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EnglishWhere to Find ARE 5.0 and AXP Guidelines on NCARB
Updated
You can find both documents in the Data & Resources section of ncarb.org, where each is offered as a downloadable file. The ARE 5.0 Guidelines cover exam policies and scheduling instructions for candidates testing with PSI (updated October 2026), while the AXP Guidelines cover the steps to complete the Architectural Experience Program, reporting procedures, and experience requirements (last updated November 2025). Use the ARE 5.0 document if you are preparing for or scheduling the exam; use the AXP document if you are logging experience or planning how to complete the program.
What Each Guideline Covers
The two documents serve different stages of the path to licensure, so it helps to know which one answers your question before you download.
| Document | Intended audience | What it covers | Last updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARE 5.0 Guidelines | Exam candidates testing with PSI | Exam policies, scheduling instructions, and related candidate information | October 2026 |
| AXP Guidelines | AXP participants and supervisors | Steps to completing the AXP, reporting procedures, experience requirements | November 2025 |
The ARE 5.0 Guidelines are the reference for how the exam is administered and scheduled. The AXP Guidelines are the reference for how supervised experience is structured, documented, and reported.
How to Locate and Download Them
- Go to ncarb.org.
- Navigate to the Data & Resources section, which lists guideline documents alongside other resources.
- Select Download ARE 5.0 Guidelines or Download AXP Guidelines depending on your need.
- Save the file locally, since the posted versions carry update dates and may be revised.
The expected result is a PDF-style guideline document you can consult offline. Because NCARB dates each version, check the update stamp before relying on a saved copy — a newer edition may have replaced the one you downloaded.
Related Resources on the Same Page
The Data & Resources area also lists Certification Guidelines, which outline requirements for NCARB certification for U.S., Canadian, and international architects (last updated September 2026). If your question is about certification rather than the exam or experience program, that is the relevant document.
Two other entry points on the site may be useful alongside the guidelines:
- Licensure Requirements — an interactive tool for exploring licensing requirements in your home state or any of NCARB's 55 jurisdictions.
- Start NCARB Record — creating a Record lets you track education, career progress, exam history, and licensing information in one place.
Common Sticking Points
- Confusing the two programs. The AXP is the experience component; ARE 5.0 is the examination component. A question about reporting hours belongs in the AXP Guidelines, not the exam document.
- Using an outdated file. Both documents carry explicit update dates. If a colleague shares a copy, confirm the date against the current listing.
- Looking for state rules in the guidelines. Jurisdiction-specific licensing requirements are handled through the separate interactive requirements tool, not the program guidelines.
If you are unsure where to start, open an NCARB Record first — it organizes your exam history and experience progress, which makes it easier to see which guideline applies to your next step.