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NCARB ARE Exam Changes

940 Comments

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Austin Beck
5 years ago

NCARB IS A SCAM

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Kristin Irwin
5 years ago

This would be a horrible mistake. Every test I have taken I have used this paper for every exam. It is a necessity for almost every question.

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Richard Hugi
5 years ago

Please NCARB, don't make an already impossible set of exams even more difficult. I know you are making a ton of money from retesting, but do you really need more?

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TR Hendricks
5 years ago

I feel a digital scratch pad takes away from the physical interface. The Software is dreadful enough. Don't add anymore please.

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STEVEN LAZARUS
5 years ago

This is ridiculous. It's not fair and the NCARB should reconsider.

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Sarah Rinehart
5 years ago

A pen and paper is literally an extension of my brain so I am flummoxed by this decision. NCARB has continuously failed us over the years with their terrible software and substandard proctoring services by Prometric. This is a slap in the face. They must provide an alternative for this.

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Anonymous
5 years ago

Using digital scratch pads are ineffective as well as inefficient requiring testers to waste valuable time.

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Anonymous
5 years ago

Prometric already has the worst computers, compounded by the terrible ARE software (terrible for user interface, specifically fix your zoom in/out tool for the reference material). My cell phone has more computing power than prometrics crap, adding another clunky pos tool will not help.

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John Fisher
5 years ago

Starting my ARE’s in November, and I don’t want to deal with finicky software while I’m already stressed about a test

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Danielle McAcy
5 years ago

If paper will not be allowed a drawing tablet should be available for all tested individuals.

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Eva Thorn
5 years ago

Scratchpaper - pen and paper is essential. It also is an inherent part of the proffession. If the analog paper and pen have to be taken away (although it escapes me how they are a security problem), they must be replaced with an equivalent digital version. This would be an Ipad type device with a digital pen. Not a mouse and a keypad.

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Alex Kathilu
5 years ago

Eliminating the scratch paper is not in the best interest of the test takers and NCARB should reconsider this proposal.

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Michael Riggin
5 years ago

Good intentions, poor execution. Introduce a stylus and incentivise early adapters. Take a cue from other professions/industries instead of being left behind again.

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Anonymous
5 years ago

No physical note-taking is unacceptable.

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Anonymous
5 years ago

Scratch paper save lives!!

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Namrata
5 years ago

Scratch paper is required coz it easy for everyone to just write versus figuring out an online scratch paper. I am just slow at picking up technology, for me bluebeam markups take longer versus just doing the sketch on paper

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Barbara Wilson
5 years ago Featured

I already struggle with time during these exams. I cannot imagine having to use my right hand to draw and write calculations with a mouse rather than using a pencil and paper (I’m left handed.) being able to write and draw for these exams is crucial.

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Carmen San Juan Lorié
5 years ago

This is absurd! I don’t know if any architect that does not use scratch paper while working. It is unrealistic and not a necessary skill.

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Heather Woodcock
5 years ago

I'm disappointed in NCARB's lack of understanding of how important scratch paper is to test takers and the architectural profession. Don't even get me started on the new bathroom break policy either. They'll likely deter people who have test anxiety from pursuing licensure... like myself. I'm really sad that they're more concerned about liability than the actual test takers who are paying them money.

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Rebecca A Fuller
5 years ago

It appears NCARB is actively looking for ways to ensure people fail their tests. Such a shame!