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Architect Exam Podcast

Architect Exam Podcast

Written by: Michael Riscica
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 Free, high-value ARE prep broken into digestible episodes that make studying accessible and actually enjoyable. We translate complex exam content into clear, actionable strategies based directly on NCARB's objectives—not complicated study approaches that miss the mark. Young Architect has guided thousands to licensure since 2013 by simplifying ARE prep to what truly matters and keeping it fresh. Subscribe for practical ARE insights delivered in a format that fits your busy life.©2025 Art
Episodes
  • 056 - Building Acoustics: How Sound Actually Works in Buildings

    056 - Building Acoustics: How Sound Actually Works in Buildings
    Mar 2 2026

    # Libsyn Description

    Building acoustics explained: learn how sound actually works in buildings and the three critical rating systems every architect needs to know. We cover STC, IIC, NRC, decibels, and Hertz, everything you need for the ARE and real-world architecture.

    Building acoustics is one of those topics that trips people up because there are multiple rating systems that measure completely different things. In this episode, we break down all of them so they actually make sense. STC (Sound Transmission Class) rates how well walls and floors block airborne sound like voices and music. IIC (Impact Insulation Class) rates how well floor assemblies block impact sounds like footsteps. And NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) measures how much sound a material absorbs within a room.

    You'll learn why the IBC requires both STC 50 and IIC 50 between dwelling units, how to upgrade a basic wall assembly step by step, and why a material can be great at absorbing sound but terrible at blocking it. We also cover flanking paths, common spec mistakes, and when to bring in an acoustics consultant.

    Key topics covered:
    - Decibels, Hertz, and how sound is measured
    - STC ratings: blocking airborne sound through walls
    - IIC ratings: blocking impact sound through floors
    - NRC ratings: absorbing sound within a room
    - IBC Section 1207 requirements (STC 50 and IIC 50 between dwelling units)
    - Wall assembly upgrades: mass, insulation, decoupling, and sealing
    - Flanking paths and penetration details
    - Common acoustic specification mistakes

    ⏱️ Chapters:
    (0:00) Introduction
    (1:28) Free Study Guide
    (2:34) Why Sound Matters in Buildings
    (4:17) Decibels: How We Measure Loudness
    (6:58) Hertz: How We Measure Pitch
    (8:17) STC: Sound Transmission Class
    (16:07) IIC: Impact Insulation Class
    (20:34) NRC: Noise Reduction Coefficient
    (24:09) Bringing It All Together
    (26:31) Practical Tips and Common Scenarios
    (29:33) Acoustics Recap

    📖 Read the full blog post: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/building-acoustics/

    📝 Download the FREE 2-page Building Acoustics study guide: https://YoungArchitect.com/Acoustics

    🎯 Ready to pass the ARE and become a licensed architect? Get access to all our ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-study-materials/

    📚 Individual Courses:
    - PPD 101 (Building Systems and Design): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-planning-and-design/
    - PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-development-and-documentation/
    - Building Codes 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-building-codes-101/
    - Mechanical Systems 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-mechanical-systems-101/
    - CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/cdt-exam-prep/
    - CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/ccca-exam-prep/
    - PcM 101 (Practice Management): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-practice-management/
    - PjM 101 (Project Management): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-management/
    - CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-construction-and-evaluation/
    - PA 101 (Programming and Analysis): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/
    - AIA Contracts 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-aia-contracts-101/

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    32 mins
  • 055 - Control Joint vs Expansion Joint: Where the Cracks At?

    055 - Control Joint vs Expansion Joint: Where the Cracks At?
    Feb 23 2026
    Control joint vs expansion joint - what's the actual difference? We break down all four joint types you need to know for the ARE and the job site. Control joint vs expansion joint is one of those topics that trips people up because the terms sound so similar. But these joints are doing completely different things, and understanding those differences matters for the ARE and for real-world construction. In this episode, we break down four types of joints you'll encounter on the exam and on the job site: expansion joints, control joints, isolation joints, and construction joints. For each one, we cover what it does, where you'll see it in real construction, and how to remember the difference when you're under pressure on exam day. We also give you clear analogies and memory hooks so you're not just memorizing definitions that disappear five minutes later. By the end, you'll know exactly how to tell these joints apart and which ARE divisions they show up on, including PA, PPD, PDD, and CE. Key topics covered: Expansion joints and how they allow material movement Control joints and why you plan for cracks instead of preventing them Isolation joints and when complete separation is required Construction joints and how they relate to the work schedule The rebar test for telling isolation and construction joints apart Which ARE 5.0 divisions test each joint type Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 1:56 - Free Study Guide 2:51 - Expansion Joints 18:16 - Control Joints 13:44 - Isolation Joints 19:03 - Construction Joints 24:13 - Recapping Our Joints 27:35 - Wrap Up Episode Resources: Download free joint types study guide: https://youngarchitect.com/joints Ready to pass the ARE and become a licensed architect? Get access to all our ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-study-materials/ Individual ARE Exam Courses: - Practice Management (PcM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PcM101 - Project Management (PjM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PjM101 - Construction & Evaluation (CE 101): https://youngarchitect.com/CE101 - Programming & Analysis (PA 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/ - Project Planning & Design (PPD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-planning-and-design/ - Project Development & Documentation (PDD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-development-and-documentation/ - Building Codes 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-building-codes-101/ - Mechanical Systems 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-mechanical-systems-101/ - AIA Contracts 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-aia-contracts-101/ - Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/ - Explore our CDT 101 course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/cdt-exam-prep/ - Pass the CCCA Certification with our course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/ccca-exam-prep/ Subscribe for weekly ARE exam prep content and join thousands of successful architects who've passed their exams with Young Architect!
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    29 mins
  • 054 - PcM, PjM, and CE: Understanding the Difference Before You Study

    054 - PcM, PjM, and CE: Understanding the Difference Before You Study
    Feb 16 2026
    PcM, PjM, and CE are three different exams, but most people study them without understanding what makes each one unique. This episode breaks down exactly what NCARB is testing on Practice Management, Project Management, and Construction and Evaluation so you can study smarter, not harder. Too many ARE candidates jump into prep materials without ever looking at what each exam actually focuses on, and that leads to wasted time and confusion. PcM zooms out to the firm level. It's about business operations, finances, risk, and how an architecture practice stays profitable. PjM zooms into one project. You've got a signed contract, a team, and a schedule to manage through the design phases. CE picks up after the documents are done and construction begins. It's about administering the construction contract and making sure what gets built matches what was designed. We also cover where these exams overlap (contracts, risk, insurance, quality control, and project delivery methods all show up on all three), and why that overlap is actually good news for your study plan. Plus, there's a free homework assignment that ties it all together. Download the free study notes and homework assignment: https://youngarchitect.com/understandingpropractice Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 4:18 - Study Notes and We Need Your Help 5:21 - Why Start with the Pro Practice Exams? 6:30 - The Big Picture: What Ties These Three Exams Together 8:17 - PcM: Practice Management - Running the Firm 9:57 - PjM: Project Management - Managing the Project 12:13 - CE: Construction and Evaluation - On the Job Site 16:53 - How They Flow Together 18:06 - Study Strategy for the Pro Practice Exams 20:24 - Homework Assignment 21:41 - Conclusion Episode Resources: - Read the full blog post: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/understanding-pcm-pjm-and-ce Ready to pass the ARE and become a licensed architect? Get access to all our ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-study-materials/ Individual ARE Exam Courses: - Practice Management (PcM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PcM101 - Project Management (PjM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PjM101 - Construction & Evaluation (CE 101): https://youngarchitect.com/CE101 - Programming & Analysis (PA 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/ - Project Planning & Design (PPD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-planning-and-design/ - Project Development & Documentation (PDD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-development-and-documentation/ - Building Codes 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-building-codes-101/ - Mechanical Systems 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-mechanical-systems-101/ - AIA Contracts 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-aia-contracts-101/ - Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/ - Explore our CDT 101 course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/cdt-exam-prep/ - Pass the CCCA Certification with our course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/ccca-exam-prep/ Subscribe for weekly ARE exam prep content and join thousands of successful architects who've passed their exams with Young Architect!
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    23 mins
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