Why Should You Take This Architect Registration Exam (ARE) Prep Course?
The Architect Registration Examination (ARE) assesses candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required in the practice of architecture. The ARE has been adopted for use by all 54 U.S. Member Boards and the Canadian provincial and territorial architectural associations as a registration examination required for architectural registration.
This three-day Architect Registration Exam (ARE) Prep Course is designed to prepare those individuals who intend to take the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Our comprehensive study prep will prepare most students to take the exam after finishing this course.
What Topics Are Covered During This Architect Registration Exam (ARE) Prep Course?
The ARE concentrates on those services that most affect the public health, safety, and welfare. The ARE has been developed with specific concern for its fidelity to the practice of architecture; that is, its content relates to the actual tasks an architect encounters in practice. This examination attempts to determine the candidate's qualifications not only to perform measurable tasks, but also to exercise the skills and judgment of a generalist working with numerous specialists. In short, the objective is to reflect the practice of architecture as an integrated whole:
- Building Design & Construction Systems
- Building Systems
- Structural Systems
- Programming, Planning & Practice
- Construction Documents & Services
- Site Planning & Design
- Schematic Design
*Please see the Syllabus for a more detailed explanation of each section
Meet Your Instructor: Michael P. Boardway is a licensed Architect and President of his Architectural Company with two divisions; MBA Architectural and MBA Educational Horizons. He has been practicing Architecture and has offered preparatory courses for over 30 years to candidates in the process of taking the ARE-NCARB Exam and CSE Exam as well as Professional Courses for those Practicing Architecture. He has taught at various colleges and at the University of California, Irvine. He has also taught "In-Training Programs" (ARE & Professional Subjects), for Architectural Companies and various AIA offices throughout the United States. Michael's extensive experience as a teacher truly shows in his passion to teach. He has two degrees in Architecture that he received from Rio Hondo College and California Polytechnic University. Additionally Michael is the only individual in the world that offers seminars, workshops, tutoring, tele-classes, materials, coaching on "ALL" ARE-NCARB and CSE Exam sections. Professor Boardway was born in California and has traveled the world and has experienced various cultures, which is beneficial in communicating with candidates and professionals that are not from this country. Professor Boardway also offers skype tutoring throughout the United States and around the world. In addition he offers various test taking techniques for exam candidates and offers Professional Consultation. Presently he offers services described above for the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE) by NCARB and for the California Supplemental Exam (CSE) by the California Architects Board (CAB) as well as 10 individual Professional Seminars for those who are practicing in the Architectural Profession. Please keep in mind that MBA booklets are included with each session registered for. Michael is unique in that he offers responses to questions by the candidate or from individuals practicing Architecture up to 12 months after registering for any of the services noted above.
The Architect Registration Examination (ARE) is the professional licensure examination adopted by all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and three U.S. territories (Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) to assess candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required in the practice of architecture. The exam is also accepted by 11 provincial and territorial architectural associations for architectural registration in Canada.
The ARE is developed and maintained by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) with input from the Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA). The computer-based exam consists of seven divisions including multiple-choice and/or graphic vignette questions administered in test centers operated by NCARB's testing consultant Prometric.
Building Design & Construction Systems: 85 Questions with 3 Vignettes
(Accessibility Ramp, Roof Plan & Stair Design)
The application of knowledge and skills relating to evaluation and selection of building systems and related environmental issues. Lecture will also be on application of codes & regulations, use of materials and related technologies, and project and practice management during the schematic design and design development phases.
NCARB DIVISION STATEMENT: Apply knowledge and skills of building design and construction, including environmental, social, and economic issues, project and practice management.
Content Areas:
1. PRINCIPLES (27-36 percent of scored items)
2. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES (11-17 percent of scored items)
3. CODES & REGULATIONS (7-10 percent of scored items)
4. MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY (31-40 percent of scored items)
5. PROJECT & PRACTICE MANAGEMENT (7-13 percent of scored items)
Vignettes:
ACCESSIBILITY/RAMP
Design a ramp and stair way connecting two levels that complies with accessibility and code requirements.
STAIR DESIGN
Design a stair way connecting multiple levels that complies with accessibility and code requirements.
ROOF PLAN
Design a sloped-roof plan for the removal of rainwater and locate accessories and equipment.
Building Systems: 95 Questions with 1 Vignette (Mechanical & Electrical Plan)
The evaluation, selection and integration of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, conveying and specialty systems in building design and construction. discussion will be on Theory, History, AIA Contracts & Practical Application(Formulas). Lecture will also be on Codes & Regulations, Environmental Issues, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, Lighting & Specialties. With (1) Vignette
NCARB DIVISION STATEMENT: Evaluate, select, and integrate mechanical, electrical, and specialty systems in building design and construction.
Content Areas:
1. CODES & REGULATIONS (5-8 percent of scored items)
2. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES (10-15 percent of scored items)
3. PLUMBING (10-15 percent of scored items))
4. HVAC (18-23 percent of scored items)
5. ELECTRICAL (10-15 percent of scored items)
6. LIGHTING (18-23 percent of scored items)
7. SPECIALTIES (14-19 percent of scored items)
Vignette:
MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL PLAN
Develop a reflected ceiling plan that integrates ceiling, lighting, mechanical, and structural systems and incorporates life safety considerations.
Structural Systems: 125 Questions with 1 Vignette (Structural Layout)
The identification and incorporation of general structural principles in the design and construction of buildings. We will cover a number of problems using formulas using the step by step method. Lateral Forces will also be addressed with the identification and incorporation of lateral force principles in the design and construction of buildings. We will lecture on Theory, History, AIA Contracts, Practical Application (Formulas). Also on Seismic Forces and Wind Forces, Codes & Regulations, Materials and Technology as well as Environmental Issues.
NCARB DIVISION STATEMENT: Identify and incorporate general structural and lateral force principles in the design and construction of buildings.
Content Areas:
1. GENERAL STRUCTURES (38-42 percent of scored items)
2. SEISMIC FORCES (28-32 percent of scored items)
3. WIND FORCES (14-17 percent of scored items)
4. LATERAL FORCES (13-16 percent of scored items)
Vignette:
STRUCTURAL LAYOUT
Design a schematic framing plan for a one-story building with a mutli-level roof.
NOTE: For the purposes of this examination and its preparation, the following design methods have been used:
1. For wood, Allowable Stress Design Method
2. For steel, Strength Design Method (Load and Resistance Factor Design)
3. For concrete, Strength Design Method (Ultimate Strength Design)
Programming Planning & Practice: 85 Questions with 1 Vignette (Site Zoning)
A description of all phases of the project with emphasis on Phase 1(Pre-Design) and Phase 2(Site Analysis). Coordinating the Market Analysis, Feasibility Studies, Environmental Impacts, Programming, Client & Agency Criteria, etc.
NCARB DIVISION STATEMENT: Apply project development knowledge and skills to architectural programming; environmental, social, and economic issues; building codes and regulations; project and practice management.
Content Areas:
1. PROGRAMMING & ANALYSIS (24-30 percent of scored items)
2. ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL & ECONOMIC ISSUES (23-29 percent of scored items)
3. CODES & REGULATIONS (10-13 percent of scored items)
4. PROJECT & PRACTICE MANAGEMENT (33-39 percent of scored items)
Vignette:
SITE ZONING
Delineate areas suitable for the construction of buildings and other site improvements responding to regulatory restrictions and programmatic requirements. Define a site profile and maximum buildable envelope based on zoning regulations and environmental constraints.
Construction Documents & Services: 100 Questions with 1 Vignette (Building Section)
The application of Project Management and Professional Practice knowledge and skills, including the preparation of Contract Documents and Contract Administration. Also a thorough review of AIA Contracts, responsibilities of all parties to the project, etc
NCARB DIVISION STATEMENT: Apply project management and professional practice knowledge and skills, including the preparation of contract documents and contract administration.
Content Areas:
1. CODES & REGULATIONS (5-8 percent of scored items)
2. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES (4-9 percent of scored items)
3. CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS & PROJECT MANUAL (41-46 percent of scored items))
4. PROJECT & PRACTICE MANAGEMENT (41-46 percent of scored items)
Vignettes:
BUILDING SECTION
Delineate a building section that integrates structural, mechanical, and lighting systems and incorporates life safety considerations.
Site Planning & Design: 65 Questions with 2 Vignettes (Site Design & Site Grading)
The integration of programmatic and site requirements. Review of Topography, Vegetation, Climate, Geography, Parking, Grading, Zoning & Agency Criteria. Lecture first on all Vignettes, then mock vignettes will be given to the candidate for take home. The candidate will mail completed vignettes to MBA, and MBA will mail back marked up critiques.
NCARB DIVISION STATEMENT: Employ knowledge and skills pertaining to site planning and design including environmental, social, and economic issues, project and practice management.
Content Areas:
1. PRINCIPLES (16-24 percent of scored items)
2. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES (24-32 percent of scored items)
3. CODES & REGULATIONS (14-22 percent of scored items)
4. MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY (22-30 percent of scored items)
5. PROJECT & PRACTICE MANAGEMENT (4-12 percent of scored items)
Vignettes:
SITE GRADING
Modify a site"s topographical characteristics responding to programmatic and regulatory requirements.
SITE DESIGN
Design a site, including building placement, parking, and vehicular and pedestrian circulation, responding to programmatic, functional, environmental, and setback requirements utilizing general site planning principles.
Schematic Design: 2 Vignettes (Interior Layout & Building Layout)
The resolution of programmatic and contextual requirements into a responsive and cohesive solution through the process of Schematic Design. Discussion of interior layouts for proper accessibility and developing an overall design for a two story building. Lecture first on Vignettes, then mock time will be allowed with critiques to follow.
NCARB DIVISION STATEMENT: Apply knowledge and skills required for the schematic design of buildings and interior space planning.
Vignettes:
Interior Layout
Design an interior space plan and furniture arrangement responding to program, code, and
accessibility requirements.
Building Layout
Develop a schematic design for a two-stor y building addressing program, code, site, and
environmental requirements.
