ARE Resources

Dear Dr. Architecture,

I came across your blog while searching on information about prepping for ARE exam. Thanks for the blog, it definitely give me confidence to begin the ARE Exam.

I need some advise on finding the best ARE books to begin my study. They're a few choices of books 

I found online, but not sure which one to choose from. What ARE prep books would you recommend? 
_______________


As I have not personally taken the ARE, I am not in a position to recommend specific resources for taking the ARE, but there are plenty of resources --

ARE Resources (AIA) (see list below)
http://www.aia.org/professionals/licensed/AIAS074829

Study Resources for the ARE
http://academics.triton.edu/faculty/fheitzman/idp-stud.htm

ARE REOURCES – as listed on AIA

Resources from the NCARB

Learn the latest information on the NCARB ARE Home Page. Begin the process by reviewing the materials the provided by NCARB, the developers of the exam:

Handbook for Interns and Architects
Describes the NCARB organization, services, procedures, and examinations. Also outlines requirements for certification, IDP training requirements, and certification requirements for Canadian architects. View all free publications available from NCARB.

Also available: ARE 4.0 Guidelines| NCARB Study Guides | NCARB ARE FAQ

You can register to take the ARE on the Prometric Web site.

ARE Study Guides

Several publishers and companies offer study materials. Please see their Web sites for more information. Check with your local AIA component to see if they lend ARE study materials. Also, enter the ARE Forum to get recommendations or buy secondhand books.

Amor Study Guides (3.1)
Study Guides for all Divisions and California Supplemental Exam
Author: William A. Amor, NCARB, AIA

Archiflash (3.1 & 4.0)
Practice problems for ARE 4.0 divisions.
Flashcards for all ARE 3.1 multiple-choice divisions.
Author: National Academic & Licensing Study Aids, LLC. (NALSA)

Architectural Licensing Exam Preparation (3.1)
For each ARE 3.1 multiple-choice division and California Supplemental Exam: Workbook and Sample Exam Booklet
Author: Richard Chylinski, FAIA

Architecture Exam Review (3.1 & 4.0)
Book series for all divisions of the ARE 4.0
Book series of Structural, Non-structural, Graphic topics include: Study guide, examples and solutions, practice exams
Author: Various practitioners, see Web site

Free lecture notes and structural tips
Author: David Thaddeus, AIA

Kaplan AEC Education (3.1 & 4.0)
For each ARE 4.0 division: Study Guide, Online Supplement, Practice Vignette Books, Question & Answer Books, Flashcards
For each ARE 3.1 multiple-choice division: Study Guide, Questions and Answers Handbook, Test Bank CD-ROM, Flash Cards, Online Interactive Review
For each ARE 3.1 graphic division: Study Guide, Practice Vignettes, Test Bank CD-Rom, Online Learning, Flash Cards
Author: Various practitioners and includes Architectural License Seminars (ALS) resources

MBA Architectural (3.1 & 4.0)
(909) 336-1180
CDs and DVDs and books for all ARE study divisions
California supplemental exam information also included
Author: Michael P. Boardway, R.A

Sissoko Design Office, Inc (California Supplemental Exam)
CSE study guide:  “California Supplemental Exam ---An elemental understanding of the CSE---A synthesis of the California Architects Board recommended reference materials” Also a companion book contains a total of 10 sample exams and answers.
Author:  Habib Sissoko, Licensed Architect

Workbook: Solutions: Understanding the Graphic Divisions of the Architect's Exam
Home Study Course includes: Solutions Workbook, Mock Exams (pencil & paper version or computer version), NCARB Tutorial Solutions, Past Exams
Author: Norman K. Dorf, AIA

ARE Seminar Instructors

Candidates should check with your local AIA component to see if they organize ARE seminars or look at the AIA national Events Calendar for already scheduled seminars. Seminars may also occur at the local, state, or regional level or through a school of architecture. Some of the seminar instructors also offer online seminars. Check their Web sites for more information.

Architectural Licensing Exam Preparation (3.1)
Richard Chylinski, FAIA

ARE Prep for Graphic Divisions (3.1 & 4.0)
Bob J. Wise Jr., Robert Elfer, NCARB, AIA, Laura Serebin, AIA

Funkaar Studios (3.1 & 4.0)
Umber Kazmi, LEED AP

Kaplan AEC Education (3.1 & 4.0)

MBA Architectural Seminars, Workshops, and Tutoring (3.1 & 4.0)
Michael P. Boardway, R.A.
(909) 336-1180

PREPA-R-E (3.1)
Marc Mitalski, PE, SE, Assoc. AIA

Seminars on General Structures and Lateral Forces Divisions (3.1 & 4.0)

David Thaddeus, AIA, NCARB | UNC-Charlotte | (704) 687-4021

Seminars on Mechanical and Electrical Systems Division
Wendell Edwards | CUNY-New York | (718) 260-5266

Mike Green, PE | Arkansas-based | (479) 443-4786

Seminars for Graphic Divisions
Bob Stephen and Barry Chin | California-based | (415) 681-6991

ARE Scholarships

Check with your local AIA component to see if they know of local scholarships opportunities. To suggest an addition to this list, please email emergingiprofessionals@aia.org.

Jason Pettigrew Scholarship
The AIA National Associates Committee (NAC) maintains a scholarship fund to remember their friend and colleague, Jason Pettigrew, Assoc. AIA. The scholarship recipients receive a full set of Kaplan ARE Study Guides and funds to cover the cost of taking each section of the ARE once. Please note $400 is awarded up front and remainder is paid upon successful completion of the exam, and to receive balance of award, recipients must complete the ARE within 5 years of receiving the initial award and submit passing reports from each of the divisions of the exam to the AIA for verification of completion.

Texas State Scholarship
A scholarship fund called the Architect Registration Examination Financial Assistance Fund (AREFAF) was created by the Seventy-sixth Legislature of the state of Texas.  This scholarship fund serves a public purpose of the state of Texas by promoting the professional needs of the state; increasing the number of highly trained and educated registered architects available to serve the residents of the state; improving the state's business environment and encouraging economic development; and identifying, recognizing, and supporting outstanding applicants who plan to pursue careers in architecture. The scholarship is a one-time reimbursement of $500 for taking the Architect Registration Examination. TBAE will award scholarships twice each year - December 31st and June 30th. The deadline for submitting scholarship applications is two weeks prior to each award date.

AIA Shreveport Grant for Interns/Edward Kemp Grant Fund
In an endeavor to assist intern architects enrolled in IDP with the cost of exam fees for the Architectural Registration Exam, the AIA Shreveport Chapter has established an annual grant fund for newly licensed architects. Intern architects are eligible for a financial grant upon passing the exam and obtaining a Louisiana license. Ask a board member for further information in regards to this grant.

Architects of Other Things

I could not resist including the attached series of images of architects of other things:

Architects of Other Things
http://architectsofotherthings.tumblr.com/

A list of previous architecture students who are not designing buildings.

Who knew that you could become a queen or rock star after pursuing architecture.

With appreciation to my colleague, David Zach, below is a Word Cloud of Other Things you can do/purse as an architect.

Becoming an Architect: What to do in High School

i'm going to high school next year, and i want to be an architect. Do you have any advice for me? Buildings to see, books to read, classes to take? Thanks so much!

___________

First, as you are just now about to enter high school, know that you are ahead of the game.  Many students do not discover their interest in architecture until well into high school or after.

Start by planning to attend one of many high school summer programs during your high school summers; for a list visit - www.archcareers.org.  These are great opportunities to help you learn more about the process and determine if becoming an architect is what you want to do.

Next, learn to draw by hand -- do not worry about drafting or CAD which is taught by most high schools.  Instead, take ART or creative courses - drawing, painting, ceramics, etc.  If your high school does not offer ART, simply buy a sketchbook and draw 30 minutes per day of everyday objects.  You are trying to connect your brain, eye, and hand.

Also, explore and see the built environment around you.  It is great to see the architecture around you but start with your own house.  Become a detective and learn the materials of a buildings -- why did the architect do what he/she did.

Contact local architects to possibly shadow for a day or so to learn more about the career. Visit architecture schools to consider but also to see what happens in college.

A last idea is to obtain a copy of Becoming an Architect, 2nd. Edition.  These ideas should get you started, but feel free to contact me again as you explore architecture.

Best.