ARE 5.0 — Construction & Evaluation (CE) Practice Test

29 questions available

Build your confidence for ARE 5.0 — Construction & Evaluation (CE). Practice the concepts, understand the answers, and strengthen your knowledge one question at a time.

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Certification exam
95 Exam questions
3 hours 30 minutes Time Limit
Your practice
29 Practice questions
29 minutes Practice Time
Try 5 free questions
No account needed. A free account includes 20 questions for this exam.
The bank 29 Practice questions checked against the official objectives.
Official objectives from NCARB
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Exam overview and details

The ARE 5.0 Construction and Evaluation (CE) Practice Test is designed for architecture candidates preparing for the Construction and Evaluation division of the Architect Registration Examination. This practice test focuses on the core competencies required to manage the construction phase of a project, from preconstruction through closeout. It covers four primary content areas: Administrative Procedures and Protocols, Construction Observation, Preconstruction Activities, and Project Closeout and Evaluation. The exam tests your ability to navigate contract administration, conduct site observations, review submittals, process change orders, manage project documentation, and execute successful project closeout procedures. It is intended for candidates who have completed or are nearing completion of their Architectural Experience Program (AXP) hours and are ready to demonstrate their understanding of construction-phase responsibilities. By taking this practice test, you will gain a realistic assessment of your readiness, identify knowledge gaps, and build confidence in applying the AIA Contract Documents, industry standards, and best practices for construction administration. The questions are scenario-based and require critical thinking, not just memorization, mirroring the actual ARE 5.0 CE exam format.

Sample Questions

Choose an answer and explore the explanation to see how practice works.

Construction Observation

Which activity is central to the CE construction observation section?

Preconstruction Activities

A preconstruction task asks the architect to understand which contract form establishes general conditions for construction. Which source-listed document is the best match?

Construction Observation

During a site meeting, the owner asks the architect to order the contractor’s subcontractor to redo work immediately. What should the architect first consider?

Project Closeout and Evaluation

Building commissioning identifies a performance issue after occupancy. What is the next source-supported responsibility?

Construction Observation

A concealed condition is discovered during construction and affects a proposed material substitution. What must be evaluated?

Career Opportunities & Salary

Median salary: $99,280– Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 -- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval (SOC 17-1011), US national. Occupation median, not a certification salary. (2025)

Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

Exam insights and study advice

Mastering the content of the Construction and Evaluation exam is critical because it directly translates to your ability to protect public health, safety, and welfare during the most high-risk phase of a project. Errors in construction observation, submittal review, or closeout documentation can lead to costly delays, legal disputes, safety hazards, or building failures. This practice test ensures you understand how to enforce contract requirements, verify compliance with the design intent, and manage the flow of information between the owner, contractor, and consultants. Real-world impact includes reducing the likelihood of construction defects, ensuring timely project completion, and maintaining professional liability coverage. The practical value is immediate: you will be better prepared to handle daily construction administration tasks, such as writing field reports, processing payment applications, and conducting final inspections with confidence and competence.

These are the backgrounds the certifying body suggests. Check the vendor's own page for anything it formally requires.

What this exam covers

Use the published domain weights to plan your study. Practice results do not predict your certification exam score.

01Administrative Procedures and Protocols

32-38%

02Construction Observation

32-38%

03Preconstruction Activities

17-23%

04Project Closeout and Evaluation

7-13%

Exam Details ARE CE | $235 USD | 3 hours 30 minutes

Exam Code ARE CE
Vendor NCARB
Exam Cost $235 USD
Time Limit 3 hours 30 minutes
Exam questions 95
Question TypesMultiple Choice, Case Study
Retake Policy 60-day waiting period between retakes of the same division. Unlimited retakes permitted. All 6 divisions must be passed within a 5-year rolling window. Full exam fee required for each retake.
Exam Format Linear computer-based with case study sections (Prometric CBT)
Available In
English

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the actual ARE 5.0 CE exam, and how does this practice test compare?

What is the best way to study for the Administrative Procedures and Protocols section?

Are there calculations on the CE exam, and should I bring a calculator?

How much time should I spend on each question during the actual exam?

What is the most common mistake candidates make on the CE exam?