I’m beginning the process of studying for the Architecture Registration Exams (ARE) version 5.0.  My plan is to read through content on all divisions and then take the Practice Management Exam.  Below is a list of resources that I am finding helpful when studying for the ARE 5.0.  When you see an Amazon link please know that, at no cost to you, I will get a small referral fee if you use the link and complete your purchase within a day.   I will update this list as I find more sources.

NCARB

• Cost? All sources in this section are FREE and should be your first stop.
• ARE 5.0 Handbook
  • Where? https://www.ncarb.org/sites/default/files/ARE5-Handbook.pdf
• ARE 5.0 Guidelines
  • Where? https://www.ncarb.org/sites/default/files/ARE5-Guidelines.pdf 
• The ARE 5.0 Demonstration Exam
  • Where?  It can be accessed through your NCARB Record.  Look for a link to the Demo Exam under Quick Links on the right side of the screen
  • Answers and Explanations:  https://are5community.ncarb.org/hc/en-us/articles/234436468-ARE-5-0-Demo-Exam-Case-Study-Responses-and-Rationale
• ARE 5.0 Test Prep Videos
  • Where?  https://youtu.be/q35NjvETIiU?list=PLG3glq7vX77ATPLeAuP7PW4h15BadS3OK

AIA

• Cost?  Your membership dues.
• Where?  Your local chapter
• What?  Study groups, prep sessions, borrow exam materials
• AIA Preparing for the ARE:  AIA Contract Documents sample PDFs (scroll down)
  • https://www.aia.org/pages/2656-preparing-for-the-are

Quizlet

• Cost?  FREE
• What is it?  Online digital flash cards
• Cool feature:  It generates tests based on the flash cards
• Search for ARE 4.0 or ARE 5.0 to find cards others have already entered (use with caution)
• They also have a phone app, I use Android.
• Where?  https://quizlet.com

Black Spectacles

• Cost?
  • Has some FREE podcast called ARE Live
  • Free videos and soon to have practice exams (Sept 2017)
  • Has a subscription option for additional content.
    • $99/month
    • AIA members get a 15% discount
    • Note:  I have not subscribed to the paid content.
• Where?
  • Their Website:  https://blackspectacles.com/products/are-5-exam-prepprep
  • You Tube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/iloveblackspectacles/featured
  • Stitcher:  https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/black-spectacles-arer-live

Ballast (PPI)

• Cost?  Varies, can get expensive
  • Read a review by YA and get his discount code:  https://youngarchitect.com/2014/07/17/ballast-are-review-manual/ 
• Where?
  • Their Website:  https://ppi2pass.com/shop/are/are-review-materials
  • Amazon was cheaper when I bought the guide (used).
  • You may be able to borrow copies from your local AIA chapter office

• Comments:
  • I own this.  I bought it because my engineering professor co-authored the book.  As of writing this I have only made it through Division 1 reading.
  • You may be ok using the 4.0 version to study for the 5.0 but the information will not be in the correct divisions for easy review.  I sold my 4.0 copy and bought the 5.0…why make studying any harder?

Brightwood (Formerly Kaplan)

• Cost? $Varies, can get expensive
• Where?
  • Their Website:  https://www.brightwoodarchitecture.com/are5-exam/
  • Amazon sometimes has better deals, especially for used copies.
  • You may be able to borrow copies from you local AIA chapter office.
• Comments:  I plan to purchase the practice exams.

ARE Bootcamp (Young Architect)

• Cost?  $545
• Where? Virtual 
• Has some free content:
  • https://youngarchitect.com/2017/08/05/ultimate-list-of-are-5-0-study-materials-part-1/ 
  • https://youngarchitect.com/are/

ARE 5.0 Miscellaneous Sources:

• My Pinterest Board of ARE links:
  • https://www.pinterest.com/WHFdesigns/are/ 
• PcM, ARE 5.0: Methods for Business Organization – Pros and Cons
  •  http://joshkieb.com/are-5-0-business-organization/
• Understanding Vapor Barriers
  • https://buildingscience.com/documents/digests/bsd-106-understanding-vapor-barriers
• Financial Management for the small architecture firm – terminology and examples
  • http://blog.bqe.com/2013/02/26/financial-management-for-the-small-architectural-firm-102-terminology-and-examples/
• 6 Things Architects should know about the new AIA documents
  • https://architizer.com/blog/aia-documents-update/
• Hanahan Lecture Notes – Professional Practice Architecture 544
  • http://www.schiffhardin.com/professionals/attorneys/d-i/hanahan-michael-j/hanahan-lecture-notes-2017
• 2017 AIA Conctracts Samples (partial list)
  • http://acdpages.aia.org/2017-AD-AIA-Contract-Docs-ArchitectTY.html?aliId=7084388
• Online structures course  (free)  http://www.nexote.net/nexote/SALN/
• Thadius – ARE Links http://davidthaddeus.com/links/
• NALSA – Free Stuff https://www.nalsa.com/freehelp.html
• Statute of Limitations vs. Statute of Repose https://are5community.ncarb.org/hc/en-us/community/posts/115000789908-Statute-of-Limitations-vs-Statute-of-Repose?mobile_site=true
• Project management manual offers guide for success https://www.aia.org/articles/2541-project-management-manual-offers-guide-for-su

ARE 5.0 Books Referenced by NCARB:

These books are listed in the last pages of the ARE 5.0 Handbook.  You should verify the books and versions listed yourself and this is not all of them: