Architect Exam Podcast
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.
Episodes
Learn how one architect lost $45,000 because she didn't set up the right business entity!
Understanding business entity types might sound as exciting as watching concrete cure, but it could literally save your career! In this episode, Emily breaks down the crucial differences between sole proprietorships, LLCs, LLPs, and corporations with real-world examples that make these concepts crystal clear. We'll explore each structure usin...
Join our free CDT webinar to master Fall 2025 registration deadlines, study strategies, and insider secrets that help ARE candidates efficiently add this valuable certification to their licensing journey.
After Episode 26 about CDT certification for ARE candidates, we got flooded with requests for actionable information. People want to know how to actually get CDT certified.
Emily and I are ho...
Confused about the difference between vent stack vs stack vent and worried it might cost you points on the ARE? Layla breaks down these commonly confused plumbing concepts that trip up almost every ARE candidate - but once you understand the simple distinction, you'll never mix them up again.
In this focused episode, you'll master the key differences between vent stacks and stack vents, understand when eac...
Creating a realistic ARE study schedule is crucial for passing your architect exams.
In this comprehensive guide, I break down the step-by-step approach to building a study plan that works with your busy life. Learn the reality of what it takes to pass ARE 5.0
We cover everything from finding consistent study time to choosing the right test dates, plus common misconceptions that derail most...
This episode explains why pursuing the Construction Documents Technologist ® certification alongside your Architect Registration Exam preparation creates a powerful knowledge combination that enhances your career prospects.
Want to learn more about ARE candidate and CDT® certification? Check out our in-depth article for a complete analysis: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-candidates-cdt-certification/
By the end, you'll un...
Understanding building area measurements is crucial for ARE exam success and professional practice!
In this episode, we break down the differences between Gross Area, Rentable Area, Usable Area, and Net areas using the easy-to-remember GRUN framework.
Never mix up these measurements again! We cover:
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The hierarchy of building...
Discover the 10 most common construction specification mistakes architects make throughout their careers.
In this video, we break down critical spec errors and share practical solutions to improve your architectural documentation.
Despite being as crucial as drawings, specifications often get overlooked in architectural education. This comprehensive guide explores why poor specs lead to confl...
Warning: Change Orders will appear on every project in your career - here's what they don't tell you.
In this comprehensive guide, I walk you through everything you need to know about change orders for the ARE exam and your career.
- Understand the "Project Manager's Golden Rule" - why changes ALWAYS cost more
- Learn the complete 7-step change order process from start to fini...
Learn the essential administrative procedures and protocols that make up Section 3 of the Construction & Evaluation exam. Michael and Emily break down all four objectives including RFIs, submittals, payment applications, and handling non-conforming work.
In this comprehensive episode, you'll master the documentation that supports construction administration - from determining when to use ASIs versus change...
Learn exactly what insurance architects need and how to pass those tricky ARE insurance questions! This comprehensive guide breaks down professional liability, general liability, and more essential concepts.
Insurance might seem boring, but it's crucial knowledge for both the ARE exam and your professional practice.
In this episode, you'll learn:
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Is egress the most feared topic on the ARE exam? It shouldn't be!
In this episode of the Architect Exam Podcast, building codes expert Layla shares her passion for egress design and breaks down why it matters for both the exam and real-world practice.
We start with the big picture (the three components of egress that form a complete escape route) before diving into the calculations and dimensions you need to memorize. Layla explain...
Struggling with the ARE despite watching countless prep videos? In this episode, I break down why passive studying fails and introduce you to the Learning Pyramid - a powerful framework that shows exactly how to transform your studying from passive absorption to active learning that sticks when it matters most.
STRUGGLING with Construction & Evaluation Section 2?
Did NCARB tell you "Section 2 needs improvement" but didn't explain why? This episode reveals EXACTLY what you need to know about the largest and most challenging section of the CE exam (29-41% of all questions)!
In this comprehensive breakdown, we explore what happens when construction actually begins and your role as an architect during s...
Avoid costly construction mistakes with submittals! This episode reveals how submittals serve as your project's quality control system, preventing expensive errors and delays.
Discover the critical differences between shop drawings, product data, samples, and mock-ups, plus learn the exact submittal workflow from preparation to approval. You'll get insider tips on what "No Exceptions Taken" really means and how to avoid the common ...
Struggling to understand the differences between fire walls, fire barriers, and fire partitions? In this episode, we break down all five fire and smoke separation types in buildings, with clear explanations of their ratings, continuity requirements, and real-world applications. Essential knowledge for the ARE exam and professional practice!
🔗 Links & Resources:
Learn the complete public construction bidding process from architectural drawings to breaking ground. This step-by-step guide reveals what happens during procurement on government projects and why it matters for architects.
In this episode of the Architect Exam Podcast, I share insights from my experience on both sides of public projects—as an architect and as a government project manager. I'll walk you t...
Learn how to get the most out of ARE Bootcamp with this insider's guide to the program. Michael Riscica and Emily Hobbs break down what makes the Bootcamp different from just studying alone and share key strategies for success.
Whether you're just starting your ARE journey or looking to finish what you've started, this conversation reveals why structure, mentorship, accountability, and community make all ...
Understanding QA vs QC is crucial for every architect and ARE candidate. In this episode, we break down Quality Assurance and Quality Control systems that appear across ALL ARE exams and the CDT®. Learn the fundamental differences, how they work throughout the project lifecycle, and practical applications.
Discover how quality assurance focuses on prevention through planned systems while quality control co...
Learn all about construction types and how they impact your building designs and ARE exam success! In this comprehensive guide, I break down the five types of building construction from Type I (fire-resistive) to Type V (wood-frame) that every architect needs to master.
Understanding the differences between Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 4, and Type 5 construction is crucial for the ARE exam, especially in t...
The most heated debate in construction finally settled! Discover why contractors—not architects—are responsible for creating punch lists according to official AIA documents. Michael breaks down the connection between substantial completion and punch lists with practical examples that every architect needs to understand.
In this episode, you'll learn:
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