Architecture Registration Exams Story: Jason Takeuchi

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:

Jason Takeuchi, AIA, NCARB, NOMA

Jason Takeuchi, AIA, NCARB, NOMA is a fourth-generation Japanese American born and raised in Hawaii and the first in his family to enter the design and construction industry. As a project architect at Ferraro Choi and Associates in Honolulu, his primary work experience focuses on sustainable projects that enhance the social welfare and progress of local communities. Jason is an alumni supporter of the University of Hawaii, where he graduated with a Doctor of Architecture degree in 2012.

Beyond practice, Jason currently serves as Vice Chair of the AIA National Young Architects Forum YAF and will chair the committee in 2024. Jason is a recipient of the 2018 AIA Associates Award, Building Design + Construction Magazine’s 40 Under 40 recognition and the 2023 Young Architects Award.

“Commit to a predetermined schedule and convince yourself this is the most important thing you need to do.”

When I started in 2014, ARE 4.0 was the only platform available. After a few exams, ARE 5.0 was available and there was an option to switch. After a few months I decided to switch over and was one of the first candidates in Hawaii to do so. I’m glad I did because 5.0 is better aligned with practice. Having the experience of both exams allowed me to share my perspective with others in a similar situation.

Overall, I took the tests 11 times and needed six to pass. The exams I failed were almost always because I spent less than 10 hours preparing for those. When I studied more than 20 hours, my success rate was high, so it pays to put the time in.

Start with what you’re strong in, because that “pass” increases your confidence and builds momentum.

July 14, 2014	In Person	SD (4.0)	Pass
September 8, 2014	In Person	CDS (4.0)	Pass
November 17, 2014	In Person	PPP (4.0)	Fail
February 16, 2015	In Person	PPP (4.0)	Pass
May 10, 2015	In Person	SITE (4.0)	Fail
August 9, 2015	In Person	SITE (4.0)	Pass
March 21, 2016	In Person	BDCS (4.0)	Fail

Transition to ARE 5.0

February 28, 2017	In Person	PDD (5.0)	Fail
May 8, 2017	In Person	PPD (5.0)	Fail
August 8, 2017	In Person	PDD (5.0)	Pass
September 12, 2017	In Person	PPD (5.0)	Pass

I often get asked “why do I need to get licensed?”. Why did you decide that you wanted to be a licensed Architect?

I wrote an essay in high school about becoming an Architect when I grew up, inspired by my mom who wanted to be one herself. I initially wanted to be an architect because of my mom, but that dream quickly became mine. After graduation, I realized that to call myself an architect, I needed to be licensed, and it was never an optional certification to reach my childhood goal.

Licensure typically comes with the added benefit of a significant salary increase and more importantly upward mobility and leadership.

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?

You are more qualified than you know to take the exams. Don’t wait until you feel like you’ve learned enough, because that feeling may never come if you don’t get licensed.

What type of study materials did you use? Any particular ones that you’d recommend?

Architect Exam Prep was an unexpected hit. I was able to listen to the audio while at work, driving, etc. The Amber videos are top notch. Choose your preferred method of material (book, video, audio, boot camp) that you learn best from.

There are tons of used materials out there, so always ask architects who you know if they have extra copies of study material that you can borrow or have. Some AIA chapters also have books to borrow. 

How did you fit study time into your schedule? Was there anything in particular that worked well for you?

Commit to a predetermined schedule and convince yourself this is the most important thing you need to do. Tell everyone in your life that you’re studying and for them to support you, you need space or someone to quiz you.

Also don’t succumb to paying for rescheduling fees (although I paid it five times and regretted it).

Do you have any other advice for someone studying for their exams?

Remember, there is someone out there practicing architecture who is less qualified than you, so if they did it, so can you.

Think of the most qualified person in your firm or community and respond to questions how you imagine they would. The exams tend to impress the critical importance and liability that architects carry. Think of the deeper meaning behind the questions and the lesson being taught before answering.

We hope that this information helps you through our ARE journey, setting goals, and giving you some insight on how to get started.

Thank you again to Jason Takeuchi for sharing your story!

Edited by

Katelyn Rossier, AIA, NCARB, LSSBB