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Resources from the NCARB | Study Guides | Seminar Instructors |Scholarships | Related Links

Resources from the NCARB

Learn the latest information on the NCARB ARE Home Page. Begin the process by reviewing the materials the provided by NCARB, the developers of the exam:

Handbook for Interns and Architects
Describes the NCARB organization, services, procedures, and examinations. Also outlines requirements for certification, IDP training requirements, and certification requirements for Canadian architects. View all free publications available from NCARB.

Also available: ARE 4.0 Guidelines| NCARB Study Guides | NCARB ARE FAQ

You can register to take the ARE on the Prometric Web site.

ARE Study Guides

Several publishers and companies offer study materials. Please see their Web sites for more information. Check with your local AIA component to see if they lend ARE study materials. Also, enter the ARE Forum to get recommendations or buy secondhand books.

Amor Study Guides (3.1)
Study Guides for all Divisions and California Supplemental Exam
Author: William A. Amor, NCARB, AIA

Archiflash (3.1 & 4.0)
Practice problems for ARE 4.0 divisions.
Flashcards for all ARE 3.1 multiple-choice divisions.
Author: National Academic & Licensing Study Aids, LLC. (NALSA)

Architectural Licensing Exam Preparation (3.1)
For each ARE 3.1 multiple-choice division and California Supplemental Exam: Workbook and Sample Exam Booklet
Author: Richard Chylinski, FAIA

Architecture Exam Review (3.1 & 4.0)
Book series for all divisions of the ARE 4.0
Book series of Structural, Non-structural, Graphic topics include: Study guide, examples and solutions, practice exams
Author: Various practitioners, see Web site

Free lecture notes and structural tips
Author: David Thaddeus, AIA

Kaplan AEC Education (3.1 & 4.0)
For each ARE 4.0 division: Study Guide, Online Supplement, Practice Vignette Books, Question & Answer Books, Flashcards
For each ARE 3.1 multiple-choice division: Study Guide, Questions and Answers Handbook, Test Bank CD-ROM, Flash Cards, Online Interactive Review
For each ARE 3.1 graphic division: Study Guide, Practice Vignettes, Test Bank CD-Rom, Online Learning, Flash Cards
Author: Various practitioners and includes Architectural License Seminars (ALS) resources

MBA Architectural (3.1 & 4.0)
(909) 336-1180
CDs and DVDs and books for all ARE study divisions
California supplemental exam information also included
Author: Michael P. Boardway, R.A

Sissoko Design Office, Inc (California Supplemental Exam)
CSE study guide:  “California Supplemental Exam ---An elemental understanding of the CSE---A synthesis of the California Architects Board recommended reference materials” Also a companion book contains a total of 10 sample exams and answers.
Author:  Habib Sissoko, Licensed Architect

Workbook: Solutions: Understanding the Graphic Divisions of the Architect's Exam
Home Study Course includes: Solutions Workbook, Mock Exams (pencil & paper version or computer version), NCARB Tutorial Solutions, Past Exams
Author: Norman K. Dorf, AIA

ARE Seminar Instructors

Candidates should check with your local AIA component to see if they organize ARE seminars or look at the AIA national Events Calendar for already scheduled seminars. Seminars may also occur at the local, state, or regional level or through a school of architecture. Some of the seminar instructors also offer online seminars. Check their Web sites for more information.

Architectural Licensing Exam Preparation (3.1)
Richard Chylinski, FAIA

ARE Prep for Graphic Divisions (3.1 & 4.0)
Bob J. Wise Jr., Robert Elfer, NCARB, AIA, Laura Serebin, AIA

Funkaar Studios (3.1 & 4.0)
Umber Kazmi, LEED AP

Kaplan AEC Education (3.1 & 4.0)

MBA Architectural Seminars, Workshops, and Tutoring (3.1 & 4.0)
Michael P. Boardway, R.A.
(909) 336-1180

PREPA-R-E (3.1)
Marc Mitalski, PE, SE, Assoc. AIA

Seminars on General Structures and Lateral Forces Divisions (3.1 & 4.0)
David Thaddeus, AIA, NCARB | UNC-Charlotte | (704) 687-4021

Seminars on Mechanical and Electrical Systems Division
Wendell Edwards | CUNY-New York | (718) 260-5266
Mike Green, PE | Arkansas-based | (479) 443-4786

Seminars for Graphic Divisions
Bob Stephen and Barry Chin | California-based | (415) 681-6991

ARE Scholarships

Check with your local AIA component to see if they know of local scholarships opportunities. To suggest an addition to this list, please email emergingiprofessionals@aia.org.

Jason Pettigrew Scholarship
The AIA National Associates Committee (NAC) maintains a scholarship fund to remember their friend and colleague, Jason Pettigrew, Assoc. AIA. The scholarship recipients receive a full set of Kaplan ARE Study Guides and funds to cover the cost of taking each section of the ARE once. Please note $400 is awarded up front and remainder is paid upon successful completion of the exam, and to receive balance of award, recipients must complete the ARE within 5 years of receiving the initial award and submit passing reports from each of the divisions of the exam to the AIA for verification of completion.

Texas State Scholarship
A scholarship fund called the Architect Registration Examination Financial Assistance Fund (AREFAF) was created by the Seventy-sixth Legislature of the state of Texas.  This scholarship fund serves a public purpose of the state of Texas by promoting the professional needs of the state; increasing the number of highly trained and educated registered architects available to serve the residents of the state; improving the state's business environment and encouraging economic development; and identifying, recognizing, and supporting outstanding applicants who plan to pursue careers in architecture. The scholarship is a one-time reimbursement of $500 for taking the Architect Registration Examination. TBAE will award scholarships twice each year - December 31st and June 30th. The deadline for submitting scholarship applications is two weeks prior to each award date.

AIA Shreveport Grant for Interns/Edward Kemp Grant Fund
In an endeavor to assist intern architects enrolled in IDP with the cost of exam fees for the Architectural Registration Exam, the AIA Shreveport Chapter has established an annual grant fund for newly licensed architects. Intern architects are eligible for a financial grant upon passing the exam and obtaining a Louisiana license. Ask a board member for further information in regards to this grant.

Related Links

NCARB ARE Home Page | AIA Bookstore | ARE Forum | AIA Get Licensed Home Page

A.R.E. Strategies Podcast
In this interview, Michael Crosbie discusses the ARE and preparation for the licensing test with Umber Kazmi, CEO of Funkaar Studios and adjunct faculty at the Newschool for Architecture in San Diego, California. Umber defines the formatting and curriculum of the new A.R.E 4.0, how the new version differs from the 3.1 version and the effect of this change upon the licensing process.

AIA Components Become a Kaplan Partner and Your Members Will Save!
This optional program is available for free as an added benefit to your members. Components partnering with Kaplan receive:

• A 20% discount on Kaplan architecture products for your membership
• An exclusive Kaplan web page for your membership to shop for their savings
• A personal Kaplan representative to assist with all your ARE exam prep needs
• First right of refusal on all future AIA/Kaplan products and programs