Architectural Registration Exam Tips

Register for your exams with NCARB. You can do this during AXP. Don’t wait. When you pass your first exam, a rolling clock starts. You then have 5 yrs to complete/pass the remainder of exams. If for some reason you are unable to make it within the 5 yrs, the first test will “drop” and the 5yr date will move to the second passed test; you will have to re-take the first one.

Know how you test and work that to your advantage. Everyone has a system.

Bring food to the test site. Wear comfortable clothes. You will not be allowed a watch, or anything else on your wrists. Any jewelry, besides wedding rings, is also prohibited. DO NOT CHECK YOUR PHONE. Automatic fail and you will be put on review.

Check if your firm reimburses costs of tests or has study materials available. Do they provide paid time off for taking the tests?

Study Material

• http://www.ncarb.org/en/ARE/Preparing-for-the-ARE.aspx
• Brightwood or Ballast. Each has their pros /cons.
• http://ironwarrior.org/ARE/
• http://are-review.blogspot.com/
• http://arecoach.com/coachforum/
• https://designerhacks.com/
• https://arewethereblog.com/candys-picks/
• #AREsketches (Instagram or website with newsletter)
• Blogs and book from youngarchitect.com
• https://www.youtube.com/user/NCARBorg
• https://are5community.ncarb.org/hc/en-us

Online Study Programs

• http://architectexamprep.com/
• https://blackspectacles.com/
• https://www.nalsa.com/

ARE 5.0 Test-Specific Information

BDCS (Building Design & Construction Systems)

• Combination of all other tests
• Grant Adams Lecture https://vimeo.com/album/3216058

BS (Building Systems)

• MEP and systems integration
• MEEB!
• Amber Book http://arebuildingsystems.com/online-seminars/

CDS (Contract Documents & Services)

• PPP, CDS, materials, accessibility
• Masterspec
• Read AIA A201 (with commentary)
• Schiff-Hardin Lectures http://www.schiffhardin.com/professionals/attorneys/d-i/hanahan-michael-j/hanahan-lecture-notes-2015

PPP (Programming, Planning, & Practice)

• Contracts, PPP process, money/funding

SD (Schematic Design)

• Vignette only
• Practice, practice, practice
• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3RWNB7yNpT1GToTTBHYHlUqWYb4rw2oj

SPD (Site Planning & Design)

• Combination of Site Design, PPP, and Contracts
• Accessibility
• Soils and materials
• http://www.brudgers.com/arefaq/arefaq-public-docs/10225SiteZoningStudyGuide.pdf

SS (Structural Systems)

• Review your notes from school
• http://davidthaddeus.com/are-tips/
• http://www.dustingoffron.com/ARE/SS/MartysStructureNotes.pdf
• AIA Buildings at Risk: Seismic Design Basics
• AIA Buildings at Risk: Wind Design Basics

General Info

Multiple Choice

• There will typically be two answers you can immediately mark off. Work backwards.
• Use the “Mark” system. They are your friends.
• There will always be some “wtf” questions. Don’t let them frazzle you.

Please comment below if you have any questions or tips of your own to share.