ARE 5.0: PcM exam-day guide
ARE 5.0: PcM · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring a current, unexpired photo ID with your signature; the name must match your NCARB record exactly. Confirm accepted ID forms with the test provider before exam day.
Appointment confirmation
Save the confirmation showing date, start time, and test-center address or online-proctoring link. Keep a screenshot available offline.
NCARB record and exam authorization
Know your NCARB record number and confirm that your exam authorization is active for Practice Management. Resolve any eligibility issue before the appointment.
Test-center route and arrival plan
Confirm the recommended arrival time with the provider, map parking and transit, and add buffer for traffic or security screening. Late arrival can forfeit your seat.
Remote-proctoring system check (if applicable)
If you are testing online, run the provider's system test in advance and confirm camera, microphone, internet, and a private room meet requirements. Availability of online proctoring varies, so confirm with the provider.
Note-taking materials
Do not bring your own scratch paper. Use only the note-taking materials provided at the test center or within the testing software; confirm the exact policy with the provider.
Calculator policy
Expect an on-screen calculator and no personal calculator; confirm permitted calculator use with the provider before exam day.
Personal items plan
Leave phones, smartwatches, notes, and bags at home or store them as directed. You will not have access to personal items during the exam.
Comfort and logistics items
Bring layers, glasses if needed, and water or a snack for before and after the exam. These are for outside the testing room only.
One-page review sheet
Prepare a single high-level summary of Practice Management topics for a last look before check-in, then store it away. Do not carry it into the testing room.
Break and timing strategy
Decide in advance when you will take breaks and how you will monitor the clock. Confirm whether unscheduled breaks are allowed and whether time continues to run.
Provider contact and emergency plan
Save the provider's contact number and know the reschedule and no-show policies. Have a backup plan for transportation or technical failure.
Plan the day
Confirm appointment details, ID validity, and test-center route or remote-proctoring setup. Review high-yield Practice Management topics such as financial management, business development, project team roles, and risk management. Stop introducing new material and protect sleep.
Do a light review only: skim your one-page summary and key formulas or financial ratios. Pack your ID and confirmation, set two alarms, check the weather and transit, and go to bed at a normal time. Avoid cramming.
Eat a normal meal, arrive early per the provider's guidance, use the restroom, and store prohibited items. Keep conversation minimal and follow check-in instructions.
Read the tutorial and confirm how to navigate, flag, and access the calculator. Set up your scratch sheet and note the total time and your target pace.
Answer each question, flag uncertain ones, and move on. Use scratch paper for financial calculations and eliminate clearly wrong options. Do not let one question consume extra minutes.
Take a break only if you need one, and know whether the clock continues. Stretch, hydrate, and return promptly; the proctor controls re-entry.
Review flagged questions, confirm no question is left blank, and make a best guess on anything unresolved. Guessing is preferable to leaving an item unanswered.
Follow the provider's checkout process and keep your score report. Confirm result timing and next steps with NCARB or the provider.
Rules to check
Bring an unexpired government-issued photo ID whose name matches your NCARB record exactly. If the ID is expired, altered, or mismatched, you may be denied entry; confirm accepted forms with the provider.
Do not bring phones, smartwatches, notes, or other unauthorized materials into the testing room. Store personal items as directed and keep devices powered off.
Follow all proctor instructions. No talking, no looking at other candidates' screens, and no sharing or reproducing exam content; the confidentiality agreement applies.
Unscheduled breaks may be available, but the exam clock generally continues to run. Confirm the break policy with the provider before exam day and plan accordingly.
The exam is scored pass/fail from a scaled score. There is no penalty for guessing, so answer every question. Confirm score-report timing with the provider.
If a technical problem occurs, raise your hand or contact the proctor immediately. Do not troubleshoot alone; the provider must document the issue.
Know the reschedule and cancellation deadlines and fees before committing to your appointment. Confirm these policies directly with the provider.
Use only the calculator and note-taking tools provided. Personal calculators and outside reference materials are not permitted unless the provider explicitly allows them.