Most Important Books for all ARE 5.0 Exams
The most important books for ARE 5.0 exams are the primary resources, i.e. the are the books listed in the NCARB Handbook. So the super short answer is that you should get as many of the primary resources as you can get your hands on.
With the exception of the AIA Contracts and the IBC, you do NOT need the latest version of any of the books. My own books were mostly out of date when I was going through the exam. ARE 5.0 exams are about learning concepts, not memorizing facts. The fundamentals of structures, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, whatever, don't change with the release of a new version of Heating, Cooling and Lighting. You are not going to memorize a page of details from Architectural Graphic Standards and then remember the entire thing on exam day. The goal is to study that page of details so you LEARN how walls connect to roofs, where the insulation goes, how the structure supports the siding, etc, so when you see something similar on exam day you can make an educated guess!
You can watch this answer and find some other ARE 5.0 FAQs right here: https://youtu.be/hZbAcFFABIc
Read on for the longer answer and please scroll to the bottom for my recommendations of the most commonly used books for each ARE 5.0 exam.
What Books Do I Need for ARE 5.0 Exams?
Preparing for the ARE 5.0 exams, a crucial step towards becoming a licensed architect, can be a challenging endeavor. One common question that arises is which books are necessary for success in these exams. In this blog post, we will provide valuable insights and recommendations regarding the required books for ARE 5.0, including well-known titles such as Architectural Graphic Standards, Building Construction Illustrated, and the Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice.
ARE 5.0 Primary Resources
The ARE 5.0 handbook lists a range of primary resources that can be immensely helpful during exam preparation. While no specific book is essential for guaranteed success, having access to a greater number of these resources is advantageous. Each resource provides unique perspectives and knowledge, enriching your understanding of the exam topics. It's worth noting that the most current version of the Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice is an exception, as it holds relevance across all six exams.
The Importance of Concepts and Fundamentals
When it comes to the ARE 5.0 exams, memorization alone will not suffice. These exams are designed to test your comprehension of concepts, fundamentals, and problem-solving skills. Consequently, simply reading a book and memorizing its contents won't guarantee encountering the same questions on the actual exam. Rather, it is essential to grasp the underlying principles and gain a solid understanding of the subject matter.
Outdated Books Are Still Valuable
Contrary to popular belief, you don't necessarily need the latest editions of every book. Most ARE 5.0 exam topics, such as pre-stressed concrete or mechanical systems, haven't undergone significant changes in recent years. Therefore, studying from slightly older versions of books is perfectly acceptable. For example, architectural graphic standards or building construction illustrated from previous editions can still be highly informative. The key is to focus on understanding the core concepts rather than memorizing every detail.
Notable Exceptions
While outdated editions are generally suitable, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind. The International Building Code (IBC) is one such case, with substantial revisions between the 2015 and 2018 versions. To ensure accurate information, it is crucial to study the most recent code edition. Similarly, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) contracts underwent changes between the 2007 and 2017 editions, so be sure to consult the latest version when studying these contracts.
Recommended Books for ARE 5.0 Exams:
Although no single book is indispensable for the exams, some titles are widely regarded as beneficial study resources. Here are some of the most commonly cited books from people who have posted test reports on the NCARB ARE 5.0 forum. I have also used most of these books in writing my own ARE 5.0 Study Material, the Hyperfine Study Assignments you can find on this site.
Note that this is strictly a list of books you need for the ARE 5.0 exams. There are plenty of other resources out there like the AIA Contract Documents, the International Building Code, the FEMA 454 Guide and more that are not included here. You can find links to most of those on my Free ARE 5.0 Study Resources page on this site.
Required Books for Practice Management
The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice
The only book that is referenced on all six ARE 5.0 exams
https://amzn.to/44AKMGB
Professional Practice: A Guide to Turning Designs into Buildings
Any inexpensive and easy read
https://amzn.to/3XDi7y8
Law for Architects: What You Need to Know
Ditto
https://amzn.to/3pz4uDA
The Project Resource Manual: CSI Manual of Practice
This one is dense, but tons of information about the entire life cycle of a project. Currently over $300 on Amazon, so maybe try to find one in your office?
https://amzn.to/3Nx2yn6
Required Books for Project Management
Same as for PcM. Lots of overlap with these two exams, so most people recommend studying for PcM and PjM together. The study material I made for these exams is combined into one course.
Required Books for Programming and Analysis (PA)
Programming and Analysis might be the toughest ARE 5.0 exam to study for, because the content is all over the place. Although I don't think any one of these books is particularly crucial for success on PA, if you're able to spend some time browsing them you'll be better off for it.
The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice
The only book that is referenced on all six ARE 5.0 exams
https://amzn.to/44AKMGB
Space Planning Basics
Lots of info about building planning. This one is probably the most useful of the four listed here.
https://amzn.to/44dzVlU
Site Planning and Design Handbook
https://amzn.to/43ceZKM
HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design
https://amzn.to/3rf3yVv
Required Books for Project Planning and Design (PPD)
The “first” of the two technical exams, most people study for PPD and Project Development and Documentation (PDD) at the same time. The breadth of content covered over these two exams is extensive, and unfortunately so is the required reading list. There is a lot of overlap with these two exams, and also within the books themselves, so you don't need every single book as long as you have enough books to cover the topics.
Architectural Graphic Standards
The premiere professional resource for construction detailing.
https://amzn.to/3rlvZ3V
Building Construction Illustrated (Ching)
Pound for pound the MOST efficient and valuable book you can get for the ARE 5.0. This book is 100% useful cover to cover for almost all PPD and PDD topics
https://amzn.to/3O2Autp
Architect's Studio Companion
This book wasn't originally a primary resource, but it is so perfect for PPD and so many people used it that NCARB added it to the list
https://amzn.to/3D3upXf
Mechanical & Electrical Equipment for Buildings
MEEB for short, this book is dense and covers more than you'd ever want to know about HVAC. My personal preference (and what I actually did) would be to get the next two books on this list instead.
https://amzn.to/44c4DMm
Heating, Cooling & Lighting
Excellent book covering HVAC basics, in an easier-to-read format than MEEB). I used an out-of-date version when I was studying.
https://amzn.to/3rbmR1T
Plumbing, Electricity & Acoustics
Sister book to HCL. These two make a good substitute to MEEB.
https://amzn.to/46CT2rq
Fundamentals of Building Construction
Great book covering just about all you need to know about construction. Some people have this book, other's prefer Olin's
https://amzn.to/3NZWzse
Olin's Construction: Principles, Materials, and Methods
I didn't personally use this one, but it's a popular alternate to FBC
https://amzn.to/3D6ZSHP
Required Books for Project Development and Documentation (PDD)
See list above.
Required Books for Construction Evaluation (CE)
Good news! This book list for CE is the same as for PCM!
ARE 5.0 FAQS
Watch this answer and more ARE 5.0 FAQs in the video!
AFFILIATE INFO
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