Becoming a licensed architect requires passing the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®), a multi-part exam crafted by NCARB with input from volunteer architects and psychometricians. Understanding how your performance is scored is key to success. In this guide, we’ll explore ARE 5.0 scoring, decode your NCARB score report, and offer tools to boost your prep. Try our free ARE 5.0 Score Calculator for advanced insights!

How is the ARE Scored?

Each ARE 5.0 division features operational questions, each worth one point if correct. Incorrect or unanswered questions score zero - no partial credit applies. Passing requires meeting or exceeding the cut score, which varies by exam form due to question difficulty. NCARB uses a criterion-referenced approach, assessing minimal competence rather than ranking, similar to a driver’s license test. Learn more in NCARB’s exam scoring blog.

The cut score is set using the Modified Angoff method, where architects estimate a minimally competent candidate’s performance, ensuring fairness across tests.

What is a Scaled Score and How to Read It?

Your NCARB score report shows a scaled score from 100 to 800, standardizing performance across divisions. NCARB doesn’t provide a raw score conversion (total correct answers) due to varying item statistics per form. A higher score reflects better performance.

NCARB notes 550 as a critical benchmark; scores near 550 are close to passing. For instance:

• 500 indicates you’re within a few questions of passing.
• Mid-400s (e.g., 415 to 525) suggest six to eight questions from the cut score, with improvement shown over attempts.
• Page two of failed reports offers section percentages versus the average passer | See NCARB’s score report guide.

Why 550 Matters

With 50% of candidates scoring within four points of the cut score, 550 is a practical guidepost. NCARB’s data shows 5-6% pass or fail by one to three points, highlighting how close many are to success.

Pass and Fail Margins

NCARB’s two-year data reveals:

• 5% fail by one point, 5% by two, 5% by three, and 4% by four.
• 6% pass at the cut score, with 6% passing by one, two, or three points. This narrow margin underscores the need for precise prep strategies.

Images via NCARB

Ensuring Fairness in Scoring

NCARB mitigates bias by recruiting diverse architect volunteers, who are trained to avoid gendered pronouns and jargon (e.g., “cold snowy climate”). Post-pretesting, items are analyzed for racial and gender bias, and ESL accommodations are offered across all 55 jurisdictions.

Why No Detailed Passing Score Data?

The ARE focuses on minimal competence, so passing scores aren’t detailed...a pass is sufficient for licensing. Failing reports include section data to guide improvement, per NCARB’s philosophy.

Why Aren’t Test Items Released?

NCARB reuses effective questions for quick scoring. Practice with free demos via your NCARB Record instead for the most similar practice test experience. Or third-party practice questions, like we have inside the ABC Club.

Boost Your Score with Our Calculator

Take control of your prep with our free ARE 5.0 Score Calculator. It estimates your overall percentage, compares pass bands, and offers a ROI Leverage Ranking with 2024 pass rates. No signup needed! Explore our Free ARE Resource Library or join ABC Club for more.

Conclusion

Mastering ARE 5.0 scoring is your key to success. With NCARB’s insights and our calculator, you’re well-equipped. Follow @BYoungDesign or listen to Design Create Inspire for more. Share your feedback below!