Hello all, I’ve been following on these forums for months and you have all been a great resource for my ARE 4.0/5.0 journey. Passing my exams is a goal that I’ve had ever since I’ve started my architectural college education. I received my final PASS this past weekend so after a few days of relaxing and celebrating I thought that I would jump back on the forums and do a little wrapup on my path.
How I got here: I graduated with a MArch degree in the US in 2000 followed by 5 years of working in the US. I have completed and had NCARB approve all of my hours for IDP while working in the US. Then I moved to Europe where I’ve worked on international projects the past 12 years or so. A few moves around the continent inbetween along with starting a family with three kids and I decided it was time to get done with my AREs as I wasn’t going to get any younger.
Here is my testing path:
CDS- 09/06/16 - PASS
PPP- 12/15/16 - PASS
PPD- 02/23/17 - PASS (early incentive tester)
P&A- 02/24/17 - PASS (early incentive tester)
PDD- 04/20/17 - PASS
I started with the potential idea of transitioning after CDS, PPP, and SPD but when the early incentive offers were extended for PPD & P&A I took a gamble which ended up paying off. I took my exams in two different countries while living in a third country so that also added a bit more fun to the challenge.
What I studied:
I used the following 3rd party study guides:
- Ballast 2nd edition Review Manual = Sometimes tough to read but a great resource.
- Kaplan ARE 4.0 books with study guides and flashcards = The flashcards and study guides worked well for me.
- NALSA flashards app = This was great for on-the-go studying.
I mostly followed the NCARB recommended reading / study materials, but found the following particularly helpful:
- Building Construction Illustrated
- Problem Seeking_An Programming Architectural Primer
- AIA Contract Documents
- Schiff Hardin Lectures
- Site Planning and Design Handbook
- Professional Practice: A Guide to Turning Designs into Buildings
- Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2012 International Building Code
- Architectural Graphic Standards
- The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice
- 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
Although the reference and study guides were extremely helpful in this process, I would say that the 15+ years of experience working on all phases of a project was really the best preparation that I had for the what was on the exams. The forums provided a lot of insight and support for how the actual exams and process worked, which meant that going into the testing center each time I could focus on the content and not get hung up on what to expect logistically.
Thanks again to everyone out there – the forums have been great in this process. I encourage anyone that is thinking about or going through this process to just get started and to be positive. I second the advice that many people have about the best preparation for the exams is to actually schedule and take one. It was a strategy that worked well for me, but I understand everyone is different so use the resources and information out there and fine what works for you and then set up a plan and achieve your goal!
Next step is the license application and NCARB certificate – paperwork, fees, and bureaucracy….