AREs as IPAL Student - Study Advice

I saw almost no posts about other IPAL students here taking the exams, so I wanted to post something for the other students I know are out there! 

Some background, I am enrolled in a 2-year Master of Architecture that has an Integrated Path to Architecture Licensure (IPAL) program, which essentially just means you can start taking the exams while you are in school. I am now graduating this May, and I was able to take and pass all 6 exams within the 2 years. I also completed the AXP, so I found some work experience did help with some of the more technical exams. 

Overall Tips

You need to block out time dedicated to studying. I was told to aim for 15-20 hours of studying per week, this averages out to around 2 hours per day, so it isn’t the worst. I would wake up early to study before work/class. Consistency really is the key here.

Failure is part of the process! Everyone I know taking the exams has failed at least once (me included). Don't see it as a roadblock but as a learning process. Focus on your weak spots, don't ignore them.

Make studying something enjoyable! Go to a cafe or study with friends when you can. I would study sometimes with my friend who's getting her master's in social work, so you definitely don’t need to be studying for the same exam to sit down and study with a friend. Most importantly you have to convince yourself you love studying!

Testing Order

I took CE, PJM, PCM, then took PA, and studied for PPD/PDD at the same time. There is so much overlap, so it's not like you're taking a completely new exam each time. PPD and PDD I felt covered content I had recently learned about in school and learned from work experience.

Resources Used

So many different books were used for all the exams so I’m just going to list off the ones I remember being the most helpful or ones I remember the most.

Ballast - Used for all exams, definitely a must read.

Brightwood - Used for pro practice exams (PCM, PJM, CE).

AHPP - For all pro practice, Wiley guide breaks down what pages to read.

Schiff Hardin Lectures - For all pro practice, I would listen to them on my commute to work sometimes.

Site planning and Design - For PA.

Problem Seeking - For PA.

IBC 2021 - For PPD/PDD, I would read through the actual website and get familiar with navigating the code.

Architects Studio Companion 5th edition - For PPD/PDD, it has great diagrams for HVAC and structural systems. It also has pages comparing each of the systems and explains when to use each one so that I found it really helpful.

Hyperfine study plan - I read the majority of the books/chapters listed there.

NCARB Practice exams! 

3rd Party Resources

Black Spectacles - My school had a subscription, so I used this for all of the exams. I found the practice exams/quizzes most helpful, but I wouldn't recommend watching the videos. They also hosted online workshops where you get into a zoom call and answer practice questions together, I found them very helpful!

WeARE - Used for all the exams. The quizzes/practice exams are hard but really help to test your knowledge and make you learn more.

AmberBook - Used for PPD retake. Watched all videos except pro practice, went through all flashcards/practice exams for PPD, PDD, and PA because of similar content.

These exams are hard, but you can do it!