Just Getting Started with the ARE, Help!
Hello everyone,
I am about to begin studying for the ARE exams, and to be honest, I feel a little overwhelmed and unsure where to start. I would really appreciate any guidance from those who have already gone through the process.
Which ARE division would you recommend taking first, and why?
Also, what study materials do you consider truly essential for that first exam? There seem to be so many resources available that I'm not sure where to focus my time and effort.
A little about me: I am an architect from Mexico and recently moved to the United States. I understand that I will need to study hard, especially to become familiar with U.S. codes, regulations, and professional practice.
Any advice, study strategies, recommended resources, or lessons learned from your experience would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance!
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Welcome Andrea10! Congratulations on getting your ARE journey started! It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at the beginning. There are a lot of resources out there, so the best thing you can do early on is keep your study plan simple and consistent.
There isn’t one “correct” exam order. Some people like starting with PcM, PjM, or CE because they overlap heavily with professional practice, contracts, and project delivery. Others start with the division that feels most familiar based on their work experience so they can build confidence. Since you’re also adjusting to U.S. codes and professional practice, PcM or PjM could be a helpful starting point, but choose the order that gives you the clearest path to momentum.
Here is a great free resource to help you get started, which covers exam order, proven study strategies, and expert test-taking tips: How to Pass the ARE 5.0 in 2026
Good luck getting started!
Kiara | Black Spectacles | Community
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Personally, I would begin by taking the mock NCARB exams provided on their practice dashboard. Get a feel for the content and materials on those exams, and gauge which you feel the most comfortable with prior to scheduling your first exam. There's no "right" place to begin since everyone's path is unique, so it's best to find what will work for you as the starting point.
Whichever you choose to start with, utilize the Reference Matrix in the ARE Handbook, as this will provide the primary sources NCARB relies on in crafting exam content. Good luck!
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