I recently completed both my ARE (Architectural Registration Exams) and CSE (California Supplemental Exam) and can now officially call myself an ARCHITECT! Here are some of the resources I used to prepare for both tests:
One – Youtube
Never underestimate the power of free! I am usually “plugged in” at work listening to music or podcasts, but when I was studying for a test I would load a curated playlist of videos that focused on whatever ARE division I was taking. Check out some of the ones I used below:
Two – Designerhacks!
This was my favorite resource for completing the ARE because you could take pop quizzes ANYWHERE! This was really helpful to identify the areas where I needed to spend some more time studying.
Depending on where you are in the test taking process, I would recommend purchasing the ARE 5.0 Exam Bundle.
Three – Mock Exams
Although I primarily used DesignerHacks to take quizzes and tests, I also used the Gang Chen & PPI Mock Exams. I found it helpful to go through other mock exams that used different wording for questions.
You can purchase the guides from amazon.
Four – Current Work
Use the current work in your office to help study for the tests. Depending on your current position at work you may already be involved in most of the aspects covered in the ARE, but if you are not, ask to sit in with senior staff when they review consultant drawings, zoning research, code analysis, submittals, etc.
Real life experience will help you when you sit for your test becasue you can reference your past projects. Remember that one project that needed a variance from the city… what was the process I went through for that…
Five – CSE Whole Enchilada
Once you complete all your ARE and AXP (formerly IDP) you then need to take the California Supplemental Exam. Unfortunatly DesignerHacks didn’t have a CSE study bundle, so I used the CSE Prep Whole Enchilada bundle.
I found the audio commentary on the study guide extremely helpful and would listen to it to and from work and while at work. The bundle also includes access to the Online Multiple Choice Exam Simulator for 30 days. I would recommend taking the other question and project scenario guides first before starting the online simulator access.