AREĀ® Prep Series Roundtable Recap!

Image
Photo Credit Ā©ļø AIA NoVA

Becoming a licensed architect is a significant milestone in any architect’s career, but the path to licensure may appear to be daunting. One of the most challenging and critical steps is passing the Architect Registration ExaminationĀ® (AREĀ®). The AREĀ® is designed to assess the skills and knowledge required for the practice of architecture, and with the rigorous nature of the exams, preparation is key.

As you are starting to map out your journey, AIA Northern Virginia (AIA NoVA) wants to help, and therefore we are offering the AREĀ® Prep Series. The prep series is a study guide program to help guide candidates through each division of the exam. To kick off the series, we were fortunate to host a roundtable discussion with Jared Zurn, AIA , NCARB, CAE, a leading expert from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) on Thursday January 09. Jared presented on the NCARB licensure process and provided invaluable insights for anyone preparing for the AREĀ®.

Watch the complete Roundtable here.

Key Takeaways from the Roundtable with Jared Zurn, AIA, NCARB
Jared gave a high level overview of the entire licensure process and how best to approach the AREĀ® exams. Jared shared valuable insights to the entire NCARB and testing process, from understanding the different requirements of jurisdictions to become licensed to how to buy a seat so you can take your exam. 

1. Understanding the NCARB Process
Jared walked participants through the steps involved in becoming a licensed architect through NCARB, explaining the role the organization plays in certifying licensure and how they support candidates throughout the process. 

2. Study Resources and Tips for Success
As part of the roundtable, Jared also recommended various resources available through NCARB and other professional organizations. He encouraged candidates to:

  • Utilize NCARBā€™s ARE 5.0 Handbook: The official guide is a critical resource that outlines the specific content for each exam division. Make sure to look out for the updated versions published online. 
  • Engage with Study Materials: NCARB now offers a full length practice exam. Jared also noted that there are many online platforms that offer exam preparation materials. Helpful tip; stick to one source of study material rather than jumping around.  
  • Focus on Understanding Concepts, Not Just Memorization: Jared stressed the importance of truly understanding the underlying principles of architecture practice rather than simply memorizing facts.

3. Mindset and Exam Strategy
In addition to discussing study strategies, Jared shared taked testing strategies as well. How will you plan your breaks? Where will you take your exam? Also, itā€™s essential to remember that failure will happen. Jared outlined the process of how to read the score reports and understand how NCARB determines the score required to receive a passing score. 

So what is the AREĀ® Prep Series?
The AREĀ® Prep Series is a program designed to help candidates through the six divisions of the AREĀ® exams. The series is broken up into six sessions, each session hosted virtually one Saturday a month for 6 months. The sessions help candidates familiarize themselves with material that they should ex[ect to see on that exam. Whether youā€™re just beginning your studies or are looking for a focused review, our AREĀ® Prep Series is adaptable to different stages of your preparation journey.

One of the most significant benefits of the AREĀ® Prep Series is its versatility. Depending on where you are in your study journey, the series can be used in two distinct ways:

  • Crash Course: If youā€™re just starting your preparation or need a broad overview, the Prep Series serves as an excellent crash course. Each session will give you a comprehensive understanding of what will be covered on the exam, highlighting essential content areas and concepts.
  • Review Course: If youā€™ve already been studying for the AREĀ® but need focused reinforcement, the series can serve as a review course. The sessions will cover the key areas of the exam and provide opportunities to clarify concepts, test your knowledge, and ask any last minute questions. 

Some past participants have even scheduled their exams along with the courses and completed all 6 exams in 6 months! 

AREĀ® Prep Series Schedule

  1. Practice Management (PcM) Feb 01 Rescheduled for Feb. 8 (10am-4pm)
  2. Project Management (PjM) – March 08 (10am-4pm)
  3. Programming & Analysis (PA) – April 12 (10am-3pm)
  4. Project Planning & Design (PPD) – May 17 (10am-4pm)
  5. Project Development & Documentation (PDD) – June 14 (10am-4pm)
  6. Construction & Evaluation (CE) – July 12 (10am-3pm)

Final Thoughts
Ultimately, preparing for the AREĀ® is a marathon, not a sprint. Please reference our video recording of the roundtable for additional information. AIA NoVA encourages you to join us in our AREĀ® Prep Series to help you succeed on your journey.

Learn more about the YAF committee.
Published: 01/21/2025
Share This Article