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Architect Exam Prep: The ARE Podcast

Architect Exam Prep: The ARE Podcast

Written by: David Doucette & Eric Corey Freed
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 Listen in as David and Eric talk about issues aimed at candidates preparing for the NCARB Architect Registration Exam (ARE) . We discuss topics related to helping you become a better test taker as well as become a more valuable employee.2012-2026 Art Economics Education Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • 085. ARE Technical: Analyzing the Score Report

    085. ARE Technical: Analyzing the Score Report
    Feb 27 2026
    In this episode, David and Eric discuss how to realistically interpret NCARB ARE score reports without overthinking them. They explain why content area percentages and “low” scores often look worse than they are, and how weighting and test design affect what the report really means. They also share healthier retake strategies, focusing on fuzzy topics, mindset, and holistic studying rather than obsessing over every data point. Listen to the Audio Show Notes The NCARB ARE score report is vague and often over‑interpreted by candidates.Its only real purpose: lightly point you toward weak content areas after a fail—not to precisely diagnose everything that went wrong. How Score Reports Work Tests are divided into content areas/modules, but: There is one overall cut score for the exam, not for each module.You do not need to “pass” every content area to pass the exam. Content areas are weighted very differently: Example (PDD): Content Area 1 ~ 37% of the test (~37 questions on a 100‑question exam)Content Area 5 ~ 2–8% (as few as 2 questions) So getting 100% in a tiny area doesn’t mean much; missing a lot in a big area matters more. Common Misinterpretations Candidates often: Lay out multiple reports like a detective wall, trying to decode patterns that aren’t really there.Think: “I got 40%, I need 80%, I’m only halfway there.” In reality, that might mean they were only ~10 questions away from passing. Believe online calculators that say, “You missed by 1 question,” which Eric says is mathematically almost never true—most are off by 5–15 questions, still very close, but not “one.” Two Main Score Report Scenarios Low in one content area This is actually good news: You were close to passing.You likely just need to tighten knowledge in that specific area. Use the report as a pointer: “Study more in this content area,” not as a judgment of your overall ability. Low across the board Usually not about content gaps in one topic.More about test behavior: Overthinking, second‑guessing, misreading questionsRushing or running out of timeNot picking up clues in the scenarios Many candidates feel like they “bombed it,” but Eric often finds they’re still only around 10–15 questions away. Flip‑Flopping Scores (Multiple Attempts) After 3+ attempts, candidates often see: Content areas that were strong become weak, and vice versa.Over many attempts, they’ve “passed” every section at some point—just never all in the same sitting. This indicates: They’re capable of passing.But they’re now fighting their past attempts, changing answers based on what they did last time rather than calmly applying standard of care and good reasoning. Eric’s coaching focuses on: Mindset, test‑taking biases, and a “standard of care” mental model to get out of their own way. How (and How Not) to Use the Score Report Good uses: Spend a few minutes with it: Note if one or two areas are clearly weaker.Let that inform where to get a bit more clarity. Pair it with your own reflection: Ask: Was I rushing? Misreading? Did I run out of time? Was I confused by the question wording? Bad / unhelpful uses: Over‑analyzing multiple reports, building big collages and trying to decode hidden meanings.Letting the “% correct” vs “passing candidate %” convince you you’re farther from passing than you really are.Using it as an emotional verdict: “I bombed, I don’t know anything.” Better Strategy After a Fail Write down your “fuzzy topics” immediately after the exam: Any concept where you thought, “I’m not totally sure.”That list becomes your real study roadmap. Study holistically, not just one tiny module: Yes, give extra attention to weaker content areas.But keep reviewing all modules, because questions are integrated and pulled randomly from large banks. If you ran out of time and left many blanks: The score report is basically useless in that situation—it’s mostly reflecting unanswered questions, not your knowledge. Coaching / Tools Mentioned Eric has a score report tool in the Platinum coaching program: Takes the NCARB percentages from a score report.Estimates how many questions away from passing a candidate likely was. He also does five free coaching calls per day to: Interpret reports.Re‑frame how close people actually are.Build a realistic study and mindset plan. Their coaching provides a daily study plan, organized by content areas, to remove overthinking about “what to do next.” Big Takeaways The score report is not an oracle (and not the Grim Reaper either).It’s a blunt, limited tool: Use it quickly, unemotionally.Let it lightly guide you, then move on to studying and retaking. Practically, a failing score report mostly just means: You need to take the exam again, with slightly better content clarity and a much better test‑taking mindset. Please Subscribe Receive ...
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    24 mins
  • 084. ARE Mentor: Build Your Weekly Study System

    084. ARE Mentor: Build Your Weekly Study System
    Feb 24 2026

    In this episode, David introduces the new ARE Mentor format — short, direct Tuesday episodes focused on mindset, structure, and execution — alongside the ongoing ARE Technical episodes released on Fridays.

    Listen to the Audio

    Show Notes

    The core message: most candidates don’t struggle because they lack knowledge. They struggle because they lack structure. Studying only when motivated, cramming on weekends, or starting and stopping repeatedly leads to inconsistency — and inconsistency kills momentum. The ARE does not reward intensity. It rewards consistency.

    David shares lessons from his own seven-year journey through the exams and emphasizes the need for a frictionless, repeatable weekly system. The recommendation: study six days per week, 60–90 minutes per day, at the same time each day, with one scheduled day off. Focus on one division at a time, build rhythm, and aim to test every six weeks.

    He also highlights the importance of:

    • Avoiding marathon study sessions

    • Committing to one primary study resource

    • Incorporating a weekly review day

    • Reducing decision fatigue

    • Treating the process like a professional commitment

    The takeaway is simple: build a system you can repeat week after week. Show up consistently. Stop restarting. Create momentum — and keep moving forward toward your next exam.

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    19 mins
  • 083. ARE Technical: Top 5 Tips for Practice Management (PcM)

    083. ARE Technical: Top 5 Tips for Practice Management (PcM)
    Feb 20 2026

    In Episode 83 of the ARE Podcast, David and Eric break down the five most important strategies for passing the Practice Management (PcM) division.

    We begin with a critical mindset shift: PcM is not about thinking like an employee. It’s about thinking like a principal. Many candidates miss questions because they answer from their personal job experience rather than from the perspective of a firm owner making business decisions. On this exam, you have to think like the boss.

    Listen to the Audio

    Show Notes

    We also address a common mistake — relying too heavily on personal experience. The ARE tests the standard of care and textbook principles, not how your specific firm happens to operate. Experience can actually hurt you if it introduces bias.

    Another key clarification: you are not supposed to memorize the Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice. It is a reference guide, not a traditional textbook. The exam tests judgment and understanding, especially in areas like accounting and firm management.

    Accounting fundamentals are a major focus of this episode. Understanding credits, debits, and the accrual method is essential for PcM. These questions are often more straightforward than candidates expect once the concepts are clear.

    We also break down corporate legal structures — including sole proprietorships, LLCs, S Corps, C Corps, and professional corporations (PCs). The correct answer on the exam depends on tax liability, ownership requirements, flexibility, and state-specific rules — not personal preference.

    Finally, we recommend using the Wiley guide to the Architect’s Handbook as a tool to quickly locate relevant topics. It’s not about memorizing the Handbook. It’s about knowing how to navigate it efficiently.

    If you’re starting with PcM or struggling to pass it, this episode provides strategic clarity on what actually matters — and what doesn’t.

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    Please rate us on iTunes!

    If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a review. It would really help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!
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    19 mins
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