Intern Examinations

Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC)

The Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC) is a new examination that seeks to ensure relevancy, effective delivery, and administrative control of the complete professional competency testing process. The ExAC will be offered once a year, at the same time across Canada and available in both official languages.

Architect Registration Examinations (ARE)

Every provincial association requires Intern Architects to pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) developed by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). The ARE, which is given exclusively on computers, is divided into nine divisions and may be written in any order and at any time at various testing centres in Canada and the United States. Intern Architects can start writing the ARE after obtaining Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) certification and confirmation of their eligibility by the provincial association. Study material is available to help Intern Architects prepare for the ARE. For a complete list, click here.

The ARE is comprised of the following nine parts or divisions:

Multiple-Choice Divisions:
Pre-Design
General Structures
Lateral Forces
Mechanical and Electrical Systems
Materials and Methods
Construction Documents

Graphic Divisions:
Site Planning
Building Planning
Building Technology

For a general overview of the ARE, www.ncarb.org/are/index.html.

Study Resources