ARE Resources

Here’s a list of free or low-cost resources to help you study for the Architects Registration Exam (ARE), both for general preparation and specific exam sections. Use the comments section below to add more…thanks.

General Study Materials (All Sections)

NCARB Free Practice Exams: Full-length, no-cost practice exams for each of the six ARE divisions, accessible to candidates with an active NCARB Record. These exams simulate the actual test format and provide detailed feedback. Access them here
ARE Study Guide Podcast: Offers a series of free podcasts that cover key topics for each ARE exam section in a relaxed, engaging format. Explore the podcast here.
BYoung Design Resource Guide: A curated list of free resources, including downloadable PDFs and links for ARE study materials, designed to help you pass without spending on every textbook. Check it out here
ARE Facebook Group: Join an active community of ARE candidates where you can discuss study tips, share resources, and get advice from others. Join the Facebook group.
Young Architect Resources: A great resource with extensive lists of study materials, practice questions, and advice on preparing for all sections of the ARE. Check out Young Architect’s guide here.

Section-Specific Resources:

Practice Management (PcM):
- NCARB Practice Exam: Free through NCARB for candidates with an active record.
- Gang Chen Mock Exam: Free practice exam for PcM available on Amazon. View here.
Project Management (PjM):
- NCARB Practice Exam: Free, full-length practice exam available on NCARB’s site(Let’s Go Further).
- Gang Chen Mock Exam: Another highly rated resource for Project Management and others, available for purchase on Amazon.
Programming & Analysis (PA):
- NCARB Practice Exam: Available through the NCARB Practice Dashboard
  Let’s Go Further
- WeARE Practice Questions: Affordable and high-quality practice questions, specifically designed for the PA division. View here
Project Planning & Design (PPD):
- NCARB Practice Exam: Take the free practice exam to get familiar with PPD content
Project Development & Documentation (PDD):
- NCARB Practice Exam: Free, full-length practice exam available via NCARB
  Let’s Go Further
- PPI Learning Hub: Offers online practice exams for PDD. While not free, it comes with a discount when accessed through Young Architect. PPI Learning Hub Youn
Construction & Evaluation (CE):
- NCARB Practice Exam: Free via NCARB’s platform
  Let’s Go Further
- Gang Chen Mock Exam: Available on Amazon. View here
  Young Architect

These resources should provide a strong foundation as you prepare for each section of the ARE. Good luck!