NCARB's warning about ARE scammers

TBAE has received an alert from NCARB about an online scam regarding the Architect Registration Exam (ARE), and we will take the opportunity to share it with Texas exam candidates, their supervisors, and the profession generally.  

From NCARB: 

NCARB has recently become aware of a new online scam related to the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®). You may encounter Instagram posts or posts on other social media platforms promising an easy way to get licensed without taking the ARE. The scam typically asks you to provide your personal registration information and a sum of money, with a claim that the scammer will take your exam for you.

While follow-through on this promise would be unethical and subject to serious disciplinary and legal action, in most cases, the scammer simply takes your payment and personal information.

NCARB continues to report fraudulent social media posts to the host company to have such posts removed and accounts closed. If you come across one of these posts or something similar:

  • Request the social media platform to remove the fraudulent posts and close the account
  • Do not engage with the post, share any of your personal information, or provide any financial information or payment
  • Notify NCARB customer service of the post by contacting customerservice@ncarb.org


Fraudulently circumventing the licensure process has serious professional repercussions. Help protect the value of licensure and the integrity of the architectural profession by reporting this activity.