You want to be an architect. That's great!
Architects design the built environment and are responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of the public. But architects also make things, work to improve public health, prepare for natural disasters, and advocate for climate change.
Prospective Students
NAAB-Accredited Programs
There are 180 NAAB-accredited programs and 10 candidate programs at 152 institutions from which to choose. NAAB accredits three professional degrees in architecture, each of which meets the education requirement for becoming a licensed architect: Explore the NAAB Program Directory to search more about the accredited programs located in each state or territory.
Get familiar with the basic steps toward becoming an architect—and how NCARB can help.
AIA New York State (AIANYS) publishes The Schools of Architecture in New York State, a guide to some of the most respected schools of architecture located throughout the state. This book will help you familiarize yourself with the options available as you consider architecture as a field of study.
AIA Westchester + Hudson Valley student scholarships available
Apply for the AIA Westchester + Hudson Valley’s ARE Scholarship!
(Only valid for AIAWHV Associate AIA members)
Deadline is July 31, 2026
ARE Study Calendar
The Architect Registration Examination or A.R.E. 5.0 Exam has six Divisions that follow the process of a
typical architectural project from concept to realization just like the Architectural Experience Program or AXP.
PcM - Practice Management
PjM - Project Management
PA - Programming & Analysis
PPD - Project Planning & Design
PDD - Project Development & Documentation
CE - Construction & Evaluation
YOU’VE GOT QUESTIONS, WE’VE GOT ANSWERS!
Below we included a FAQ with a curated list of resources to answer your questions while gaining more knowledge and understanding about the ARE process and requirements.
STUDY MATERIAL DISCOUNT CODE
AIAWHV20 for 20% off for desk crits
https://deskcrits.com/blogs/studying-tips-and-tricks/what-exactly-is-in-desk-crits
+ What areas do I need to gain experience in?
Check out the AXP Guidelines. This document walks you through how to set up your NCARB account, the type of tasks you should be seeking for experience, hours to document and log your hours, and what else is required to get Licensed!
+ I have all of my AXP hours, now what?
It’s time to start studying for your A.R.E’s! First we suggest taking some time to look at the ARE 5.0 Guidelines and ARE 5.0 Handbook. The AIAWHV Chapter also hosts FREE Study Group Sessions every Wednesday for our Chapter Member!
+ Where can I find study Materials?
The AIA Westchester + Hudson Valley Chapter has a Free Lending Library for people to request the Brightwood study books and flashcard as well as other NCARB suggested materials. Study material can be borrowed for 6 weeks at a time. A request can be placed to vbrown@aiawhv.org
+ Are there any helpful websites?
The NCARB website has an enormous amount of information from the ARE 5.0 Handbook, to the NCARB Video Series, and the NCARB 5.0 Community.
+ Is there any Financial Assistance Available?
The AIA WHV chapter has scholarship programs for people who do not receive aid from their employer. You can find out more and apply here.
+ I’m ready to take my first exam, what are the requirements to take the exam online?
NCARB has put together the Guide to Online Proctoring and the ARE 5.0.
+ Where can I get a feel for how the exam environment will be on test day?
NCARB provides each candidate, in your account, access to a Demo Exam that features 75 practice questions, a three-hour testing duration, and all the updated navigation features and tools like the digital white board. Login today and try it out for yourself.
+ What is NCARB’s A.R.E. ID policy on test day?
Here are five things to know about NCARB’s identification policy. We suggest reviewing them before scheduling your first exam.
Study Notes and Forums
These are great to use as a review to test
your knowledge. Although some of these were
created for the 4.0 version of the exam, the
information is still the same and most are free.
Lending Library
Your resource and library for study guides,
handbooks, flashcards and more.
Exam Prep Programs
Each have different costs associated with them as
well as a variety of tools and resources. Take advantage
of free trials/resources to get a feel for their teaching style before committing.