ARE complete: Process Snapshot and shout out to Hyperfine

I recently passed PDD which brings my ARE journey to a conclusion.  Quick background:  I am 53 years old, have owned a design/build construction company for 25 years.  I am married with 2 teenaged kids.  I graduated from Architecture school in 1995 and completed the AXP a few years ago.  This is obviously not the typical path to licensure but to anyone out there questioning if they can do this or not I'll say this-if you commit yourself to the process and look at the ARE as another opportunity to further educate yourself and enrich your understanding of the profession that is Architecture-you too can pass the ARE.  On the other hand, if you look at the ARE as an inconvenience, a grind, and another set of tests you have to pass, you might be in for a tough haul.

I took the ARE while running my company, while taking plenty of time for family, while also taking plenty of time to get out and do the things I enjoy.  I took PCM, PJM, and CE last winter and then took the summer and fall off to re-charge and focus fully on other aspects of my life.  I then took PA, PPD, and PDD this winter.

I passed all 6 divisions on the first try and I owe a lot to Ben Norkin and his Hyperfine study courses.  I used it as the core of my study routine for all 6 exams and found it to be extremely helpful.  Without it  I'm not sure I would have been studying the right topics, and at the right level.  I cannot recommend Hyperfine enough.  If you do all the reading he suggests (and take notes!) and do every question of every assignment, you will be well on your way.  I dabbled with many of the other well known ARE resources, but after the first exam I decided Hyperfine was best for me.

I supplemented Hyperfine with lots of reading and note taking of NCARB primary and supplemental resources for each division.  I did lots of Designer Hacks practice quizzes for quick repetition and dare I say "lazy" studying.  I took the NCARB practice exams for all 6 divisions in "Test Mode" because I wanted to simulate the real thing.  I took these about a week before each exam to allow time to go over them.  I failed all but 2 of the practice exams.  For all 6, pass or fail, I combed over them and looked closely at the questions I got wrong and researched the topics so as to understand why I missed those questions.

I could go on and on about the ARE but I wanted to just put a quick snapshot of my overall process in this general discussion.  Remember: luck is when preparation meets opportunity...Good luck!