NCARB now expects to release updated cut scores for the six divisions of the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) 5.0 by early-February

Based on the current pace of testing volumes, NCARB now expects to release updated cut scores for the six divisions of the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) 5.0 by early-February. We know that any delay in receiving your score report can add to the stress of testing, and we apologize for any inconvenience.

Why are cut scores taking longer to release?

Due to high volumes of rescheduled divisions and the ongoing impact of new COVID-19 restrictions, lower volumes of ARE 5.0 divisions have been delivered since the December 14 launch of the adjusted exam.

In order to ensure that the cut scores are a valid, fair assessment of your performance, NCARB must collect data from at least 400 exam administrations per division. As soon as that threshold is reached for a given division, NCARB staff, volunteers, and psychometrician consultants will work to set the cut score as quickly as possible. Learn more about how NCARB sets cut scores.

What should I expect next?

Based on the current volume of divisions scheduled, NCARB anticipates setting cut scores for all six divisions by early-February. This means that score reports will continue to be delayed until the cut scores are set.

Some higher volume divisions may reach the 400-administration threshold sooner. If possible, NCARB will set cut scores and release score reports for those divisions in late-January.

Candidates who took Practice Management should expect their score results first, as this division has the highest delivery volume at this time. Project Planning & Design and Project Management have the next highest volumes of current deliveries. Programming & Analysis, Project Development & Documentation, and Construction & Evaluation are expected to be the last divisions released.

How does this impact me?

If you take or have taken an ARE division any time between December 14, 2020, and before that division’s results are released, you will not receive a score report for that test until after the updated cut scores have been set. Once the cut score for a division is set, provisional feedback will return at the test center and normal score result processing times will be restored.

NCARB will continue to provide updates on the anticipated release of exam scores as necessary, and you will receive an email alert once your score report is ready to view in My NCARB.

While we are working as quickly as possible, NCARB’s responsibility to its jurisdictional licensing board members is to set updated cut scores that are valid, fair, and fully vetted before any divisions are scored. Thank you for your ongoing patience.