Taking these exams is stressful. Choosing the right study package doesn’t have to be! Most of your big questions are probably answered below.
STILL GOT QUESTIONS?
Simply chat us (below) or contact us. You can even schedule a free coaching call to get a sense of our coaching style and approach.
Your Top Five Concerns
This is the number one concern we hear: that you won’t have enough time to study.
We have designed this as a comprehensive system that is very doable for the busy, full-time, working professional.
In the Platinum Coaching program, we even give you a Daily Study Plan so you know exactly what to do each day.
The time commitment is around an hour a day (Monday to Thursday); take Fridays off to rest your brain; and 2-3 hours on the weekends. This is very doable for you!
Just taking these exams is expensive, we know. Each NCARB test appointment is $235 (so at least a $1410 investment to take all 6 exams). Each time you fail, you’ll have to pay another $235 to retake each exam.
Virtually everyone in our coaching program had multiple fails under their belts before joining our program. Their most common lament: “I wish I found this program sooner (it could have saved me thousands of dollars).”
Think of the cost of our study materials as protection against wasting money taking and retaking tests over and over again.
You know yourself better than anyone. You know what you prefer and like in terms of learning new content. But this isn’t about you. You have to take the same test as everyone else. And we know the pitfalls, traps, and mindsets shifts needed in order to show you how to pass.
These exams will be one of the toughest things you’ve ever faced in your professional career. So we’re here to support you:
- Schedule a free one-on-one coaching call to get a sense of our coaching style and get some free advice.
- Check out our Unlimited Pass Guarantees (so you can join us with confidence).
- Look at our Pass Rates, which are the highest in the industry.
Better yet, grab a FREE TRIAL for a division to get a sense of how our system works so well.
(Seriously… we had more on the page, but the page crashed!)
You’re smart. You’re a good test taker. You think you don’t need outside help. We get it.
But these tests have a 54% passing rate. There are six of them, so most people fail at least 3 of them. They are unlike any test you’ve ever taken before.
Are you sure you want to brave all that alone, without any guidance? Our study packages are comprehensive and designed to show you how to change your mindset.
For example: The Architect’s Handbook is 1200 pages and full of contradictory information. It’s not a textbook. Do you really want to spend time navigating that to try and figure out what is important for these exams? Save yourself the stress. Save yourself time. We’ll get you right to the heart of the information you need.
Study Packages FAQ
We still have them! For over ten years we sold our popular study packages as only downloadable files (PDFs and MP3s). But people would lose their files, they would lose their passwords, it was hard to send updates, and it required a lot of upkeep.
Instead, we built an online course portal that just rocks! We’re sure that you’ll love it once you’re using it every day.
Don’t worry though. Parts of the package are still downloadable! Our popular audio can still be downloaded (if needed), and the flashcards come in both digital and printable versions.
Immediately after your purchase, you get access to our online course portal with all 6 study packages. If you also added on coaching, you get instant access to the coaching resources too!
Yes! You can study on your phone, laptop, tablets, and any other device that can access the internet.
Yes, your inner Project Manager will love how the portal tracks your progress as you go.
(We’ll even reset your progress for you if you want to “start fresh,” but it’s not necessary.)
You can use, read and review the study content as much as you like during your subscription. The portal even tracks your progress as you go, but you can use that as much as you want!
(We’ll even reset your progress for you if you want to “start fresh,” but it’s not necessary.)
You can use, read and review the study content as much as you like during your subscription. The portal will track your progress and show each section as complete, but you can still access all of it during your subscription. Take the quizzes and exam simulators over and over again.
Any standard internet connection will do. If you can surf on social media, you can easily use our portal. The audio and video files are all designed for streaming and adjust to your internet speed. It’s a responsive and immersive experience.
Plus, our popular audio files can be downloaded or streamed, and the flashcards come in both digital and printable versions.
Sure! Lots of people prefer hard copies for studying. The content is all just in your browser. If you can print from your browser, you can print the lessons.
You are allowed to print one copy of the material for your own personal use. Read our full Terms + Conditions here.
Plus, our popular audio files can be downloaded or streamed, and the flashcards come in both digital and printable versions.
No, and never have. Our materials are 100% digital, online content. Luckily, we designed the guides to be printed. If you can print from your browser, you can print the lessons.
Keeping the content digital only also allows us to update new content easily, and keeps our prices so low.
Yes, of course! Those downloadable files still work and will continue to work. When you’re ready to activate your exam simulator, just follow the instructions like before.
PLUS: if you need more time on the exam simulator, we have easy options for extensions as needed! Just email us when ready.
NCARB officially switched over to ARE5.0 in November 2017. That was years ago! Why drag this out for so long?
Yes, of course, you can still study with the older materials, but keep a few things in mind. First, we completely revamped our study materials for ARE5.0, including all new flashcards, all new exam simulator, and all new case studies. We also re-wrote the entire Study Guide for each division and added information on how you should apply this information.
If you want to use your old ARE4.0 study materials, we suggest two things: one, while studying try to understand the reasons why we do the things we do; two, remember that both Project Management and Practice Management are all new exams, and you should probably study those two to add to your reading. Also note, we no longer maintain the ARE4.0 exam simulator.
If you’re still unsure, schedule a free call with Eric to discuss it. Better yet, maybe what you need is some one-on-one or group coaching to help you finish.
Downloads FAQ
Yes! All of the study packages for all 6 exams are offered inside our online course portal, but certain parts are also available for download.
Our popular audio companion is included within the study guide but can also be downloaded, so you can listen on your commute or on a long flight. Add it to your iTunes (or any other mp3 player) and listen anywhere.
In addition, the flashcards come in both digital and printable versions. Some people like having the physical cards. Don’t worry, printing instructions are included.
Yes! The downloadable files are simply PDF and MP3 files and never expire. Enjoy them forever (or until you lose them!)
Think of them as a bonus gift for subscribing.
These files are not to be shared as per our Terms + Conditions.
Firm Pricing FAQ
Every firm has different policies, but it is very common for Architecture firms to reimburse their staff for study materials and NCARB exam fees. Some firms even give you paid time off to take the test.
Note: Most firms will only reimburse you for study packages and exam fees if you pass. it’s very unusual to get time off to study. Remember, virtually everyone taking the test is working full-time. The test is designed for you to study and take it while working full-time. That’s kind of the point!
Yes! Discounts for firms start for as few as 2 people! We show our standard discounts here. If you need something special or have additional questions, simply contact us and we can put together a custom package for your firm.
It works just like the regular subscriptions, but with a deep discount. Whether your firm has 2 people, or 200 people, we can put together a special package for you.
We really only need to know the total number of employees. We include our Platinum Coaching in the price, so you’re getting the best package at the best price.
Yes. It’s easier and more fair this way. This allows everyone who is looking to get licensed to get licensed, rather than charging more per person. If your firm is interested in providing the best study materials for your staff, check out our firm pricing here or contact us for a custom quote.
(According to the AIA, typically 16% of firm staff are ARE candidates, so we just factor that into the pricing.)
Our popular Platinum Coaching is incredible at keeping your staff on track and focused. We also boast the highest pass rates in the industry.
Our current firm pricing includes Platinum Coaching with all firm subscriptions. If you think your firm has a subscription but don’t have access, simply contact us and we’ll look it up. If your firm license has lapsed, check out the firm pricing here.
Package Pricing FAQ
In short: no! We designed this as a comprehensive package. Our goal is to give you the best chance to pass the ARE, so we set out to create the most comprehensive program designed to train you to “think like an Architect” so you can pass.
The results show that when you use our entire study package, it greatly increases your understanding of the material required by NCARB. For that reason, we only offer the materials as a complete package because we want you to pass!
Plus unlike our competitors, we give you 3 months of access for less than the price of their 1 month! Stop trying to shortcut the process and just give in and study!
No! We hate auto-renewals and surprise charges. Once your term runs out, we do not automatically renew you.
Unlike our competitors, we will never put an automatic renewal on your credit card. (We don’t keep your credit card info anyway.) Monthly plans are billed monthly for your term (one to 12 months). No automatic renewals on any of our plans.
When your subscription ends, simply subscribe again if you need more time. There are no monthly charges or hidden fees ever.
Yes, actually! We know that everyone is at a different point of their testing journey, so that’s why we offer our All Access subscriptions in 6 or 12 months (for less than what others charge for one month!).
We also offer access to a single division for 1, 2, or 3 months if you just need a quick round of access.
Two months is more than enough time to study for one (or maybe two) exams! Just buy the time you need.
Yes! Thank you for your service. Simply contact us and we will arrange a special discount just for you.
Well, technically everyone studying for these exams is a student. But, if you’re enrolled in your University’s IPAL testing program, contact us and we will arrange a special discount just for you. (We love IPAL students!)
We don’t play those secret discount games. There are no hidden promo codes on the internet (well, none that work anyway!)
When we discount our packages, we’ll show you on a giant banner at the top of our website! Very easy!
We also offer free giveaways and special offers on our webinars and Instagram page. Sign up to be notified of upcoming free webinars to not miss them.
Since your access is granted immediately, and you’ll have access to all of our materials, we cannot offer refunds. We do offer our Unlimited Pass Guarantee and our Platinum Pass Guarantee, which guarantees you’ll pass or you get additional time for free! (Terms + Conditions apply, of course!)
If you only eat half of your hamburger, do you also ask the restaurant to give you a refund? No, there are no refunds and no partial refunds.
Plus we offer our Unlimited Pass Guarantee and Platinum Pass Guarantee. If you don’t pass, we’ll extend your subscription for free. That’s how confident we are in our materials.
If you subscribe for 3 months but pass your last exam in just 2, that is amazing! Obviously, it means that your Architect Exam Prep subscription worked! So you got the value you were seeking. That’s a good thing, isn’t it?
No! It’s a waste of money, but you chose to subscribe and then not use the access.
Look, you’re taking exams to become a licensed architect and demonstrate to NCARB and your state that you are a responsible professional. Asking for a partial refund is unprofessional.
We do offer our Unlimited Pass Guarantee and Platinum Pass Guarantee. If you don’t pass, we’ll extend your subscription for free. That’s how confident we are in our materials.
If you’re struggling, schedule a free coaching call and we can get you back on track with a plan to finish your exams.
Still no. But feel free to email us as we love stories.
Our goal is to get you licensed, not hear excuses. If you’re serious about licensure, then start studying.
Exam Simulator FAQ
For each exam, we provide more than 4 times the number of questions on the real exam (so if the NCARB exam has 100 questions, we give you 400).
Plus, our quizzes and case study guides offer hundreds of additional questions. In total, there are over 2400 questions in our exam simulator test bank and hundreds more in the case studies.
Yes, the exam simulator is designed to teach you why the answer is what it is so incorrect answers provide detailed feedback explanations.
You can take them timed, or untimed. You can even take them by Module (so if you only studied Module 2, you can test on just the Module 2 related questions.)
Yes, as NCARB Approved Test Prep providers, we have unique insight into the exams and our questions mimic the questions as much as we’re allowed. They prepare you for the real exam. That’s why our exam simulators are so popular.
Testing FAQ
We recommend you study and take an exam every two months. Don’t drag it out.
This way you can take all 6 exams in a year and fit in some retakes as you go.
You’ll never feel totally prepared and most people drag this out for years. Don’t make that mistake. Start taking your exams!
Well, on the one hand it doesn’t matter. You have to pass all six anyway.
But we suggest taking Practice Management (PcM) first since it is the exam that you most likely will not be that biased about (since you probably don’t have experience as a Principal of a firm.)
Do not start with Project Management (PjM) if you assume, “Hey, I do Project Management at work all day, so it will be easy.” That usually backfires.
Start with Practice Management (PcM), then take either Project Management (PjM) or Construction & Evaluation (CE). After that, jump over to the Design exams with Programming & Analysis (PA); Project Planning & Design (PPD); and Project Development & Documentation (PDD).
Our comprehensive packages will take between 50-60 hours to just get through one exam.
But you only need to study for around one hour a day during the week, and 2-3 hours on weekends. That’s a very simple and doable strategy to prepare you in around 6-8 weeks. This study package is designed for working professionals.
Well, that depends and it’s really up to you. If you went in unprepared before, then using our complete and comprehensive study package will of course improve your performance.
But if you really studied hard and were surprised you failed, then you likely need coaching. Most people fail for one of five reasons: overthinking; second guessing; mis-reading or rushing; bias; or time mismanagement. Our Platinum Coaching will address all of these issues.
Zero! Don’t fall into the “hamster wheel retake trap” in taking the same exam over and over again. It never works. Instead, move on right away to the next exam.
If you fail Practice Management (PcM), moving on to Project Management (PjM) will only help you with your PcM retake later on. NCARB data shows that scores typically get worse on the retakes.
If you’re really struggling with a specific exam, we do offer one on one and group coaching.
Coaching FAQ
The Co-Founders of Architect Exam Prep, David and Eric, lead the coaching. You won’t get passed off to some weird strangers!
We have 30+ years of experience as Architects and 20+ years as teachers. You’re in great hands.
It varies every month, of course.
We do not have you working alone in groups. This is real coaching, where David and Eric will coach and mentor you through our weekly Zoom calls, on-demand videos, and on our Slack channel (it’s like Teams).
Yes! We don’t force you into awkward interactions with strangers. You will not be pushed into groups. Instead, we coach you through our weekly Zoom calls, on-demand videos, and getting all of your questions answered on our Slack channel (it’s like Teams).
You participate as much or as little as you’re comfortable. It’s a great group and a safe space to discuss the topics.
The Co-Founders of Architect Exam Prep, David and Eric, lead the coaching and the weekly Zoom calls. Everyone in coaching, across all 6 exams, is on the calls. The calls are completely different every week and follow an agenda, so you should show up every week.
We use Zoom for our weekly calls with the webcam video on. It lets us all see & hear each other clearly, allows for screen sharing, and always just works. The software is free for you, and if you can’t join by computer, you just dial a typical phone number.
Calls are Mondays (roundtable call) and Tuesdays (coaching call). All calls are 5pm PT / 6pm MT / 7pm CT / 8pm ET.
The weekly calls are on Mondays (open discussion roundtable call) and Tuesdays (mindset-based coaching call). The Tuesday calls are recorded are shared in your portal. The calls are unique and different every week.
All calls are 5pm PT / 6pm MT / 7pm CT / 8pm ET.
If a call falls on a holiday, we typically do not hold it that day.
Slack is so awesome that we predict you might get addicted to it. Some of our candidates already use it at work anyway. Plus, David and Eric are on it every day to answer your questions. You can also search past comments and answers.
Not really, since you can really only study and take one exam at a time. If you want to double up and take two exams close together, it’s possible but we suggest doing it with our coaching so you’re getting the guidance you need.
Yes! Our pass rates are much higher than the national ARE average and higher than those by our competitors. In addition, we see a 95% score improvement rate among our coaching candidates.
Yes, and shared on the portal so you can watch/listen anytime. We know that sometimes life gets in the way, so if you have to miss one of the weekly group calls, at least you can avoid missing out.
No, our coaching is linked to our study materials. It’s designed to train you on proper judgment and building your mindset. It doesn’t work with other outside materials.
If you already invested in other materials (that have failed you) but want to stick with them, then we suggest getting one on one coaching. It doesn’t matter what materials you use for that since we’ll work on your mindset with you.
We launch new coaching groups typically on the first Monday of every month. The daily study plan has you studying for 6 weeks and then taking your exam in the two weeks after that.
We ask that everyone in the group schedule their exam for the end of the six-week coaching period. For example, if you join coaching in January, you’d study through January and February and then take your exam in the last 2 weeks of February. You’d study for your next exam in March/April, and so on.
If you previously bought either our downloadable materials or subscription, simply contact us and we can determine if you are eligible for a discount on a new subscription.
Well, that’s really up to you. If you like the structure of a daily study plan, weekly calls, and posting regularly to Slack, then the group is for you.
If you really are stuck and don’t get these exams, or if your schedule doesn’t work with the group sessions, then one-on-one is perfect for you. Most people schedule their one-on-one coaching on evenings and weekends.
Yes! You can schedule a free 15-minute coaching call with Eric. He can cover a lot of ground in those 15 minutes! Spots for the free calls are limited so we ask that you not schedule more than one a month. If you want to get coaching immediately, then you can pay for one on one coaching and get a spot within 24 hours.
Free coaching calls are not recorded and are only held by phone. Free coaching calls are limited to select times of the week and only 5 slots a day are available. Once they fill up, you have to wait.
Paid one on one coaching can be done by phone or Zoom and is recorded and shared. Paid calls are available in longer time slots and on evenings and weekends.
Digital Subscriptions FAQ
No, your access begins at purchase. You set up your account during checkout.
Yes! As soon as you purchase, you create a username and password. You now have full access! If you also added on coaching, you’ll get instant access to the coaching resources too!
No problem! Simply email us within 24 hours of your purchase and we can put your account on hold.
Pausing is not allowed Single Division Packages, Combo Packages or the ALL 6 Package. Pausing a membership is only allowed as a benefit to the 12 Month Platinum Coaching Program and only allowed for up to 30 days and is limited to one pause per 12 month period. Additional pausing beyond 30 days is not allowed.
In short, No. One subscription per person.
The Architect Exam Prep study packages are 100% digital content. Candidates are granted a limited, non-transferable, revocable license to access and make personal, non-commercial, use of the Digital Content provided by ArchitectExamPrep.com including the study packages, the coaching lessons, and its related files.
Sharing your login or subscription is a violation of our Terms + Conditions and can result in the revocation of your subscription.
We designed the packages as a complete and comprehensive set of tools to train you in the right mindset. Eliminating parts of the package to make an entry-level subscription doesn’t feel right to us. Instead, we made our prices lower than everyone else.
Well, no. If you want it monthly, our fees are less than our competitors.
But: if you commit to us, we commit to you. By subscribing to a 6 or 12-month plan, you’ll get additional savings.
No one is studying for all 6 exams in a single month anyway. Save money and follow our plan to finish all 6 exams in a year.
We do offer single-division access for 2 months for one test at a time for a lower price. It’s like getting two months for the price (others are charging) for one.
When the 6 or 12-month subscription ends, it’s over. There are no automatic renewals or crazy things you must do to cancel. If you want more access, simply buy another subscription. It’s easy, it’s fair, and it works for you.
Yes, we have a free trial!
We’ve been coaching thousands of candidates to licensure since 2010. We have the highest pass rates in the industry. We have a stellar reputation (and work hard at keeping it).
Plus we offer our Platinum Pass Guarantee. If you don’t pass, we’ll extend your subscription for free. That’s how confident we are in our materials.
We show you what’s included in the study packages and the portal on the website. But try it out for yourself. You can get a free 7-day trial for any single exam package. So stop the excuses and dive in!
In short, No. Easy payment subscriptions represent a commitment for the length of the term of the chosen product.
- Single Division Packages are for either a one month or three month subscription with a one time payment.
- Ultimate Whole Enchilada 6 Months Combo: PcM/PjM/CE are either a one time payment or 2 Easy Payments. You are not allowed to cancel Easy Payments as they represent a commitment for the full 6 Months of the product. You acknowledge you are committing to fulfill 2 Easy Payments and cancelling an Easy Payment is not an option.
- Ultimate Whole Enchilada 6 Months Combo: PA/PPD/PDD are either a one time payment or 2 Easy Payments. You are not allowed to cancel Easy Payments as they represent a commitment for the full 6 Months of the product. You acknowledge you are committing to fulfill 2 Easy Payments and cancelling an Easy Payment is not an option.
- Ultimate Whole Enchilada 12 Months ALL 6 Divisions are either a one time payment or 4 Easy Payments. You acknowledge you are committing to fulfill 4 Easy Payments and cancelling an Easy Payment is not an option.
- 6 Months ALL 6 Divisions + Platinum Coaching are either a one time payment or 2 Easy Payments. You acknowledge you are committing to fulfill 2 Easy Payments and cancelling an Easy Payment is not an option.
- 12 Months ALL 6 Divisions + Platinum Coaching are either a one time payment or 4 Easy Payments. You acknowledge you are committing to fulfill 4 Easy Payments and cancelling an Easy Payment is not an option.
When it runs out, hopefully, you’ve taken and passed your exam. If you want more time, simply purchase a subscription. Nothing will auto-renew.
BTW: If you buy the 12-month package, you get a huge discount!
Web Chat FAQ
Yup! It’s really us. Use the chat to reach out to the founders of Architect Exam Prep to get advice, test strategy, or questions about our study packages.
Yeah we’re sure! Some of you think that they’re chatting with an AI bot. It’s not. It’s really us, and we’re really human! (AI bots don’t make typos!) You’re watching too many sci-fi movies.
We’re busy working architects so we answer the chats when we can. Sometimes we’re in meetings. Sometimes we’re answering them from the grocery store! Sometimes we’re driving and can’t chat.
If we’re not available, just leave a message in the chat and we’ll respond right away.
Platinum Pass Guarantees FAQ
Yes! We have the following Pass Guarantees
Platinum Pass Guarantee: Purchase the 12-month Platinum subscription. If you follow our plan and take 6 exams within that 12-month period (retakes count) and don’t pass, we’ll give you another 6 months of access for free ($1494 value!) to help you with your retake. Simply send us a copy of your score report to activate your free extension.
Join with confidence and let us help you finish your licensure journey.
If you commit to us, we’re going to commit to you! With our Platinum Pass Guarantee, we’ll guarantee you pass in a year using our incredible program. Here’s how it works:
- Join our Platinum Program for one year (12 months All Access + Platinum)
- Take 6 exams within 1 year (retakes count!)
- If you took 6 exams but didn’t pass them all, we’ll give you another 6 months of access for free to get you over that finish line
- You commit to us, and we’ll commit to you until you’re done! If you’re working the program, you shouldn’t have to pay another dime!
*** Please note the Platinum Pass Guarantee only applies to those purchasing the Platinum Subscription for an entire year ***
DIDN’T GET THE ANSWERS YOU NEED?
Simply chat us (below) or contact us. You can even schedule a free coaching call to get a sense of our coaching style and approach.