ARE 5.0 Programming and Analysis Exam Prep

Turn PA Confusion Into Clarity

We demystify NCARB’s Programming & Analysis exam so you can tackle this challenging exam with ease.

*Pictures of our actual students

Our Students Are Now Registered Architects at These Firms:

Walk Into Your PA Exam With Complete Confidence

Our systematic approach transforms overwhelming PA concepts into clear, manageable steps you can apply immediately.

Imagine sitting down on exam day knowing exactly how to approach every Programming & Analysis question. 

You will.

Master These PA Exam Topics

Evaluating environmental constraints, site opportunities, and sustainability principles

Analyzing zoning requirements building codes, and regulatory compliance

Mastering site programming, spatial relationships, and project feasibility assessments

Understanding building analysis, area calculations, and functional programming requirements

Breaking down complex PA questions and identifying key information

Everything You Need to Pass the PA Exam

All organized and ready to help you pass on your next attempt.

Strategic Practice Questions

265 ARE questions that start with basics and gradually increase in difficulty to accelerate your growth

NCARB-Focused Video Lessons

14+ hours covering every PA objective with clear explanations

In-Depth Case Studies

Practice site evaluation and programming with two comprehensive project scenarios

Building Codes 101 Course

Proven codes training that makes the difficult IBC simple

PA Flashcards

260+ mobile-friendly cards covering all essential terminology and concepts

Virtual Tutor Support

24/7 instant help when you need clarification on complex topics

What Our Customers Our Saying About PA 101

Study Smarter. Pass Faster.

Get PA 101 + Full ARE Prep Access

You’re not just buying one course. You get a membership with all our ARE prep courses – because passing PA requires more than just PA knowledge.

Why This Matters for Your PA Prep

PA questions pull from multiple knowledge areas. Our membership gives you everything you need:

Building Codes 101 – Master the regulatory requirements and zoning analysis essential for PA questions

Mechanical Systems 101 – Understand building systems integration during predesign.

PPD/PDD Concepts – Learn site planning and environmental analysis topics that overlap with PA.

ARE 101 Course Membership

Ideal for independent learners

$129/mo

Includes: 

ARE 101 Course Membership

Over 100 hours of video lessons, 1,400+ practice questions, and everything you need to pass all ARE exams.

Click any course below to see what's included

Meet Your PA 101 Exam Prep Instructors

Learn from licensed architects who’ve mastered Programming & Analysis and helped thousands pass the PA exam.

 

Michael Riscica, registered architect and CCCA instructor.

Michael Riscica
RA, CSI, CDT

A registered Architect in Florida and Oregon, Michael is the founder of Young Architect Academy and ARE Boot Camp. His passion is demystifying the Architect Registration Exam.

Layla Qarout, PhD, AIA, WELL AP, ARE instructor

Layla Qarout
PhD, AIA, WELL AP, CTD

A registered Architect in Wisconsin, Layla has extensive healthcare and laboratory design experience. After using the ARE Boot Camp to get licensed, she now helps others master the subjects she knows best.

Emily Hobbs, registered architect and CCCA instructor.

Emily Hobbs
RA, CDT

A registered Architect in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands where her passion for environmentally responsible design shines through. Her work focuses on building her community with respect to the islands' unique history, climate, and culture.

PA 101 FAQs

Meet the experienced instructors guiding your preparation.

Can I cancel my membership anytime? 

Yes, cancel anytime with no penalties. Your access continues through your current billing cycle.

You get ALL our ARE 101 courses – PA + PPD, PDD, CE, PcM, PjM, Building Codes 101, Mechanical Systems 101. That’s why it’s a monthly membership.

PA 101 was built from scratch in early 2025 and released in May 2025. Completely new content made specifically for today’s ARE 5.0 exam.

No everything aavailable through the browser

Completely self-paced. No deadlines or scheduled classes – study when it works for you.

The ARE 101 Membership gives you self-paced access to all our course content and virtual tutors. The ARE Bootcamp is our 10-week intensive coaching program with live group sessions, personalized feedback, and direct access to me. The Bootcamp is for candidates who want more hands-on guidance and accountability.

Your PA Success Starts Here

Join thousands of ARE candidates who’ve used this comprehensive approach
to pass the ARE.

PcM 101

Master business operations and financial calculations for practice management success.

PcM 101 Includes:

  • 17+ hours of expert-led videos
  • 230+ practice questions
  • 2 comprehensive case studies
  • 200+ flashcards
  • AIA Contracts 101 course
  • AHPP reading companions

PjM 101

Master project coordination, scheduling, and contract administration for the PjM exam.

PjM 101 Includes:

  • 14+ hours of expert-led videos
  • 180+ practice questions
  • 3 comprehensive case studies
  • Digital flashcards
  • AIA Contracts 101 course
  • Interactive planning tools
  • AHPP reading companions

CE 101

Master construction administration, submittals, and project closeout for the CE exam.

CE 101 Includes:

  • 15+ hours of expert-led videos
  • 200+ practice questions
  • 2 comprehensive case studies
  • Digital flashcards
  • Building Codes 101 course
  • AIA Contracts 101 course
  • AHPP reading companions

PA 101

Master site analysis and project programming with comprehensive prep materials.

PA 101 Includes:

  • 14+ hours of video lessons
  • 265 practice questions
  • 2 case studies
  • 260+ flashcards
  • Building Codes 101 course

PPD 101

Master site design and schematic development for the PPD exam.

PPD 101 Includes:

  • 2+ hours of video content (in progress)
  • Building Codes 101 course
  • Mechanical Systems 101 course
  • 24/7 virtual tutors
  • New content added regularly

PDD 101

Master integrated building systems and design development for the PDD exam.

PDD 101 Includes:

  • 16+ hours of video content 
  • 430+ practice questions
  • Building Codes 101 course
  • Mechanical Systems 101 course
  • 24/7 virtual tutors
  • New content added regularly

Mechanical 101

Master HVAC systems, equipment types, and heat transfer for PPD and PDD exams.

Mechanical 101 Includes:

  • 15+ hours of expert-led videos
  • Equipment deep dives (chillers, boilers, AHUs)
  • System analysis framework
  • Digital flashcards
  • Heat transfer fundamentals
  • Interactive learning sessions

Codes 101

Master IBC chapters and code navigation essential for PA, PPD, and PDD exams.

Codes 101 Includes:

  • 4.5+ hours of expert-led videos
  • 200 practice questions
  • 3 IBC navigation workshops
  • Digital flashcards
  • Code calculation companions
  • Occupancy classification mastery

AIA Contracts 101

Master B101, A201, and essential AIA documents that unlock PcM, PjM, and CE exams.

AIA Contracts 101 Includes:

  • 17+ hours of expert-led videos
  • Complete coverage of B101, A201, C401, A101
  • Real-world contract applications
  • PDF contract downloads
  • IPD and CMGC delivery methods simply explained