NCARB ARE Exam Changes

We need the scratch paper for sketching out solutions or formulas

This will be an additional burden of switching between screens to refer back to information, and this is not how most architects work, unless there are at least 2 computer screens to compare and contrast. Even still, written notes are helpful. The new exam process does not seem to take into account and may discriminate against people who learn in different ways such as through tactile methods. Drawing and taking quick notes seems to be an essential part of the profession. The current computer format is difficult enough, especially since there is not much chance to practice beforehand. Printed handouts and allowing test takers to take notes and sketches by hand would allow more diverse candidates to succeed and show their skills.

this is a graphic discipline, let them use paper!!!

As a profession we use our hands, a piece of paper, and a pen or pencil to literally and figuratively work through ideas. It is an extension of our mind and taking this away only hurts us and our abilities to provide the best answers to the questions you deem important to answer to ensure we are capable. It seems very arbitrary on your end for what would amount to a severe detriment to the exam candidates. A digital white board is not in any way comparable. Please reconsider this action if you are truly interested in testing our abilities as you claim.

This is ridiculous... the slow apps and inconvenient lag times are enough as is... and now we wont even have scratch paper? I have used my scratch paper every time so far, including drawing sketches... which i imagine will be quite difficult with a " digital whiteboard... this idea sounds awful.

Disappointed that this is being rolled out on such short notice.

Please reconsider! Read the comments! You are punishing all candidates for rather unfortunate circumstances that are outside of our control...

I am against the new testing policy of not using paper and a pen while testing

Not another change

NCARB: Your poor choice of priorities is disheartening. BE a partner of future architects. Prioritize developing the architects society will need in the future instead of acting like a gatekeeper to protect a profession that needs to get with the times anyway.

We need actual pen and paper

"The new tool will be accessed like the existing calculator and references available today. The whiteboard is designed to work at both onsite and online testing locations with a standard mouse and keyboard." My Letter to The Board of Directors: So we're supposed to write out our equations, diagrams and thoughts with a mouse digitally on the screen? Have any of them actually tried this out? This is not an efficient or even legible alternative to not offering pen and paper anymore and they should quite frankly be embarrassed at this decision. This is the equivalent of using Microsoft Paint to put together floor plans. At first I had thought they would be offering tablets and digital pens, which might've been a reasonable alternative, but this is unacceptable and the tone of the email is also, unacceptable. We're being told to deal with it. They know they have power over us because how else would one get their license. Do we have a list of emails available to create a professional discussion with the directors?

Neuroscience 101: When writing something down it stimulates a collection of cells in the base of the brain known as the reticular activating system. The RAS is the filter for all of the information the brain needs to process. In other words, the physical act of writing by hand brings information to the forefront and triggers the brain's attention. Please let candidates bring their brains.

We need pencil & scratch paper!

was it considered sending the home testers a securely sealed packet with pencil and paper that they open in front of the live proctor and use during their exam then seal back and ship to NCARB for review a consideration...????

It'd be one thing if NCARB had already addressed the existing issues with the ARE software and their pass rates were higher than 50% average across the board, but the fact that NCARB is aware of failures due to excessive load times and other crashes and is STILL implementing new features is absurd. Some folks already come down to the last minute answering questions and still have to leave some unanswered because of inadequate testing time. With the removal of physical scratch paper, that problem will be exacerbated. If the only solution to getting back the physical paper is to take away in-home testing, then proceed. NCARB is well aware that they are a monopoly and they are capitalizing off of the exploitation of licensure candidates. NCARB, we are asking/demanding that you reconsider your choices. The reputation of your board and our profession is at risk.

I don't trust that the implementation of the digital scratch paper will be inherently more beneficial than detrimental to the test taker. I understand the security concerns that NCARB holds, but this "fix" has the potential to come with a great cost. These difficult exams already have problems with freezing/crashing, and adding one additional feature won't help. I'm looking forward to testing out the new feature when it becomes available, but I don't think it should be implemented without widescale testing.

We need scratch paper!

We NEED scratch paper! Digital paper is inconvenient and will take too much time, time that can be spent on other questions.

Not only are the tests becoming more difficult, now you’re making the entire situation more stressful. Scratch paper is important for keeping notes throughout the test from your head, doing math and working through problems.