How to Approach Each Item Type on the ARE 5.0
Mastering the ARE 5.0 Item Types
The Architect Registration Examination (ARE) 5.0 is a critical step for licensure, and while the vast amount of content to study can seem overwhelming, mastering the exam format is just as crucial. Understanding how to approach each item type will help you efficiently apply your knowledge and experience during the test.
Each of the six divisions of the ARE 5.0 consists of discrete (standalone) items and case study items. Discrete items appear at the beginning of the exam, while case study items are located at the end. Questions do not need to be answered in order, and test-takers have an optional break. However, once you take a break, you cannot return to previously viewed questions.
Per the latest ARE 5.0 Guidelines (September 2024 version), the exam includes four primary item types, all worth one point each, with no partial credit:
- Multiple Choice
- Check-All-That-Apply
- Hotspot
- Drag-and-Place (to be retired on April 28, 2025)
Note: NCARB will be releasing an updated version of the ARE 5.0 Guidelines on April 28, 2025.
Let's Breakdown the Item Types and Strategies!
Multiple Choice
A multiple choice item is one that you’re likely already familiar with. It is a question followed by either three or four possible answer choices. In order to respond, you will select one answer choice. If the correct answer choice is selected, you will receive one point.
Tips:
- Use the strikethrough tool to eliminate incorrect answer choices.
- Highlight key pieces of information in both the question and answer choices.
- Try to predict the correct answer before looking at the choices to avoid distractions.
Check-All-That-Apply
This format provides a prompt asking you to select between two to four correct answers from six total options. Selecting all and only the correct answers earns one point.
Tips:
- Utilize process of elimination to rule out incorrect choices.
- Pay attention to the bold prompt (e.g., "Check the three that apply").
- Use strikethrough and highlight tools to mark relevant information
Hot Spot
A hotspot item is used to test your competence graphically, as you are asked a question in relation to an image (i.e. architectural drawing, diagram, map, etc.). To respond, you must click on an area or object within the provided image and if you click within the acceptable scoring area, you will receive one point.
Tips:
- Each item has an acceptable scoring area, so you do not need to worry about being too precise.
- You can change your selection as many times as needed—only the final clicked area counts.
- Pay close attention to information provided in the question to ensure that all criteria are being met when clicking the area or object.
Drag and Place (Retiring April 28, 2025)
This item type tests your ability to determine a visual solution to a problem by placing tokens onto a provided image.
Tips:
- Right-click tokens to rotate them by specific angles.
- Some items do not require all tokens—read instructions carefully.
- Ensure each token is within the correct scoring area to receive credit.
Important: NCARB will retire Drag-and-Place questions on April 28, 2025.
Case Studies: A Strategic Approach
Each exam includes two case studies, designed to assess your ability to synthesize multiple pieces of information and apply them to real-world scenarios. These items appear at the end of the exam, and all associated reference materials are accessible for any case study question.
The case studies often appear to be the most daunting portion of the exam. However, it is important to note that each case study item is worth one point so while you are navigating additional references to obtain an answer, it is worth the same amount as a discrete item. All case study items will be in the format of one of the four item types, so you can apply the previously mentioned tips to the case study items as well.
Tips:
- Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the scenario and available resources at a high level, before diving into any questions.
- Avoid reading every resource in depth upfront—review them as needed when tackling specific questions.
- Case study items typically take longer than discrete items, as you are required to navigate multiple references. Use your time wisely and be sure to account for extra time for case study items.
- Utilize the text search function to locate key phrases in lengthy documents.
- Utilize the zoom tool to analyze architectural drawings and diagrams.
- Make notes on the whiteboard tool to easily reference key information.
- Only case study items you have viewed will lock upon taking a break; un-viewed questions and resources remain accessible.Therefore, the remaining un-viewed items will be available so will the resources. This is helpful if you’d like to use the case study resources to help you answer discrete items as well.
Applying Your Knowledge to the ARE 5.0 Format
The best way to confidently apply your knowledge and experience to the exam format is to practice, practice, practice!
Utilize ARE 5.0 practice exams to:
- Familiarize yourself with how questions are structured.
- Develop a strategy for breaking down complex questions.
- Learn how to use built-in exam tools to your advantage.
By applying these strategies for approaching each item type, you'll be well-prepared to tackle the ARE 5.0 and take one step closer to licensure!
Additional Resources
For official NCARB guidelines and exam updates, refer to:
This is how to approach the Multiple Choice, Check-All-That-Apply, Hotspot, Drag-and-Place and Case Studies Item Types on the ARE 5.0 exam. Learn more about Black Spectacles ARE 5.0 exam prep here.