Approach

How you approach taking the Divisions of the ARE is really a matter of personal preference. We recommend that you begin by taking the division that you feel most confident about, just to build some momentum. It will help you get accustomed to taking the exam at a Testing Center, on a computer, under time constraints. It will also help to relieve anxiety and lessen exam intimidation.

The most important thing is to just get started and don’t give up. Ideally, it is best to schedule a regular study time for yourself (like going to the gym) and stick to it, rather than study topics randomly when you happen to have a free hour or so. Of course this is hard. Firstly, you dread it, and secondly you have a busy life and carving out time to study is difficult. The last thing you need is to spend hours studying information that won't be on the test. Study smart, not more. Get this last hurdle in becoming a registered Architect behind you!

Preparation

Reading about the graphic vignettes is important. However, you must practice with NCARB’s tutorial software to become efficient in using what some describe as “a very clumsy and inaccurate” system for solving the graphic problems. You should download and read the NCARB ARE Guidelines as well as their practice software.

We recommend that you practice with the vignettes AFTER reading NCARB's material and AFTER reading our Solutions Guidebook, Understanding the Graphic Vignettes of the Architect Registration Exam . You will get so much more out of each practice vignette if you first gain an understanding of how to approach these problems.

It is paramount that you look at suggested passing solutions to these problems so that you can compare your solutions to those expected by the computer scoring system. These passing (and failing) examples will also give you additional insight into various approaches and the degree of accuracy required. If possible, set up a study group with a few friends so that issues can be openly discussed or analyzed. 

Solving other problems in addition to NCARB’s tutorials will be important for gaining confidence and making important design decisions within the suggested time constraints. Practice vignettes are an important and valuable part of exam preparation. Misinterpretation of code and program issues, of course, will often be fatal.

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Taking the exam

In general, allowing about one month per division will give you sufficient time to absorb the fundamentals of multiple-choice, master the graphic tools, practice various scenarios and approaches to each vignette, practice with mock exam problems and get questions answered.

Knowing the issues is really not enough! Taking practice vignettes improves your performance on the exam. However, too often, even when you know the fatal errors to avoid, you are sometimes unable to apply that knowledge within the time constraints, or make important decisions within the context of the choices available for each problem. Practice taking a test.

You may feel more confident about one graphic vignette over another, and probably should take those divisions first. Short of that, we recommend the following order for the reasons given:

1. Site Zoning, Site Grading, Site Design vignettes

Vignettes are very focused.

Test problems are similar to practice tutorial vignettes. Two of the three problems have only one answer, therefore they are less subjective. More careful ‘doing’ is required, fewer options to consider.

2. Accessibility/Ramp, Stair Design, Roof Plan,  Structural Layout, Mechanical & Electrical Plan, & Building Section vignettes.

Vignettes are very focused. Test problems are similar to practice tutorial vignettes.

3. Interior Layout, Building Layout vignettes

Many passing solutions to each vignette.

Problems are more subjective. As a designer, you will naturally want to try various design options to find that ‘ideal’ solution. Don't. Your solution does not have to be a work of art, just follow the program, and create an efficient solution that satisfies the program requirements. If you are familiar with the NCARB software tools you will have more time to review and analyze options.