There are a lot of resources out there to study for the Architectural Registration Exams. I remember I spent hours searching for information on what type of study materials were the best to buy and what free materials were available. I started studying soon after graduation and was lucky to even have a job at a firm. So, money was tight, college loan payments started pretty quick, and since there were barely any available jobs the salary offer was very low.
I’m currently coaching four young professionals in the office and all of them are starting their journey through the exams. They are reviewing what materials the firm provides, what additional materials they should buy, and what out there is free. I still have a lot of my free resources I found while studying for the 4.0 version of the exams. Most of them are still accessible online and they are still great free resources for those taking the 5.0 version of the exams. They just needed to be grouped with the proper new exam.
Using the ARE conversion chart provided by NCARB, I recognized my resources and found the web links again so you can access them. I also pulled some resources that cost money so they could see a lot of options in one place. It is up to you what type of resources work best for your study needs. Sometimes there are no options such as if it is recommended to review a specific chapter of FEMA. You review that chapter of that government entity. Other times when it is a study book for a particular exam you just need to choose ONE and roll with it. You don’t need to buy every book out there.
If you do better in a class setting or study group, there are groups / programs out there that you can pay for having that type of experience studying.
It is about understanding what works best for YOU to study, what fits in the study schedule YOU have defined, and what financial commitment YOU want to do.
Written by
Katelyn Rossier, AIA, LSSBB