Preparation for the ARE

Again, thank you for your advice regarding volunteerism and architecture firms.  I am in complete agreement with you. No one should work for free.

 

I have another question. I have many books, outside of my school curriculum.  What books would you suggest I consider regarding preparation for the ARE?

 

Granted, I'm about to begin my second semester(first year)in pursuit of a masters in architecture. I thought that it would make sense to begin preparing for the ARE, if possible, as early as possible. Apart from my books prescribed from my school curriculum, I also have books from Wiley & Sons(Architectural Graphic Standards, 11th Edition, full: the CD-ROM is too expensive, Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction, 2nd Edition, Building Construction Illustrated, Architecture: Form, Space & Order, A Visual Dictionary of Architecture: these 3 are from Francis Ching).

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First, NCARB, the organization that administers the ARE has an exam guide for each division of the ARE (see one attached).  As you can see, there is a list of references to assist you in exam preparation.

http://www.ncarb.org/ARE/Preparing-for-the-ARE.aspx
The following references are presented to assist candidates in preparation for the examination. This list represents texts that have content covered in this division of the examination. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible reference materials for the subject area. NCARB makes no guarantee that the various references are currently in print.

ARE Resources (from the AIA)
http://www.aia.org/professionals/licensed/AIAS074829Please note, the AIA collects and disseminates this information as a service to AIA members without endorsement or recommendation. Appropriate use of the information provided is the responsibility of the reader.

Kaplan AEC
http://www.kaplanaecarchitecture.com/Kaplan offers several educational tools help you better understand the exam, review content, and reinforce subject retention – including study guides, question & answer handbooks, practice vignettes, flashcards, online test banks, and interactive exercises.
 

ARE Forum
http://www.areforum.org/
It is a resource for the learning community on the web with active users comprised of both practitioners in architecture and academics involved in research and teaching. The forum is free.

Another resource to consider to the next phase of your path - experience.

http://www.epcompanion.org/

The Emerging Professional’s Companion is a online resource developed by the AIA and NCARB primarily for use by interns in gaining IDP credit. The Companion can also be used by educators, young architects, AIA components, and firms in a variety of ways to enhance or create new learning opportunities.

As you can see, there are a lot of resources.  I would suggest you connect with fellow students and emerging professionals to see what guides/resources work best.

Keep it up!

 

Dr. Architecture

 

IDP Experience

How do you go about getting work for the Intern Development Program (IDP) credit if there are no jobs around? Who can I network with I have skills and experience and a BA Architecture degree. 

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First, I suggest you fully review the October 2010 IDP Guidelines as posted on the NCARB website.  Assuming you have a NCARB Council Record which is necessary to document experience and have a IDP Mentor, you can gain experience (IDP credit) in some categories.

Effective October 2010, you can experience (up to a maximum) from Design Competitions, Community Based Design Center, and a Site Visit with a mentor.

You may also gain credit from the Emerging Professionals Companion (EPC) and AIA Continuing Education (see below from Guidelines

Effective 1 January 2010
Interns, whether or not employed in a qualified work setting, may earn elective hours by completing AIA-approved continuing education resources and programs. Self-reported continuing education is not eligible for IDP credit.
l One AIA learning unit earns one elective IDP hour.

For more details, contact your IDP Educator Coordinator or State Coordinator.  For a list, visit NCARB.

Dr. Architecture