the ARE remains accessible for all candidates remains a top priority for NCARB, and we are exploring the viability of remote options for testing accommodations.
As NCARB finalizes details with our vendors and exam consultants, we will share regular updates via emails, our website, and social channels. We’re also planning to release updated resources in October, including a new demo exam and updated ARE 5.0 Handbook. Be on the lookout for an announcement about the exam’s updated format in the weeks ahead. Remember: the exam content being assessed is not changing, so continue to study just as you do today. Candidates may need to adjust their test-taking strategies based on changes to the exam experience. NCARB will release more information about the exam experience changes in September.
By Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, AIA NJ Advocacy Consultant | Posted in Associates, Emerging Professionals | Tagged: #associates, #emergingprofessionals, #PSI, IDP / ARE, ncarb | Comments (0)
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