Advice on studying for the AREs please
Hello, I am looking into starting to study again for the AREs and would like any advice or suggestions on what or how to study. I have taken, and failed, PCM twice and PJM once. I have always had test anxiety and end up spending too much time on most questions; I end up freezing at selecting which answer is correct, especially for the “choose the best three out of seven” type questions, and either have to rush to finish or end up running out of time. I have taken the NCARB Practice Exams multiple times, have tried Amber Book, have the Ballast ARE materials, read through the AHPP, have watched countless videos on YouTube, have taken endless notes, and created flash cards, so if anyone has any suggestions on what I should try next or a different method of studying, it would be greatly appreciated! The expensive monthly subscription study programs are not an affordable option for me at this time. Thank you for any and all advice and have a nice day!
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Hi,
I would not recommend starting with PcM as your first exam. Its pass rate is low (50% ) and it's about firm management, contract management, insurance, etc... All things that interns are not typically exposed to. Start with PjM or CE, which have pass rates of 60%. Do not spend too much time on any one question. Ever! Remember that there are 7 unscored questions on these exams. Start reading the Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice. This is the primary source for these 3 exams. Read the section about Project Management first. Print out the AIA contracts and take notes about them as you do readings and videos etc. Compile your notes about each contract in one place.
There's also great content on CSI Masterformat's youtube channel. You don't really need the subscriptions or study groups of candidates. You only need practice exams. Don't rely on video learning. In my opinion, if you aren't taking notes, it's likely that you are not retaining much from the videos. Always pause and take notes, and date/source all your notes so you can research the topic more later if needed.
Hope this helps! Keep studying!
Rebekka Klos
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Hi,
It sounds like you've already put a lot of effort into studying. Sorry about the failures.
If test anxiety and difficulty making decisions under time pressure are something you have experienced throughout school, college, standardized testing, or other exams, it may be worth speaking with a qualified professional. You may qualify for testing accommodations, such as getting extra time.
I would also be careful not to assume this is only an anxiety issue. Sometimes it can be a combination of anxiety, perfectionism, second-guessing, and content gaps. Correct answers in ARE questions are rarely the perfect answer. You need to pick the best option(s) under the circumstances, even if it may not be the best solution. So try to stick to the frame of the question and don't think further. It is a skill in itself and takes some time to achieve, but you will get there.
I recommend simplifying your resources rather than adding more. For PcM and PjM, (and for most of the CE) AHPP and the relevant AIA contracts are usually the most important sources. When reading, try to make the process as active as possible. Instead of simply highlighting or reading chapters, take notes in your own words, create flashcards from those notes, pause every few pages and quiz yourself on what you just learned, and explain concepts out loud as if you were teaching them to someone else. So a bit more active learning.
Lastly, I suggest spending a significant amount of time solving practice questions under timed conditions. Review not only why the correct answer is correct, but also why the incorrect answers are wrong.
I hope this helps. Wishing you the best of luck. Many people struggle with these exams before eventually passing them. You will get there too.
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My firm used a BlackSpectacles subscription, and it has been a well worth game changer. I too took those test and failed when I was 6-8 years into the field. I then retook them about 11 years into the field and loved the way that BS used their 30-day study program. It kept me focused each night and made me stay consistent reviewing content. My biggest take away in the PcM, PjM, Ce, and PA test were not to add extra curriculars in my head that the question was not asking. Often times you can get caught up with 'what-ifs' or logic that goes beyond what they are asking. Breaking away from that is difficult, but is a must to pass these Ncarb test. Stay consistent in studying and answering questions.
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cms2034 First, don't get discouraged. Many candidates need multiple attempts before finding the study approach and testing strategy that works best for them. Taking this initial step and committing to becoming licensed is a HUGE part of the process, so congratulations!
One thing I'd emphasize is that there isn't a universally "correct" exam order. While some candidates prefer to start with PjM or CE, others find success beginning with PcM. The best order varies based on your experience, strengths, and study preferences. What's most important is choosing a sequence that helps you build momentum and confidence. Check out this blog for more tips about how to plan your exam order and study strategically.
Based on what you've shared, it sounds like your challenge may be less about effort and more about test-taking strategy. If you tend to freeze on questions or spend too much time trying to find the perfect answer, remember that ARE questions are designed around selecting the best answer from the options provided—not necessarily the perfect real-world solution. Try setting a time limit for yourself during practice exams and get comfortable making a decision, flagging the question, and moving on.
Most importantly, keep going! The fact that you're seeking feedback and looking to refine your approach is a great sign. Many architects who are licensed today faced similar setbacks along the way.
Kiara | Black Spectacles | Community
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Hello, all.
I took the Programming and Analysis exam over the weekend and received provisional feedback of fail. I took my time and thought I thought I had answered most of the questions correctly, however, I guess I just can't get what the questions are truly asking, especially those with extraneous information. I have taken the NCARB Practice Exam, read through Amber Book and the Ballast ARE materials, have watched countless videos on YouTube, and have notes and flash cards that I reviewed. Would you recommend purchasing and reading through the books listed in the ARE Guidelines? Should I spend more than one month studying for each exam? I have ten years of professional experience and am hoping to further my career and become licensed. Thank you in advance for your response.
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Sorry to hear that... It is not easy to see that result on the screen, especially after feeling confident.
Regarding reading more books, I'm surprised I didn't mention this more strongly in my earlier response. Yes, I would definitely recommend reading the materials. It is an investment, not lost time. Also, it is a good habit to develop for the remaining exams. Changing your approach in this direction will make the rest of the journey better, IMO. Also, using the same study methods and materials and expecting a different result could also waste time.
For PA, I would definitely study Site Planning and Design Handbook, Sun, Wind & Light, the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, and Architect's Studio Companion (if you have time left).
I think how much study time you need per exam depends on the exam, but I recommend at least two months for technical exams like PA, PPD, and PDD. Some people have already read one or more of these books as part of their college curriculum and have been tested on the material during college, so they can thumb through and don't need 2–3 weeks per book to read them in detail. Others don't have that luxury, maybe studied abroad, and/or have never heard of these books before (like me), so they have to do a deeper dive.
That's why I said the time depends. Be your own judge. Especially after seeing the exam, you know, at least in the ballpark, what they are testing, so focus your effort mostly on recurring topics and concepts from the exam.
Lastly, try to analyze the questions you solve on a deeper level. Don't just focus on the correct answer. Try to think about the connection between what you studied, how the questions are worded, and how the correct answers are tied to the scenarios.
I hope this helps, and I hope you pass all of your remaining exams. Good luck!
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