As of July 30, 2018, ARE4.0 Architect Exam is no more (let’s all take a moment of silence for that horrible vignette software.) But with this series also went one extra test! So long seven exams, hello six!
In this post I’ll review the six exams that are now required to obtain your architecture license. Plus, I’ll review tips, study strategies, and manuals that can be used for each section.
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First things first, go to the NCARB website and make sure you have filled all the eligibility requirements for your state and can start the architect exam. Once you’ve done this, you can start gathering your study guides and manuals.
One item of frustration I have heard about from soon-to-be test takers is finding good resources for ARE5.0. Or that their firm, friends, or co-worker have the manuals relating to ARE4.0 only.
However, these references are still very applicable to the new exam sections! You just have to know which ones to use while studying.
I used the Ballast (PPI) manuals when taking ARE4.0 and recommend using them if you have them on hand or if you can find them at a great price.
Shop the entire updated PPI study materials here! PLUS, used my link for an additional 15% OFF your order! (Prep courses and review bundles not included.) Use the link below!
PPI2PASS have great study resources! I think the best deal for the money is the ARE 5.0 PRINT BUNDLE and the Flash Cards! You can find all my recommendations here!
Other Useful References:
Besides typical review manuals, you should also look into gathering some classic architecture reference books. Not only will these come in handy when you are studying, but they are good office staples to keep by your desk everyday!
Like Practice Exams?
If you are like me, the more and more practice you get, the better you feel on test day. To help get you in the testing groove (and alleviate stress for the big day!) look into these Mock Exams and Practice Questions for all six divisions!
Interior Construction & Detailing for Designers & Architects
I know what you’re thinking…..Interior Construction? Designers? Excuse me? But seriously, look into this book. Number one, it’s Ballast, and anything Ballast is awesome when you are preparing for your exams. Plus, you’ll get a lot of use out of this book in the office!
Respect The Ching!
Architectural Graphic Standards
Practice Management (PcM)
This exam will focus mainly on the business side of architecture and how to manage the practice (makes sense right?) You’ll need to understand aspects of business law and risk, the types of services architect’s provide, and other business operations.
Related ARE4.0 sections:
Project Management (PjM)
PjM looks into the ways architects should manage projects. Project schedule, project coordination, contracts (fun, fun), and scope (and scope creep!) will be important aspects of this exam to master.
Related ARE4.0 Sections:
Programming & Analysis (PA)
In this exam you will begin to analyze the building and site potential and problems to be able to develop a program for the project. Codes, regulations, site conditions, and environmental constraints will all come into play here.
Related ARE4.0 Sections:
Project Planning & Design (PPD)
Now starts the fun exams (in my opinion). PPD will bring in aspects of what you learned about Codes and Regulations and will have you start to relate them to the building design. You will also need to start understanding the different systems of a building, how they relate, and how everything integrates for a cohesive building and site design.
Related ARE4.0 Sections:
- Site Planning & Design (SPD)
- Building Design & Construction Systems (BDCS)
- Structural Systems (SS)
- Building Systems (BS)
- Schematic Design (SD)
Project Development & Documentation (PDD)
This exams focuses on the break down of the documents and how they work with each other; the disciplines being Architectural, Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical. PDD directly builds off PPD in this sense. Drawings, Specifications, Codes, and cost estimates are topics you will need to master before taking this exam.
Related ARE4.0 Sections:
- Construction Documents & Services (CDS)
- Building Design & Construction Systems (BDCS)
- Structural Systems (SS)
- Building Systems (BS)
Construction & Evaluation (CE)
And finally, this exam will focus on the different tasks architects face with construction administration and evaluations after the building, or project, has been occupied. Basically this exams focuses on the responsibilities once a building if being constructed and a contractor becomes involved.
Related ARE4.0 Sections:
Goodbye Vignettes, Hello Case Studies!
So in ARE4.0 once you finished the multiple choice section of your exam you would take a quick (and somewhat annoying) break before you could re-enter the testing facility to take the vignette, or drawing, portion of the exam.
Now with ARE5.0, examinees will perform a Case Study portion of the exam. This section will give a specific scenario to the examinee along with 10-20 questions that will need to be addressed by multiple choice, drag-and-drop, fill in the black, etc.
So Which Order Do You Take Them?
The great thing about ARE5.0 is that you can study for multiple exams at one time by how each exam is set up! Because of this, you could look at taking the exams a couple of different ways.
Personally though, I would first recommend all new test takers to try and take divisions that encompass a smaller range of subjects first. For instance, this would be divisions like Construction & Evaluation.
CE – PcM – PjM – PA – PDD – PPD
The main reason to take a more focused divisions is to just get comfortable with the format and overall testing day jitters. Once you have an exam under your belt you will begin to feel a lot more confident.
After getting your first test down, I would focus on other exams that relate to CE; probably PcM and PjM in any order.
PA would probably be my 4th exam I would recommend taking as it somewhat ties together what you’ve learned in PcM and PjM and will bridge the following two exams well.
All things said, I recommend taking PDD 5th, and PPD 6th. These are very diverse divisions and include a lot of different topics. Taking these towards the end will allow you to build your knowledge on each exam you complete and be fully prepared.
What to learn more about the ARE and how to study? Here you will find more tips, resources, and my personal study schedule for the architect exams.
Got any other useful study tips? Have other questions about taking an architect exam? Shoot me a comment or email me! I’d love to hear from you!
