Should the ARE Exam and other US Professional Exams be English Only?

The ARE exam, a series of tests which evaluate the knowledge and skills necessary to become a licensed architect, is nationally recognized in the US. By passing this exam, aspiring architects demonstrate that they have the technical and personal skills needed to succeed in the field. However, is it fair for this exam to only be offered in English? There is no official national language in the United States, but English is the most commonly spoken language. It may be beneficial for those working in the US to demonstrate the ability to communicate using English.

Would you trust a licensed doctor to do a procedure on you even if they didn’t speak any English? They have proven that they at least have the skills necessary to complete the procedure. Likewise, the ARE exam evaluates technical skills that don’t require verbal communication. On the other hand, architects must also have equal strength in responsibilities such as project management and teamwork. If an architect in the US couldn’t speak English, there would likely be a communication barrier that would interfere with doing their job effectively.
Likewise, the ARE exam evaluates technical skills that don’t require verbal communication. On the other hand, architects must also have equal strength in responsibilities such as project management and teamwork. If an architect in the US couldn’t speak English, there would likely be a communication barrier that would interfere with doing their job effectively.
Other Languages for the ARE Exam
Consider this: Someone may have learned English as their second language, but they aren’t fully comfortable with the nuances of the English language in a technical sense. Maybe taking the exam in their native language would be beneficial to them. The ARE exam is a test of architectural skills and knowledge not an English exam after all. What other languages, then, could the ARE be offered in?
The NCIDQ, a certification for interior designers, is offered in English and French. This certification is recognized in the United States and French-Canadian territories. The ARE is also recognized in all jurisdictions of the US and some Canadian provincial architectural associations. Therefore, it may be beneficial for the ARE exam to be offered in French for those practicing in Canada. Nowadays, it is common for employees to also speak Spanish, since it is the second most common language in the US. It is some people’s first language, so it might make sense for the ARE to also be offered in Spanish.

In Conclusion…
Since English is the most commonly spoken language in the United States, it makes sense for professional exams to be offered in English. Board members that regulate standards for these exams only regulate US standards. If standards were internationally set, offering exams in multiple languages would make them accessible to more people. Professional exams such as the ARE, NCIDQ, and NCEES assess the ability to practice and communicate in their respective fields. Communication and a firm understanding of industry specific terms is key in any business, but is it fair to only offer the ARE exams in a single language?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Great tips. I’m bookmarking this page. Its a great resource to keep. Thanks for sharing.
Ok sure, I will follow your steps before going to do exams. I hope your article will help me more.
Thanks for sharing this. I’ll definitely share this with my classmates at de la salle zobel.
Hello there and thanks for your information, I have certainly picked up allot new info from right your post. You are also provided information about best tips for exam,Which is very helpful to me and other people also.
thank you very much, verry helpfull…
Very effective and informative article.Thanks for sharing such an important tutorial.
Really helpful website
I feel very grateful that I read this. It is very helpful and very informative and I really learned a lot from it.
Thank you for this website. The practice questions are helpful.
Taking this test on Saturday. Last 4.0 exam to complete for the trio, then on to 5.0. This site is my go-to place when organizing what materials I’ll be studying
Hi , very good article.
thanks for sharing, keep up the good work
Good advice. Best of luck to all!
This is my favorite site for practicing for my tests! Great advise and super helpful.
Nice post to read. A complete guide that can help all of us.
Nice one… very helpful! Thanks!!!
Nice post
Great post!
In the NCARB ARE 5.0 handbook they reference Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods in both of their example questions for cost estimating. Unfortunately there isn’t a specific chapter on cost estimating, it’s woven throughout the content.
What is the best reference for cost estimating for PDD.
Thanks! Great advice
Deciduous trees should only be used for shade (especially in temperate climates). Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall and will have little protection against wind in the winter when it is most needed. Likewise, the leafless trees allow solar heat gain in the winter when it is desired, and shade in the summer.
Coniferous trees are only to be used to block wind and views. Since they don’t lose their needles, they work great for these two items year-round.
Hello. My name is Shahid. This comment is for anyone who would like to reply. On the Siteplanning test. To block the wind, can you use a Deciduous tree or must you use a Coniferous tree?
Hi Tony,
I need to take 5.0 PPD & PDD. Do you plan on posting notes such as “Caroline’s Notes” that you had posted for the various 4.0 exams for either of those sections? I found those notes to be some of the best resources in studying for the 4.0 sections. If so any idea when? Thanks
Hi Tony,
Any updates on the SS exam ? If there’s an expected release date ? Thanks
Paige,
We are releasing practice exams for the SS exam later this fall.
Best,
Tony
Will you have SS questions on here at some point?
Great post, very helpful with the lists of suggested materials, I just passed CDs in July and am taking PPP in November so I definitely needed the list.