One Architect's Story: Examination
Cross talks about how creating a plan for taking the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®)—and sticking to it—helped propel him through the final step needed for licensure.
When did you receive your Authorization to Test?
While a much-celebrated moment, I can’t quite remember the specific date. It was sometime around the beginning of the year in 2007. As preparation for the testing process, and to occupy myself while waiting for my authorization to test, I sought and received LEED professional accreditation.
When you started taking the ARE, did you have a plan?
Yes, my plan was to complete the tests before my wedding, approximately four months later. This probably wasn’t the most rational of goals, but as one who is familiar with working to deadlines it was just the catalyst I needed to buckle down and get the job done.
How did you decide what order to take the divisions?
I tested under ARE 3.1, which had nine divisions and the graphics and multiple-choice were separate. Because I wanted to complete the exam in a very condensed period of time, I decided to take the graphic portions of the exam first since it took longer to receive their results. After that, I grouped similar tests together and tried to take some of the most intensive ones first and leave the broader ones until the end.
How often did you sit for the exam?
I took an exam approximately every two weeks; however I took all three graphics portions on back-to-back days, and took both of the structures exams on the same day. By the end, I had completed the nine tests in roughly nine weeks.
How did you prepare for the ARE?
I have to give much credit to a coworker who was a few steps ahead of me in the sequence for pointing me to all the resources needed. The internet proved very helpful for working through issues with the graphics portion, as well as providing an overview of what to study for each test section. I would caution folks to use it as a resource, but not to get too wrapped up in some of the opinions some users post. The office I was working in had some older study materials that ended up serving just fine. They had a set of ALS study guides as well as those by Ballast. I ended up buying a used copy of Dorf’s guide as well.
What was the most difficult part of the exam process?
Finding time to study was probably the hardest part of the whole process, with figuring out exactly what to study being the next.
Did you have to overcome any obstacles to complete the exam?
The biggest obstacle to completing the exam for me may have been self-imposed as I did not attend any formal classes or seminars concerning the ARE. I didn’t purchase up-to-date study materials, so ensuring I was studying the proper material was hard to do.
What support did your firm provide to help you prepare for the ARE?
They had some study materials available in their library, and offered paid time off for the hours that were spent taking the exam.
Do you have any advice for someone taking the ARE?
Prepare to the best of your ability and take the exams in a confident mental state.