What topics should be avoided in discussions about the ARE?

• A. General study tips unrelated to content.
• B. The weather on exam day.
• C. The color of the testing room.
• D. Specific details about ARE questions, case studies, or graphics.

Answer: (D)

Discussing specific ARE questions, case studies, or graphics is not allowed because exam content must stay confidential to protect fairness and the integrity of the testing process. NCARB’s policies prohibit sharing or soliciting exact items from the test, so talking about the precise questions or images you might have seen can lead to penalties and mislead others if those items change or are misremembered. The right approach is to focus on general study strategies, broad subject areas, and how to prepare, without referencing actual test content. Topics like the weather on exam day or the color of the testing room don’t affect the content or scoring, so they’re not relevant to how you study, but they also don’t require discussion beyond practical logistics.