What is the current ARE 5.0 PPD format?

NCARB lists 100 items: 91 scored and 9 unscored pretest, with 4 hours 5 minutes of testing, 45 minutes of optional breaks and a 5-hour total appointment. PPD may have up to nine case studies and twenty case-study items. Following the April 2026 change, each case has one or two resources. Check the current NCARB Guidelines before scheduling.

How much does PPD cost?

NCARB currently charges $263 for each division administration, including retakes. Record application/renewal and jurisdiction fees are separate. Consult NCARB’s fee schedule for current charges.

Who is eligible to take PPD?

You need an NCARB Record and eligibility under your chosen licensing jurisdiction. Education and experience pathways differ by jurisdiction; passing PPD alone does not confer an architectural license.

Which references should I use?

Use the current NCARB ARE 5.0 Guidelines, PPD objectives and official PPD practice exam. The current reference list includes IBC 2021, ICC A117.1-2017 and the 2010 ADA Standards. Consult the listed editions and any resources supplied with an exam item rather than assuming the newest publication is the exam reference.

What is the PPD pass rate and passing score?

NCARB reports a 48% overall PPD pass rate for 2025, including first and repeat attempts. That historical statistic is not an individual probability of passing. NCARB does not publish one fixed percent-correct passing requirement for every form; use its current scoring guidance.

How do retakes and score validity work?

After a failed attempt, wait at least 60 days. No more than three total attempts at the same division are allowed in any 12-month period. NCARB uses version-based score validity rather than the former five-year rolling clock; passed ARE 5.0 divisions establish applicable credits through the next version under the transition policy.

How should I prepare for PPD versus PDD?

PPD emphasizes preliminary building and site design, system selection and integration, code constraints and cost decisions. PDD develops technical assemblies and documentation. Use the official practice exams to identify gaps, then build a study schedule around your experience; a suggested 60–100-hour plan is an estimate, not an NCARB requirement or passing guarantee.

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All study guides, practice questions, and explanations are completely free. We also include 10 AI-powered questions daily. For unlimited AI assistance, you can upgrade to Pro.

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OpenExamPrep was founded by Ran Chen, a CFP® who passed multiple financial exams and believes quality exam prep shouldn't cost hundreds of dollars. With AI, we can create quality content at scale and make it accessible to everyone.

Is the content up to date?

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

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ARE 5.0 Project Planning & Design Exam

Prepare for the ARE PPD exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.

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Your Study Path

ARE ARE 5.0: Study Roadmap

Age

Education

Path to licensure typically requires a NAAB-accredited B.Arch or M.Arch.

Experience

AXP (Architectural Experience Program) hours per jurisdiction.

Additional Requirements

•Active NCARB record.
•Jurisdictional approval where required.
•Exam delivered at PSI test centers or via secure online proctoring.

ARE PPD Quick Facts

Time to Get Licensed

Illustrative study plan: 8–14 weeks; individual preparation needs vary.

From start to license in hand

Exam Provider

PSI (test center or online proctored)

Remote Testing Available

Schedule Your Exam

Retake Policy

Wait at least 60 days after a failed attempt; a division may be attempted no more than three times total in any 12-month period.

Total Cost Breakdown

Exam Fee$263 per attempt (NCARB)

ARE 5.0 Project Planning & Design Exam

Administered by NCARB

Official Source

Scaled cut-score; NCARB does not publish a fixed passing percentage

Passing Score

100

Questions

Hours

$263 per division (NCARB)

Exam Fee

Study time: Suggested planning budget: 60–100 hours; adjust to experience and official practice results.

Prerequisites: NCARB record + jurisdictional eligibility; AXP enrollment typical

Valid for: ARE 5.0 passes remain valid through ARE 5.0 and establish applicable credits valid through the next exam version under NCARB policy.

Exam Content Breakdown

Based on the official NCARB content outline

Environmental Conditions & Context10-16%

Site, climate, sustainability, neighborhood infrastructure, scale and historic context.

Codes & Regulations16-22%

IBC 2021 occupancy/construction type, egress, fire ratings, sprinkler/standpipe, accessibility.

Building Systems, Materials, & Assemblies19-25%

Structure, MEP, special systems, envelope and interior materials and assemblies.

Project Integration of Program & Systems32-38%

Coordinating program with site, code, structure, and MEP at schematic design.

Project Costs & Budgeting8-14%

Estimating methods, contingencies, life-cycle cost, value engineering, escalation.

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What's Next After the ARE PPD?

After passing the ARE PPD, you can pursue these career paths

ARE 5.0 PDD

Continue from schematic design into Project Development & Documentation (the closest companion division).

LEED AP BD+C

Layer sustainable design credentialing on top of architectural licensure.

ARE PPD Exam FAQ

Official NCARB Resources

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NCARB PPD Content and Preparation NCARB ARE 5.0 Guidelines NCARB Fees NCARB Published Pass Rates

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What You'll Study

Chapter 1: Exam Overview & Schematic Design Process

Chapter 2: Site Analysis, Topography & Soil Conditions

Chapter 3: Climate, Microclimate & Solar Design

Chapter 4: Sustainable Principles & Energy Standards

Chapter 5: Zoning Regulations & Land Use Controls

Chapter 6: Building Code Fundamentals: Occupancy & Construction Types

Chapter 7: Means of Egress & Fire Protection

Chapter 8: Accessibility & Universal Design

Chapter 9: Structural Systems: Wood, Steel, Concrete & Masonry

Chapter 10: Lateral Force Resisting Systems & Foundations

Chapter 11: Building Envelope: Physics, Assemblies & Moisture Control

Chapter 12: Mechanical & HVAC Systems

Chapter 13: Plumbing, Electrical & Life Safety Systems

Chapter 14: Specialized Building Systems & Vertical Circulation

Chapter 15: Systems Integration & Coordination

Chapter 16: Project Costs, Budgeting & Life-Cycle Analysis

ARE PPD Exam Details

ARE 5.0 Project Planning & Design Exam

Exam Content Breakdown

What's Included

16 Chapters

Practice Quizzes

Free to Start

Quality Exam Prep Shouldn't Cost Hundreds

What's Next After the ARE PPD?

ARE 5.0 PDD

LEED AP BD+C

ARE PPD Exam FAQ

What is the current ARE 5.0 PPD format?

How much does PPD cost?

Who is eligible to take PPD?

Which references should I use?

What is the PPD pass rate and passing score?

How do retakes and score validity work?

How should I prepare for PPD versus PDD?

What's included for free?

Why is the content free?

Is the content up to date?

Official NCARB Resources

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