1 answer
Claire
Student
Memphis, Tennessee
2
Questions
Asked
401 views
How do you recommend studying for the ARE's?
I am going into graduate school after working for 2ish years
Login to comment
1 answer
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1463
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Claire! Congrats on taking the next step toward becoming a licensed architect buddy. Now lemme say that the AREs can feel overwhelming at first, but its totally doable. So, Here’s what I’d recommend, especially since you're coming in with some professional experience which I hope helps.
Start with one division at a time. Don’t try to study for all six at once. Choose one (many people start with Practice Management or Project Management), and focus fully on that. Once you pass one, the momentum builds on.
Use the NCARB handbook, It’s free and gives you a breakdown of what to expect in each division. Go through the objectives and mark what you already know vs. what you need to review.
Stick to one main study source, then supplement. Ballast and Black Spectacles are popular as far I know. Designer Hacks is great for quick quizzes, and YouTube has some helpful breakdowns. Just don’t overwhelm yourself with too many sources. Go on one step at a time whatever feels right for you to do.
Create a study schedule you can stick with. If you work or are in grad school, try 1–2 hours per day, 4–5 days a week. Use weekends for longer review sessions or practice exams. Quality beats quantity here.
Practice exams are the most efficient. The ARE isn’t just about knowing content but it’s about how to apply it under timed conditions. The more mock tests you do, the more confident you’ll feel on test day.
Form or join a study group can totally help a lot. Even meeting up virtually every week or two with others going through it can keep you motivated and offer new perspectives on tricky topics.
And finally, give yourself grace because bud these exams can be tough. You might fail one, and that’s okay because it’s part of the process. Take the lessons, adjust your prep, and go again.
You’ve already got two years of experience and truly that’s a solid foundation. You’ve got this and if you ever need a little help along the way feel free to always reach out.
Download the NCARB ARE 5.0 Handbook
Choose your first division and set a target test date
Pick one or two solid study resources to begin with
Block off consistent study time each week
Take practice questions every few days to track progress
Start with one division at a time. Don’t try to study for all six at once. Choose one (many people start with Practice Management or Project Management), and focus fully on that. Once you pass one, the momentum builds on.
Use the NCARB handbook, It’s free and gives you a breakdown of what to expect in each division. Go through the objectives and mark what you already know vs. what you need to review.
Stick to one main study source, then supplement. Ballast and Black Spectacles are popular as far I know. Designer Hacks is great for quick quizzes, and YouTube has some helpful breakdowns. Just don’t overwhelm yourself with too many sources. Go on one step at a time whatever feels right for you to do.
Create a study schedule you can stick with. If you work or are in grad school, try 1–2 hours per day, 4–5 days a week. Use weekends for longer review sessions or practice exams. Quality beats quantity here.
Practice exams are the most efficient. The ARE isn’t just about knowing content but it’s about how to apply it under timed conditions. The more mock tests you do, the more confident you’ll feel on test day.
Form or join a study group can totally help a lot. Even meeting up virtually every week or two with others going through it can keep you motivated and offer new perspectives on tricky topics.
And finally, give yourself grace because bud these exams can be tough. You might fail one, and that’s okay because it’s part of the process. Take the lessons, adjust your prep, and go again.
You’ve already got two years of experience and truly that’s a solid foundation. You’ve got this and if you ever need a little help along the way feel free to always reach out.
Dr recommends the following next steps: