Programming & Analysis (PA) focuses on the evaluation of project requirements, constraints, and opportunities.
The division will focus on issues related to programming, site analysis, and zoning and code requirements. Candidates must demonstrate an understanding of and abilities in project type analysis, the establishment of qualitative and quantitative project requirements, evaluation of project site and context, and assessment of economic issues.
Preparing for Programming & Analysis?
NCARB has created a full-length, scored practice exam specific to Programming & Analysis now available for free in your NCARB Record.
You can also find more details and suggested references in our ARE 5.0 Guidelines and test prep video series.
Programming & Analysis Details:
- Number of items: 75
- Test duration: 3 hr
- Allowed break time: 30 min
- Total appointment time: 3 hr 40 min
Preparing for Programming & Analysis? NCARB has created a full-length, scored practice exam specific to Programming & Analysis now available for free in the Practice Exam Dashboard in your NCARB Record if you have ARE eligibilities. You can also find more details and suggested references in our ARE 5.0 Guidelines and test prep video series.
PA includes sections on the following content areas:
Environmental & Contextual Conditions (14-21%* of exam items): In this section, you’ll evaluate a project site and identify both the opportunities and constraints that may impact future development. Objectives include:
- Evaluate site-specific environmental and socio-cultural opportunities
- Evaluate site-specific environmental constraints
- Determine optimal use of onsite resources by incorporating sustainability principles
Codes & Regulations (16-22% of exam items): In this section, you’ll look at the codes and regulations appropriate to the initial analysis and programming phase of a project. Objectives include:
- Identify relevant code requirements for building and site types
- Identify relevant zoning and land use requirements
- Identify relevant local and site-specific requirements
Read the ARE Guidelines
Understand all the policies you’ll need to follow in order to take the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®), as well as an overview of the exam’s six divisions and other exam candidate resources.
Site Analysis & Programming (21-27% of exam items): In this section, you’ll need to analyze a project site relative to the program and project requirements. Objectives include:
- Evaluate relevant qualitative and quantitative attributes of a site as they relate to a program
- Synthesize site reports with other documentation and analysis
- Analyze graphical representations regarding site analysis and site programming
Building Analysis & Programming (37-43% of exam items): In this section, you’ll analyze new or existing buildings relative to the program requirements, cost, and schedule. This is the largest section in the Programming & Analysis division. Objectives include:
- Evaluate relevant qualitative and quantitative attributes of a new or existing building as they relate to the program
- Evaluate documentation, reports, assessments, and analyses to inform the building program
- Identify and prioritize components of the building program
- Assess spatial and functional relationships for the building program
- Recommend a preliminary project budget and schedule
- Identify alternatives for building and structural systems for given programmatic requirements, preliminary budget, and schedule
- Analyze graphical representations regarding building analysis and building programming
Find more information about all divisions of the ARE on our website or in the ARE 5.0 Guidelines.
*The percentages shown for each section and objective represent a typical form of this division. The specific form you experience may vary slightly, as adjustments are made from form to form to balance factors such as overall form level of difficulty and average time to answer the assembled items.
