Podcast – Architect Exam Prep – ARE Prep Courses

In this episode, David and Eric focus on the ARE PDD (Project Development & Documentation) exam, framing it as the construction documents phase in contrast to PPD’s schematic design and PA’s programming.

David and Eric discuss five tips for passing the programming and analysis (PA) division of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). They emphasize that PA is about evaluation, not design, and highlight the importance of using highlighting tools for long, wordy questions.

David and Eric discuss five tips for passing the programming and analysis (PA) division of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). They emphasize that PA is about evaluation, not design, and highlight the importance of using highlighting tools for long, wordy questions.

This episode of the ARE podcast gives five key tips for passing the ARE Construction & Evaluation (CE) exam. The focus is on thinking like an architect under the AIA contracts, emphasizing standard of care, observation vs. construction, administrative procedures, question-reading strategy, and performance-focused closeout/post-occupancy work. Throughout, they stress judgment, restraint, documentation, and staying within professional/contractual boundaries. Listen to the [...]

David discusses how to course correct after failing an ARE exam. He explains why one failed division shouldn’t create a negative narrative and reminds candidates that failure simply means retaking the exam. He also covers how to review the score report, keep momentum by scheduling the next exam about eight weeks out, and use [...]

In this episode, David and Eric discuss how to realistically interpret NCARB ARE score reports without overthinking them. They explain why content area percentages and “low” scores often look worse than they are, and how weighting and test design affect what the report really means. They also share healthier retake strategies, focusing on fuzzy [...]

In this episode, David introduces the new ARE Mentor format — short, direct Tuesday episodes focused on mindset, structure, and execution — alongside the ongoing ARE Technical episodes released on Fridays. Listen to the Audio Show Notes The core message: most candidates don’t struggle because they lack knowledge. They struggle because they [...]

In this podcast, we discuss the idea of Where's Waldo and how we can better look for answers during the process of the ARE. Listen to the Audio Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes [...]

In this podcast, we discuss another frequently confusing and fuzzy topic, the RFP (Request For Proposal) process for both public and private projects. Listen to the Audio Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and [...]

In this podcast, we discuss a frequently confusing and fuzzy topic, fire separation and the 4 types. Listen to the Audio Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a review. It would really [...]