Free ARE CE Exam Prep
ARE 5.0 Construction & Evaluation Division
Prepare for the ARE CE exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.
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ARE ARE 5.0: Study Roadmap
Follow this path to organize your exam preparation
Phase 1: AIA A201 General ConditionsYou are here
Read A201-2017 for roles, changes, payment, claims and completion; practice applying clauses rather than memorizing every provision.
Phase 2: G-Series Forms & Owner-Contractor Agreements
Compare the purposes and signatures of G710 supplemental instructions, G714 directives and G701 change orders; distinguish A101, A102 and A103 compensation structures.
Phase 3: Procedures Practice (Submittals, RFIs, COs, CCDs)
Drill construction administration workflows and time thresholds.
Phase 4: Closeout & Evaluation
Substantial completion, punch lists, final payment, lien waivers, POE.
Phase 5: Timed Case Study Simulation
Practice opening case-study resources and answering under time pressure.
Can You Take the ARE CE Exam?
Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements
- •Active NCARB Record
- •Board eligibility before scheduling each division
- •Schedule through your NCARB Record with PSI after jurisdiction eligibility is granted.
ARE CE Quick Facts
Time to Get Licensed
Suggested planning range: 4–8 weeks, adjusted to practice performance and available study time.
From start to license in hand
Exam Provider
PSI (test center and online-proctored delivery)
Retake Policy
A failed division can be retaken after 60 days; the same division is limited to three attempts within any rolling 12-month period.
Total Cost Breakdown
Free ARE CE Prep Tools
Reported exam pass rate: 61% for CE in 2025, including first-time and repeat candidates (NCARB).. These figures describe exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep user outcomes. Check the exam sponsor’s website for published statistics.
Independent CE Practice
Practice construction-administration decisions, document workflows and project closeout with the available CE question bank.
AI-Powered Explanations
Reasoning support for AIA A201 clauses, G-series forms, and CCD vs. CO logic.
Independent Practice
Independent coverage of CE topics with official exam facts checked October 16, 2026.
Free CE Prep
Open access; no paywall to begin practicing the CE division.
What You'll Study
12 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide
Chapter 1: Preconstruction Roles, Project Delivery & Bidding
4 sections
Chapter 2: Contractor Selection, Bids, Alternates & Contracts
4 sections
Chapter 3: Architect's Role on Site, Observation & Field Reports
4 sections
Chapter 4: Special Inspections, Codes, Life Safety & Environmental Hazards
4 sections
Chapter 5: Conformance, Construction Progress & Work Remedies
4 sections
Chapter 6: Field Modifications: RFIs, ASIs, CCDs & Change Orders
4 sections
Chapter 7: Submittals, Shop Drawings, Mock-ups & Delegated Design
4 sections
Chapter 8: Payment Applications, Schedule of Values & Retainage
4 sections
Chapter 9: Payment Withholding, Disputes, Claims & Termination
4 sections
Chapter 10: Substantial Completion, Punch Lists & Handover
3 sections
Chapter 11: Final Completion, Liens, Warranties & Closeout
3 sections
Chapter 12: Building Performance Evaluation & Post-Occupancy
3 sections
ARE CE Exam Details
ARE 5.0 Construction & Evaluation Division
Administered by NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards)
Exam Content Breakdown
Based on the official NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) content outline
Bidding procedures, owner-contractor agreements (A101/A102/A103), Instructions to Bidders (A701), contractor qualifications (A305), addenda, alternates, allowances, unit prices, and delivery method selection.
Site visits, field reports (G711), conformance with contract documents, schedule reviews, RFIs (G716), means and methods, code compliance, and concealed-condition claims.
Submittals (G712), shop drawings, payment applications (G702/G703), schedule of values, retainage, change orders (G701), CCDs, ASIs (G710), CCDs (G714), claims, and dispute resolution.
Substantial completion (G704), punch lists, final payment (G706/G706A/G707), lien waivers, warranties, correction-of-work period, record drawings, O&M manuals, and post-occupancy evaluation.
What's Included
12 Chapters
Complete exam coverage
Practice Quizzes
With detailed explanations
Free to Start
No credit card required
Quality Exam Prep Shouldn't Cost Hundreds
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What's Next After the ARE CE?
After passing the ARE CE, you can pursue these career paths
ARE CE Exam FAQ
Official NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) Resources
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