Welcome to the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE) experience stories series! This series is to share experiences, timelines and advice of professionals that have completed their AREs. We know it can be a daunting task to get started and overwhelming on the number of resources out there. We hope you find this information helpful in organizing how you proceed through your exams. Good Luck!
This is the experience, timeline, and advice from:
Steve Begg, RA
Meet Steve Begg, an architect whose passion for design knows no bounds. With five years of experience under his belt. Currently serving as a licensed architect at Strada in Pittsburgh. He has had a diverse project experience including hospitality, multi-family residential, mixed-use developments, and the revitalization of historic landmarks.
His path to architecture was paved with hands-on experience, as he delved into the world of construction during his academic years, working as an electrician. This unique background not only honed his technical skills but also instilled in him a profound appreciation for the intricacies of building design and execution.
An advocate for sustainability, he champions eco-conscious practices in every project he undertakes. Steve firmly believes that architecture serves as the gateway to positive change in the world, a sentiment reflected in his design-forward approach and commitment to creating spaces that harmonize with their surroundings. At Strada, Steve’s leadership extends beyond projects. As the head of the social committee, he fosters a collaborative and vibrant work culture, where conversation and teamwork reign supreme. For Steve, dialogue and collaboration are not just tools; they are the cornerstones of meaningful design innovation.
Steve believes that architecture holds the power to shape a better tomorrow. With his unwavering dedication to excellence and his belief in the transformative power of design, Steve Begg is not just an architect, but a visionary poised to leave an indelible mark on the world, one building at a time.
“The material really clicked for me when I started looking around and noticing things in buildings. I would study a particular structural system, then I would go downtown to my office and see it in person.”
Exam Order
| June 28, 2019 | In Person | CE | PASS |
| September 20, 2019 | In Person | PjM | FAIL |
I took a long break because I moved the week after this exam. I can say without question that I was entirely unprepared for this exam because I had so many things on my plate at the time that I did not prioritize my studying. By the time I had started studying again, the pandemic happened and I kept procrastinating after that.
| June 30, 2021 | Virtual | PjM | FAIL |
I struggled with technical difficulties on my first virtual exam, and it left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. I felt VERY prepared for my second attempt and unfortunately; I failed by 2-3 questions. Failing an exam twice really affected my confidence, so after this I decided I would move on and try out a different exam.
| November 10, 2021 | In Person | PcM | PASS |
| March 17, 2022 | In Person | PA | PASS |
| September 7, 2022 | In Person | PPD | FAIL |
| November 4, 2022 | Virtual | PDD | FAIL |
I failed the big two back-to-back! I decided I needed to take a break from this type of material and would take on my nemesis (hopefully) one last time, PJM.
| March 17, 2022 | Virtual | PjM | PASS! |
Heck yeah!
| August 4, 2023 | Virtual | PDD | PASS |
| September 2, 2023 | Virtual | PPD | FAIL |
| November 9, 2023 | Virtual | PPD | PASS |
Advice for you!
I often get asked “why do I need to get licensed?”. Why did you decide that you wanted to be a licensed Architect?
I plan to advance my career and become a principal of a firm one day where I will be putting my stamp on drawings. I also just really wanted to have the title of Architect for validation on a personal level, by attaining licensure and being able to legally call myself an Architect it helps me look back and realize I was capable pursuing my goals and dreams, which I didn’t always believe.
Often people don’t know where to start, do you have any advice for those looking to start their exams -or- how did you start?
I would recommend that candidates follow NCARB’s recommended order of exams. I think going out of order really worked against me in that the study materials really do build upon the content of the “previous” exam. That said, if you find yourself struggling with a particular exam, try moving on to the next one. It might give you the confidence boost you need to tackle your “nemesis” as I did. Plus, you may pick up on some additional, helpful information in studying for a different exam.
What type of study materials did you use? Any particular ones that you’d recommend?
RMSM Studio has some great resources that I found helpful. Amber Books is full of great information, but I wouldn’t recommend it as your SOLE resource. I really enjoyed reading Building Code Illustrated and Building Construction Illustrated because the information is shown graphically as well as in blocks of text.
Always reference the NCARB handbook, at the end of the day that is going to be the best point of reference for the material that is actually on the exam. Additionally, NCARB’s free practice exams became a routine part of my studies. I would say take it twice; once in Test Mode to really get you into the exam mindset, and once in Practice Mode so you can get a thorough review of material in real-time with the pressure off.
How did you fit study time into your schedule? Was there anything in particular that worked well for you?
Once I started waking up early and studying before work as opposed to in the evening, I really felt that I was able to focus and absorb the material more effectively. After work I was always burnt out and more than a few times even dozed off in the middle of studying!
I would say spend your first few days of studying putting together an in-depth study schedule, by the end I was downloading blank calendar templates online and filling in each day with my study plans.
Do you have any other advice for someone studying for their exams?
What is great about studying for these exams is that right now, you are sitting in a case study! The material really clicked for me when I started looking around and noticing things in buildings. I would study a particular structural system, then I would go downtown to my office and see it in person; then I started noticing things that have been constructed incorrectly!
By the end of my studies, I found myself talking to my friends about the wall construction in the restaurant we were eating in, how this AirBNB could really use an HVAC upgrade, or that railing seems awfully low, etc. Try to have fun with it because it’s a lot of work and it’s going to take time; try to think like an Architect and before you know it, you will be one!
Another person’s path to success may differ greatly from your own. Some people will pass every exam on the first attempt and others may not. Everyone is on their own journey and has their own obstacles. Take some time and find out what works for you, then just try to stay consistent.
We hope that this information helps you through your ARE journey, setting goals, and giving you some insight on how to get started.
Thank you again to Steve Begg for sharing your story!
Edited by
Katelyn Rossier, AIA, NCARB, CSI, LSSBB
Want to share your ARE Story?
Contact us!
