Preparing for the ARE
An exam guide for each division of the ARE is available in PDF format and can be downloaded below free of charge. Each exam guide contains sample multiple-choice questions (except Schematic Design), one passing and one failing solution for each sample vignette, and a list of references for further study.
Each division also has a practice program with sample vignettes for you to solve. The practice programs can be downloaded free of charge, and will run on an IBM PC or compatible computer running Windows 98, Windows XP, Windows NT or Windows Vista 32-bit.
Warning: the program will not run in a 64‐bit operating system.
ARE 4.0 Guidelines
All candidates preparing to take ARE 4.0 should download the ARE 4.0 Guidelines. This free publication contains an overview of the ARE 4.0 divisions, as well as information about the practice programs, the rolling clock, and maintaining exam eligibility. The ARE 4.0 Guidelines also explain the six steps to completing the ARE.
Alternate Item Type (AIT) Questions
ARE 4.0 introduced fill-in-the-blank and check-all-that-apply questions into all multiple-choice divisions of the ARE. Sample questions are available for candidates to review. [
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Exam Guides
Programming, Planning & Practice
Contains 40 sample multiple-choice questions, one passing and one failing solution for one sample vignette, and a list of references. Updated July 2009.
Programming, Planning & Practice [Exam Guide] [Practice Program]
Site Planning & Design
Contains 39 sample multiple-choice questions, one passing and one failing solution for two sample vignettes, and a list of references. Updated July 2009
Site Planning & Design [Exam Guide] [Practice Program]
Building Design & Construction Systems
Contains 37 sample multiple-choice questions, one passing and one failing solution for three sample vignettes, and a list of references. Updated July 2009
Building Design & Construction Systems [Exam Guide] [Practice Program]
Schematic Design
Contains one passing and one failing solution for two sample vignettes and a list of references. Updated July 2009.
Schematic Design [Exam Guide] [Practice Program]
Structural Systems
Contains 38 sample multiple-choice questions, one passing and one failing solution for one sample vignette, and a list of references. Updated August 2009.
Structural Systems [Exam Guide] [Practice Program]
Building Systems
Contains 42 sample multiple-choice questions, one passing and one failing solution for the sample vignette, and a list of references. Updated August 2009.
Building Systems [Exam Guide] [Practice Program]
Construction Documents & Services
Contains 48 sample multiple-choice questions, one passing and one failing solution for the sample vignette, and a list of references. Updated July 2009.
Construction Documents & Services [Exam Guide] [Practice Program]
Sample AIA Documents
All sample documents appear courtesy of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Sample C141-1997 Standard Form of Agreement Between Architect and Consultant (554KB)
A141-2004 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Design-Builder (175KB)
A141-2004 Exhibit A Terms and Conditions (370KB)
A141-2004 Exhibit B Determination of Cost of Work (127KB)
B141-1997 Instructions Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect (1.554MB)
B141-1997 Part 1 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect (175KB)
B141-1997 Part 2 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect (210KB)
A101-1997 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor (140KB)
A201-1997 General Conditions of the Contract for Construction (452KB)
A101/CMa-1992 Standard Form of Agreement Between Architect and Contractor (300KB)
B141/CMa-1992 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect (929KB)