Amber Book
I know that the amber book is designed to study the full course and then take exams all at once , but, that does seem a bit daunting. So was wondering if anyone here used the Amber book partially to study for PCM, PJM, and CE?
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So Amber book says it's the one stop study platform, but pro practice is the one section where you do need a lot of other materials. Contracts, Hanahan lectures, and ethics code. So is amber book good for pro practice? Yes, it basically replaces 1000 pages of mind numbing reading in the AHPP with animated video. But you will still need to use other content.
That said, I started out doing exactly what you're saying, but pretty quickly changed my mind. The course is intentionally confusing to do it out of order
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I recommend Hyperfine above all other courses. I used it as the core of my study regimen for all 6 divisions and passed them all first try. I dabbled with all the other well known courses but settled on HF after PCM and so glad I did. The ARE is not an exercise in passive studying. You have to completely engage yourself and put in the work. It's helpful to look at it as an opportunity to expand your knowledge in architecture, not just 6 tests you have to survive.
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Hello.
I'd start with CE or PjM first. Your best resource is reading AHPP, the Project section. Supplement with Hanahan lectures, reading the contracts, and then Ballast.
GL!
Rebekka Klos, NCARB, B. Arch, M. Ed, ARE Educator
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The best way is to study for all the tests at once and then take them all at once (you’re more likely to pass each exam if you’ve studied for them all and you’ll study far fewer total hours)…that said, taking one test at a time is the second best path and the path that most Amber Book enrollees pursue…and we think that’s a good plan too..
-Michael Ermann, Amber Book creator -
aanoohi I, and many other people based on what I have read, think the best sequence is PCM, PJM, CE because they have so much in common, particularly contracts. Then PA, PPD, PDD which also have much in common (especially PA and PPD).
I personally think it is crazy to try to study for all 6 tests at once and can't believe anyone would actually do that but hey, whatever works. I considered Amber, and watched some of the Youtube videos before I took my first test. It just didn't seem like a fit for me so I looked other places and that's when I found Hyperfine. I used it as the core of my study routine for all 6 tests (1 at a time- don't overwhelm yourself) and passed them all first try. I think the key is keeping an open mind for the first test and find the method that works for you and then stay with it for the rest of the ARE.
I keep saying this but I think it is key to look at the ARE as more than a pain in the neck and "damn I just have to survive this thing". You have to look at it as an opportunity to learn and grow as an architect. I have 8 notebooks filled with notes I took while studying for the ARE and I am keeping them because they are filled with valuable information that I have already referenced now that I am a practicing architect, and will continue to do so. Good luck, you can do it!!
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Hi aanoohi, this strategy does not work for everyone. Think about why you're studying and the purpose of these exams. You want to be a a really good architect once licensed, it is not just about exam taking. I would take the time to understand the material and focus on NCARB's objectives. Check out the Young Architect courses, SO much content for only $99/ month. It is broken down into courses, and breaks down the NCARB objectives one by one. There is also a plethora of practice questions, the more questions you do, the better off you will be exam day.
https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/
Best of luck! -
It seems that some of the folks in this forum may receive incentives or affiliate compensation for recommending other products. It's shady... So if that's you, be aware that transparency is required.
I have never met anyone who passed all 6 exams at once. Usually, the examples of folks who have done this are people who have worked at a high capacity in academia or industry for 20+ years. And they still studied very intensely for months to prepare too. There really aren't any shortcuts, so don't be fooled.
I also think that paying fat money for subscriptions that don't offer any personal attention is not necessary.
And in my 6+ yrs of experience with this ARE, I have met exactly 1 person who passed all 6 on the first attempt. Set realistic goals. Study every day. Read the books. Take notes. Do (and LEARN from) practice exams. You don't need to be shelling out $$$$$ to ARE millionaires.
Best regards!
Rebekka Klos
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I used amber book and I only failed one exam. I should have passed them all first time. It really is that good. It teaches you what you need to know to pass, how to pass, and nothing more. I really don't think any amount of studying makes you a better architect. The only thing that can do that is work.
As for how and when to take the exams, just do what you can handle. After finishing the main lecture course I took them in blocks of two, with one month to study in between. So over three months. Start to finish was 6 months and a couple days.
Finally on price, I think 90% of people are having this paid by their work. The other 10% will use the group discount which is like $150 per person so $900 for six months? I would have been fine paying that just to avoid reading AHPP.
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