What happens if the identification does not match the name in your NCARB Record?

• A. You must resolve name discrepancies at least seven business days prior to your scheduled exam.
• B. You can update your name at the test center.
• C. You will be issued a temporary ID.
• D. The exam will be canceled with no option to reschedule.

Answer: (A)

Identity verification for the ARE requires the name on your NCARB Record to match the name on the government-issued photo ID you’ll use at the test center. If there’s a mismatch, you must resolve the discrepancy before the exam, with a lead time of at least seven business days prior to your scheduled test. This window gives NCARB time to update records and verify documents so you can check in smoothly. You can’t usually update your name at the test center, a temporary ID isn’t issued for this purpose, and an exam cancellation with no option to reschedule isn’t the standard remedy when there’s a name mismatch—the approved path is to fix the record in advance.