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.

Side-by-side comparison of QA vs QC showing one architect reviewing a quality assurance checklist in an office, and another performing quality control checks on-site.

QA vs QC: One Prevents Problems and The Other Finds Them

Mastering the QA vs QC relationship is crucial for architectural project success. Understanding when to apply quality assurance versus quality control can dramatically reduce errors, improve workflow efficiency, and prevent costly mistakes. This comprehensive guide...

Three construction workers laying concrete masonry units and rebar, illustrating traditional materials used in common construction types.

Construction Types: The 5 Essential Building Classifications

Construction types are fundamental building classifications that determine everything from fire resistance to allowable heights and materials. This guide breaks down all five types of building construction as defined in the International Building Code (IBC),...

Construction worker with boxing gloves punching through a giant checklist, symbolizing the final push to complete a construction punch list.

Who Creates the Construction Punch List? Not Who You Think

Construction punch lists are the final critical step before project completion, yet there's confusion about who creates them. While many assume architects are responsible, the contractor actually creates the initial punch list - a fact...

Architect focused on preconstruction planning, surrounded by drawings, schedules, and bid documents in a high-rise office setting.

Preconstruction Activities For Construction & Evaluation

Understanding preconstruction activities is essential for ARE candidates preparing for the Construction Evaluation (CE) exam. This comprehensive guide breaks down CE Section 1, explaining the architect's changing roles during preconstruction, contractor selection criteria, and cost...

Row of different building types including a house, shop, courthouse, office tower, and hotel, representing various occupancy classifications.

Occupancy Classifications and IBC Compliance Explained

Mastering occupancy classifications are essential for ARE success. This guide breaks down IBC's classification system and shows how it affects design, code compliance, and safety. Learn to confidently classify any project and avoid costly compliance...

Female architect pointing to a massive on-site chart listing construction specification types like MasterFormat, performance, and proprietary.

Construction Specification Types Made Simple: A Complete Guide

This guide demystifies all major construction specification types and helps you understand when and how to use each one. These distinctions will make you more effective at writing, interpreting, enforcing, and managing construction documents....

Rolled construction drawings and a specs book face off in a boxing ring, dramatizing the classic Drawings vs. Specifications debate in architecture.

Drawings vs. Specifications: Why “Specs Always Win” Is Dead Wrong

This guide debunks the common misconception about document precedence and explains how drawings vs specifications work together as complementary contract documents. Understanding this drawings vs specifications relationship is crucial for both ARE success and professional...

Female architect Layla Qarout studying building codes on a laptop labeled “Building Codes 101,” surrounded by floor plans and construction documents.

Persistence, Practice, And Passing The ARE – Meet Layla Qarout

Layla Qarout had anything but a typical journey to becoming a licensed architect. Originally from Palestine, Layla transitioned internationally, navigated through ARE 5.0, and experienced firsthand how challenging and frustrating the exam process can be....

Female architect holding an open book on a construction site with a giant manual titled “Construction Specifications 101” in the background.

Construction Specifications 101: The Project Manual Explained

Have you ever wondered why architectural specifications matter so much? Or maybe you've been avoiding them altogether because they seem intimidating or boring? I get it. Specs aren't exactly the most exciting part of architecture...

Giant monster looms over a chaotic construction site, symbolizing unexpected issues and the need for construction contingency planning.

Construction Contingency: Planning for the Project’s Unknown

In the world of architecture and construction, one truth remains constant: something will always go wrong. No matter how meticulously you plan, how carefully you design, or how thoroughly you prepare your construction documents, the...