If you’re preparing for the Architects Registration Exam (ARE), understanding the structure of the exam is crucial. This blog post will break
down how the exam is designed, how the questions are created, and what you can expect when you sit down to take it.
The Foundation: Bloom’s Taxonomy
The ARE is constructed based on an adaptation of Bloom’s Taxonomy, a framework used in education to classify learning objectives. In the context of the ARE, this structure helps to categorize and design questions that go beyond mere memorization. The levels of learning in Bloom’s Taxonomy are as follows:
- Memory (not tested on the ARE)
- Understanding
- Application
- Analysis
- Evaluation
- Creation (also not tested on the ARE)
For the ARE, the focus is on understanding, application, analysis, and evaluation. The goal is to ensure that you not only grasp the concepts but can also apply them in real-world scenarios, analyze situations, and make informed decisions.
What’s Tested on the ARE?
Unlike previous versions of the exam, the current ARE does not include rote memory questions. Instead, every question requires a deeper level of thinking, from understanding concepts to evaluating solutions.
Here’s a breakdown of the skills tested:
- Understanding and Application: These questions require you to comprehend information and apply it to both familiar and unfamiliar situations.
- Analysis and Evaluation: These questions involve breaking down a concept into its components, understanding their relationships, and making judgments based on specific criteria.
For example, rather than simply asking, “What is the maximum slope of an ADA-compliant ramp?” which tests memory, the ARE might present a scenario where you need to evaluate different design options to meet ADA compliance within the context of a larger project.
How ARE Questions Are Crafted
The questions on the ARE, referred to as “items,” are crafted by industry professionals who volunteer their time to ensure the exam is relevant and challenging. Every item on the exam is worth one point, which means that all questions carry equal weight. This structure allows you to prioritize your time effectively, as a particularly difficult question isn’t worth any more than an easier one.
Additionally, some of the questions you’ll encounter are “trial questions,” used to test new items for future exams. However, these questions are indistinguishable from regular questions, so it’s important to treat every question with equal seriousness.
Key Features of ARE Questions
To maintain consistency and fairness, the exam follows strict guidelines in how questions are written:
- Positive Construction: All questions are written in the present tense, making it feel as though the scenario is happening right now.
- Active Voice: This ensures clarity and directness in the questions.
- No Negative Wording: You won’t encounter confusing double negatives or questions asking what not to do. Instead, questions will focus on what you should do.
Each question will test a single knowledge or skill, though some questions, particularly those involving financial calculations, may require multiple steps to arrive at the correct answer.
Exhibits and Their Importance
Exhibits are only included in a question if they are essential to finding the correct answer. If you come across a question with an exhibit, pay close attention, as it will be critical to solving the problem presented.
Conclusion
The ARE is designed to test your ability to apply your knowledge as an architect in real-world situations. By understanding the structure and intent behind the exam questions, you can better prepare yourself to not just pass the exam but excel in your architectural career. Focus on honing your skills in understanding, applying, analyzing, and evaluating information, and you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the ARE with confidence.