ARE 5.0 Project Planning and Design Exam Prep
Master Project Planning and Design and Pass the PPD Exam
We break down one of the most technical ARE exams into clear, manageable concepts so you can walk into the PPD exam fully prepared and confident.
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Pass the PPD Exam With a Complete Understanding of Design Integration
PPD is one of the hardest ARE exams because it covers everything — site analysis, building systems, structural concepts, codes, and sustainability — all at once.
Our proven approach teaches you how these systems connect, so you’re not just memorizing facts. You’re learning to think like an architect making real design decisions.
Picture yourself walking into the PPD exam knowing exactly how to approach every question.
That’s exactly what happens.
PPD Topics You'll Master:
Site analysis and design including solar path, wind, topography, and climate considerations
Sustainable design principles and how to apply them to building orientation, envelope, and systems selection
Building codes applied to design including occupancy, egress, fire separation, and accessibility
Selecting mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems based on function, cost, and programmatic needs
Structural system selection and its impact on building configuration and layout
Integrating all building systems spatially and functionally into the architectural design
Project costs and budgeting including evaluating design alternatives and preliminary cost estimates
Your Complete PPD Exam Toolkit
Everything you need to master Project Planning and Design and pass the PPD exam.
Expert-Led Video Instruction
18+ hours of clear, focused video lessons taught by Layla Qarout. Every topic is covered the way NCARB tests it.
Strategic Practice Questions
500+ practice questions designed to test your understanding of PPD concepts, not just your ability to memorize facts.
Flashcards
375+ flashcards to reinforce key PPD terms, systems, and design concepts so they stick when it counts.
NCARB Objective Coverage
Every lesson is aligned to NCARB's official PPD exam objectives so you know exactly what's covered and nothing gets missed.
Building Systems Deep Dive
PPD is heavy on systems integration. We cover MEP, structural, envelope, and specialty systems the way the exam actually tests them.
Full ARE 101 Membership Access
PPD 101 is included in the ARE 101 Membership. You also get access to every other ARE course, Building Codes 101, and Mechanical Systems 101.
What Our Customers Our Saying About PPD 101
PPD 101 Is Just the Beginning
Get PPD 101 Plus Every ARE Course You Need
When you join the ARE 101 Membership, you don’t just get PPD 101. You get access to our complete ARE exam prep library — every division, every course, all in one place.
ARE Practice Management 101 (PcM)
ARE Project Management 101 (PjM)
ARE Construction & Evaluation 101 (CE)
ARE Programming & Analysis 101 (PA)
ARE Project Development & Documentation 101 (PDD)
ARE Project Planning & Design 101 (PPD)
Building Codes 101
Mechanical Systems 101
AIA Contracts 101
PPD overlaps heavily with both Building Codes 101 and Mechanical Systems 101. Both of those courses are included in the membership and are designed to reinforce exactly what the PPD exam tests. You’re not buying one course — you’re getting the full ecosystem.
ARE 101 Course Membership
Ideal for independent learners
$129/mo
Includes:
- Access all ARE 101 Courses
- 1000’s of Practice Questions
- Interactive Video Lessons
- In-Depth Case Studies
- 24/7 Virtual Tutors
- Cancel Anytime
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ARE 101 Course Membership
Over 100 hours of video lessons, 1,400+ practice questions, and everything you need to pass all ARE exams.
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Meet Your PPD Instructor
Learn From Someone Who Knows This Exam
Layla Qarouts
PhD, AIA, WELL AP, CTD
Layla is a licensed architect with deep expertise in building systems, codes, and the technical content that defines the PPD exam. She teaches the way the exam actually tests — focused on understanding and application, not shortcuts or memorization tricks. Layla's lessons are clear, direct, and built around what you actually need to know to pass.
Your PPD Success Starts Here
Join thousands of ARE candidates who’ve used this comprehensive approach
to pass the ARE.
Frequently Asked Questions About PPD 101 and the PPD Exam
Get answers to common questions about the Project Planning and Design course.
FAQ:
What is the PPD exam?
The PPD exam is one of six divisions of the ARE 5.0, NCARB’s Architect Registration Exam. It tests your ability to make design decisions across site analysis, building systems, structural concepts, building codes, and environmental systems. PPD covers the design phase of a project — from schematic design through design development — and is widely considered one of the hardest ARE exams because of how much content it covers.
How long is the PPD exam?
The PPD exam is 5 hours long with 120 questions. It includes both standalone multiple-choice questions and case study sections where you apply your knowledge to a project scenario.
How long should I study for the PPD exam?
Most candidates study 100 to 200 hours for the PPD exam depending on their professional experience. PPD covers the widest range of technical content on the ARE, so give yourself enough time to work through site analysis, structural systems, MEP systems, building codes, and envelope design. Don’t rush this one.
Is PPD harder than PDD?
PPD is generally considered harder than PDD because it covers a much wider range of topics. PPD tests design-level decision making across every building system, while PDD focuses more on construction documentation and specifications. Many candidates save PPD for last because of its breadth. (See also: how PA, PPD, and PDD connect)
What should I study for the PPD exam?
Start with NCARB’s published PPD exam objectives. Key study areas include site analysis and design, structural system selection, building envelope performance, HVAC and mechanical systems, plumbing and electrical systems, fire protection, building codes at the design level, and preliminary cost estimating. Focus on understanding how these systems interact — the PPD exam tests design decision-making, not just memorization. The ARE 101 Membership covers all of it.
What's the difference between PPD and PDD?
PPD (Project Planning and Design) focuses on the design phase — selecting systems, making site decisions, and integrating code requirements into a design. PDD (Project Development and Documentation) picks up where PPD leaves off and focuses on documenting that design through construction drawings and specifications. They overlap significantly, especially in building systems and codes.
Does PPD 101 cover building codes?
Yes. Building codes are a major part of the PPD exam, and PPD 101 covers code application at the design level — occupancy classifications, egress requirements, fire separation, accessibility, and energy codes. For even deeper coverage, Building Codes 101 is included in the ARE 101 Membership and was specifically built to support PPD, PA, and PDD candidates.
Do I need Mechanical Systems 101 for PPD?
Not required, but highly recommended. PPD is heavy on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, and Mechanical Systems 101 goes deeper on MEP content than PPD 101 alone. Both courses are included in the ARE 101 Membership, so you have access to both from day one.
What order should I take the ARE exams?
NCARB doesn’t require a specific order, but many candidates find it helpful to take PA before PPD since PA covers programming and site analysis that feeds directly into PPD content. PDD often comes after PPD because the two exams are closely related. Ultimately, the best order depends on your professional experience and where you feel most confident starting.
How is PPD 101 different from other ARE prep resources?
Most ARE prep focuses on memorization and passing. We focus on understanding — because that’s how the exam actually works. PPD tests your ability to apply knowledge to realistic design scenarios, not just recall facts. PPD 101 is built around NCARB’s official objectives, taught by a licensed architect, and designed to prepare you for both the exam and real professional practice.
Your PPD Success Starts Here
Join thousands of ARE candidates who’ve used this comprehensive approach to pass the ARE.