The Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) is essential to your path to licensure. It is a multi-division exam that assesses your knowledge and skills regarding the practice of architecture. These knowledge and skills are organized into six practice-based divisions, two of which are Practice Management and Project Management. 

Each division has its own set of objectives on which you will be assessed, and each objective in a division is paired with a cognitive level appropriate for the type of mental functioning that the objective might require in practice. Every question on the ARE is authored to address one objective and one cognitive level. Let's dive into the differences between two of those divisions, Practice Management and Project Management, so you know how to prepare for a successful test day: 

Practice Management

Practice Management is all about how an architect should manage a firm. Expect to see content about:

  • Different types of business structures
  • The laws, regulations, and ethics surrounding architectural practice
  • Financial issues and responsibilities
  • Other aspects of a firm that must be in place before a client contract is signed

The ARE is designed to test a candidate’s ability to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. What does running a practice have to do with any of this? Quite a bit, actually.

According to NCARB’s 2012 Practice Analysis of Architecture, understanding the laws and regulations governing the practice of architecture, along with the ethical standards and codes of professional conduct, is vital for recently licensed architects—ignoring these areas can result in many challenges within a firm. 

Practice Management assesses your ability to manage an architectural firm, including everything related to ethically and effectively running a business and securing work.

Project Management

Project Management, on the other hand, is all about how an architect should manage a project. Content here will focus on:

  • Establishing and delivering on contract requirements
  • The development and coordination of project teams, both internal and external
  • Client, fee, schedule, and overall risk management
  • Effective communication and quality control throughout the project

It’s important to keep in mind that Project Management touches on all phases of a project—in essence, arching over the remaining four divisions of ARE 5.0. Effective project management includes establishing processes and protocols to ensure architects maintain an acceptable standard of care throughout the entire project. While the other divisions are concerned with the specific tasks and skills needed to plan, design, detail, and construct a project, this division is focused on the operational aspects of running a project: schedule, budget, coordination, and team management.

The difference between Practice Management and Project Management is the point at which a contract is signed and a project begins. Project Management will cover the execution of all contracts, including Owner-Architect agreements, Architect-Consultant agreements, Owner-Consultant agreements, and others.

Curious about the rest of ARE 5.0’s divisions? Stay tuned for more upcoming resources on our blog, and get the latest updates—follow us now on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!