architect54

When it comes to sitting for the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE), I’m not sure if the words reason, goal and motivation are equally interchangeable. There are different techniques to keep motivation up. Professional goals may be achieved before attaining the license, so I think underlying reasons for taking the ARE may change.

Don’t over evaluate your reasons prior to taking the ARE. Embrace those one or two reasons. A reason I come across often is professional accomplishment to prove yourself to yourself and amongst your peers (peer recognition). I am surprised of this general consensus, I come across again and again.

Having a license presents an architect with more risk, particularly when used to stamp a drawing. Sometimes this license doesn’t seem worth this risk. A license does not really confirm your experience. It states you’ve passed a test and that you know how to interpret state zoning, building codes and other laws. Proving yourself as an architect is still an everyday, project-to-project challenge.

Sometimes the license seems like a liability to avoid. Embracing your reason(s) helps as your efforts to succeed become challenged. Clear reasons (initial motivation and goals) help avoid an early falter in the beginning and probably keeps you on track near the end.

If an obscure reason starts you on your journey, like somehow finding the time during a maternity leave or after a break up to help forget the loss, embrace this reason. Let it start your journey to an achievement that holds opportunity, risk and hopefully reward.

Choose your reasons, motivations and goals, quickly evaluate them and take strong hold of them as the basis for taking the ARE. As little challenges present themselves your final goal or initial reason may not motivate you as much as a stinking PASS letter. Your reasons, motivations and goals may diverge, but keep them in focus as you move towards your license.

My reasons:
“The kid in me wants to be an architect.”
I am very likely to get a raise. 
A professional education scholarship (from HESC) requires me to work as a NYS licensed architect.

Feel free to leave your reasons as comments!

Someone from Professional Publications Inc. (PPI) noticed my blog and offered me the opportunity to study with their materials and blog about it! This is my first post that really addresses this great opportunity. I am very happy about this because I got the entire ARE 4.0 Exam preparation kit from PPI. This includes flashcards, 7 practice exam books and the ARE Review Manual. The last book covers content from all seven exams.

Now to address how to tackle the ARE Review Manual. How do I start with this bad boy? No really, I’m open to suggestions out there! I suggest reading the introduction at least twice. I have already decided to take Construction Documents first, so I’m reading the Construction Documents & Services section and the 7 chapters encompassed in that section. The intro, no matter what exam you’re studying for, recommends reading Section 9: Building Regulations that encompasses two chapters: Building Codes and Regulations and Barrier-Free Design. On top of that, the Construction Documents chapters occasionally reference other chapters! So I’ve got my reading cut out for me this week!

I hope some of you take up the 10% discount offer on the ARE 4.0 Review Manual (good for 4 more days thru August 31st, 2008) and start studying alongside with me. Come on, let’s do this together! Even if you don’t have your authorization to test letter yet, find a book and start studying! Even if you don’t have the Ballast book, depending on the study material to which you have access, you will find it influences how you approach and study for these exams. Studying early works to your advantage two ways. First, you will have more time to review and process the bulk of information for these exams. Second, you’ll have time to learn what study techniques work for you now. What time to study, or when you’re more receptive. You’ll be able to figure out how long it takes you to read 20 pages, etc. This is all stuff you’ll need to know when you schedule your first exam and set your deadline to pass!

-from Sam Walton Made in America, 1992 (p.148)

At some point in your studying you’ll come to the horror that ‘they’ (NCARB) can ask ANYTHING THEY FREAKING WANT!!! on just about any test.

Oh I feel sick.

I came to this revelation while reading some material on the Construction Documents exam that referenced seismic diagrams!! As my horror began to subside I suddenly realized if this book is discussing seismic diagrams on the Construction Documents exam, then any question as it pertains to architecture could be asked on this exam! Scary. Now this text was talking about checking drawings and, I guess, basics to look out for. But if I knew about dealing with structural systems to alleviate earthquake damage, I’d be prepping for another test! A real bad feeling came across me when I read the chapter of that book.

Now I know why people complain about exam questions on the ARE forum. Studying makes you realize you have to be prepared for anything.

Anything what so ever!

(How does the title quote tie in? Well it’s shocking, I guess. Who knows. I liked it. Didn’t you? I guess just be aware that any question on anything could be asked at any time. I think that’s very discomforting, like having noisy rats in your ceiling!)