The super short answer is most people study:
4-5 weeks for Construction and Evaluation (CE)
6-8 weeks for Practice Management (PcM) and Project Management (PjM) together
4-6 weeks for Programming and Analysis (PA)
8-10 weeks for Project Planning and Design (PPD) and Project Development and Documentation (PDD)
The other short answer is that YOU need to study for as long as YOU need in order to learn the things you want to learn in order to feel confident on test day.
For more thoughts and some other ARE 5.0 FAQs you can check out this video: https://youtu.be/hZbAcFFABIc
Now here's the long answer…
Preparing for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) can be a daunting task for aspiring architects. With multiple exams to cover and a vast amount of content to learn, it's crucial to have a solid study plan in place. However, instead of fixating on the number of hours or time spent studying, it's more effective to shift your focus towards learning outcomes and objectives. In this blog post, we will explore an alternative approach to studying for ARE 5.0 exams that prioritizes understanding the content and mastering the necessary skills.
Researching and Gathering ARE 5.0 Study Materials
To kickstart your study plan, it is recommended to spend at least a week researching the specific exam you'll be taking. Learn what's on the exam, what people are saying about it and what books or other resources you have or might want to get.
For instance, if you are preparing for the Project Planning & Design (PPD) and Project Development & Documentation (PDD) exams, allocate time read the NCARB ARE 5.0 Handbook and explore the NCARB ARE 5.0 Forum. Then start looking at what books, courses and other resources you have or might consider getting. Glance through these to get an idea of the content they contain and which topics you want to learn more about.
You'll most likely want a mix of primary resources and third party study material. Primary resources are the books listed in the NCARB Handbook, things like Architectural Graphic Standards, Building Construction Illustrated the International Building Code and more.
Third party study material is stuff like ARE 5.0 Practice Tests, Amber Book videos* and of course the Hyperfine study materials I made.
* Link takes you to a Friend Finder spreadsheet I made for people to get a group discount on Amber Book
Determine Your Own Learning Objectives
Once you have gathered relevant resources, it's important to identify the learning objectives for each exam. Consider the concepts, knowledge areas, and skills that you need to master to feel confident on test day. By clarifying your learning objectives, you can create a roadmap for your study plan, ensuring that you cover all the essential topics.
The goal is for you to come up with an idea of the things you want to learn to feel confident for the exam. Everybody is different and going into the exams with different strengths and weaknesses. You do NOT want to study for 8 weeks by opening up a Ballast review guide and letting that book tell you what to learn. You need to decide what YOU want to learn and go find that information.
More thoughts on this entire process in my other post, Five Tips for Preparing for the ARE 5.0.
Allocating Study Time for the ARE 5.0
You will have to commit consistent hours every week to studying. Depending on your preferences and availability, you can choose to study for shorter periods daily or have longer study sessions on the weekends. The key is to establish a consistent routine that works for you. For example, you might decide to study for 90 to 120 minutes each night, (my personal preference), shorter and more frequent sessions throughout the day or more substantial chunk of time on the weekends.
Keep in mind that what works for one person may not work for another. As you progress through the six ARE exams, don't be afraid to experiment with different study strategies to find what suits you best. Some individuals may thrive with longer study sessions, while others may prefer shorter, focused bursts of learning. Embrace the flexibility to adjust your study routine and adapt it to your unique learning style and schedule.
The important thing is to make it realistic. Do not schedule yourself to study four hours a night for eight straight weeks. It's not gonna happen!
When I was preparing for PPD and PDD I studied about two hours a night for five nights a week for eight weeks. You can check out my PPD Study Plan at the link.
Quality over Quantity
While it's important to invest an adequate amount of time in your studies, remember that the quality of your learning is paramount. It's not solely about the number of hours you dedicate, but rather about the content and skills you acquire. Focus on understanding the material thoroughly and checking off your learning objectives. By mastering the core concepts and developing problem-solving abilities, you'll build the confidence needed to excel on the exams.
Conclusion
When preparing for ARE 5.0 exams, it's crucial to adopt a study strategy that emphasizes learning outcomes and objectives over simply clocking in hours. By dedicating time to research the exam, identifying learning objectives, and allocating consistent study time, you can create an effective study plan tailored to your needs. Remember, it's the content you understand and master that will ultimately contribute to your success on test day. Stay adaptable, experiment with different strategies, and most importantly, prioritize quality over quantity in your study efforts. With perseverance and a focused approach, you'll be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the ARE exams and take significant steps towards achieving your architectural goals.
Watch this answer and more ARE 5.0 FAQs in the video!
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