Architect Exam Podcast

Black and white logo for the Architect Exam Podcast with bold text and a circular emblem in the word “Podcast.”

Listen to podcast episodes breaking down exam topics and strategies for all divisions of the Architect Registration Exam. This category features free audio content covering test-taking techniques, division-specific tips, and insights from successful candidates. Episodes include discussions on complex concepts, common pitfalls, and effective preparation methods to help candidates develop confidence and knowledge for exam success.

Overwhelmed architect buried in paperwork, panicking over unclear documents, symbolizing the chaos of poor construction specification writing.

Top 10 Construction Specification Writing Errors & Solutions

Construction specification writing might not be the sexiest part of architecture, but it’s absolutely critical to bringing your designs to life correctly. Despite its importance, most architects repeatedly make common mistakes when writing specifications—often because...

Client happily demands a construction change order mid-project, while the architect and contractor react in stress and frustration over revised plans.

Construction Change Orders: Your Project’s Plot Twist

Understanding what is a change order in construction is crucial for project success. Construction change orders are formal contract amendments that require three-party agreement and always increase costs compared to original work. This guide explains...

Female architect reviewing construction documentation surrounded by change orders, logs, and directives, illustrating construction administrative procedures in action.

Master Construction Administrative Procedures: CE Section 3

Understanding construction administrative procedures and protocols is essential for ARE candidates preparing for the Construction & Evaluation (CE) exam. Furthermore, this comprehensive guide breaks down CE Section 3, explaining the documentation and communication systems that...

Architect caught between a builder and client arguing over a collapsed building, symbolizing liability and the need for architect insurance.

Architect Insurance: The Designer’s Guide to Risk Management

Without proper insurance as a practicing architect, a single claim could devastate your business financially. This guide explains professional liability coverage essentials, insurance requirements for all project participants, and proven risk management strategies that will...

Group of people urgently exiting a burning building through a doorway, illustrating the importance of a clear means of egress during emergencies.

Means of Egress: Making “OMG RUN FOR YOUR LIFE” Successful!

The difference between life and death during a building emergency often comes down to one thing: means of egress. These critical escape pathways aren’t arbitrary rules imposed by building officials; rather, they’re the result of...

Exhausted visual learner falls asleep studying for the ARE exam, surrounded by prep books and a hypnotic TV screen labeled “ARE PREP.”

Visual Learner Myth: Why You Need Multiple Study Methods

Have you ever spent hours watching ARE prep videos, feeling productive and confident, only to completely freeze when facing actual exam questions? You’re not alone—and contrary to popular belief, being a “visual learner” might be...

Female architect conducting construction observation on-site, reviewing field reports and plans with contractors during a site visit.

Construction Observation: Breaking Down CE Section 2

Understanding construction observation is essential for ARE candidates preparing for the Construction & Evaluation (CE) exam. This comprehensive guide breaks down CE Section 2, explaining the architect’s role during construction observation, how to evaluate construction...

Architect reviewing a construction submittal in a workshop, surrounded by team members preparing detailed documents and samples.

Construction Submittals: No Exceptions Taken

Understanding “no exceptions taken” and mastering construction submittals is essential for ARE success and professional practice. This comprehensive guide explains the submittal process, types, and review actions that translate design intent into construction reality. Learn...

Diagram-style graphic showing people separated from rising flames by distinct fire wall, fire barrier, and fire partition assemblies in a building.

Fire Wall, Fire Barrier, Fire Partition: Key Differences

This comprehensive guide breaks down the critical differences between fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers, and smoke partitions in building construction. Understand the specific fire-resistance ratings, continuity requirements, and applications for each system...

Three women sprinting through design, procurement, and construction phases, symbolizing the fast-paced nature of the construction bidding process.

Construction Bidding Process: Navigating Public Projects

Navigating the construction bidding process is essential for all AEC professionals working on public projects. This comprehensive guide breaks down the procurement journey from design completion to groundbreaking, demystifying the rules, timelines, and requirements that...