architect54

I am practicing the Site Design vignette on the NCARB software, while I wait for my results.

I found my Spiro Kostoff history book, A History of Architecture Settings and Rituals. That means I have another book that applies to Programming, Planning and Practice and Site Planning and Design (SPD). I’ve got 2 months to the exam and doubt I’ll crack it open. I barely read it during school. I’ll try though.

I took two hours over the weekend to review the grading and site design vignettes. I also took a look at the schematic design and interior design vignettes. I keep feeling I should be studying for more than one exam.

I reviewed my testing strategy. I should take SPD sooner than it is scheduled. I will hold back though, because I want to know my results. They should give me a clue my studying is working.

The longest I’ve heard of waiting for results is 3 months. After such a wait, one person in my office reported a pass and someone on the forum reported a fail. Thus I figure a long wait does not necessarily mean a pass or fail. And the reasons for the waits, not disclosed by NCARB and the various parties (Prometric, state board…), are probably different, too.

Last week Wednesday evening, October 15, 2008, I visited a forum on the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE) 4.0 at the AIA NY chapter called “Demystifying the ARE 4.0″. This informative event was put together by two Associate AIA members. In attendance was an NCARB representative, Chairman of the NYS Board of Architecture and three architects who recently passed ARE 3.1. Here are my notes from the comments.

Take the Exam While Completing IDP in NYS!!!
(Concurrent ARE/IDP)

You can now take the ARE while you are enrolled in the Intern Development Program in New York State. I won’t spell out the details. Visit the NYS Office of the Professions or call them to understand the requirements. This is VERY advantageous for recent graduates. This allows you to secure your license earlier and gain the benefits of an architectural license as early as possible. You can be licensed as soon as you complete the 700 unit IDP internship. Wow!

Study References

The NCARB representative was an architect who currently works for NCARB. She was speaking from her exam experience (prior to working for NCARB) and her current ”inside” view working for NCARB. She stated the best study references for the exam are the specific references noted in the NCARB study guides. These free guides can be downloaded from the NCARB website. (The reference books are not free!) The NCARB representative stated that for her one of the absolute best study resources overall for the exam was Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings by Stein and Reynolds (MEEB). Apparently questions come from this source for more than one exam.

Only Two Titles in New York: Intern Architect and Architect

An Assoc. AIA member clarified that the NYS Board of Architecture only recognizes two titles, Intern Architect and Architect. The Chairman affirmed with a nod. Anything else is not considered.

Firms and companies use other titles (Junior Architect), but the NYS Board doesn’t acknowledge those titles. Project Manager and a bunch of titles were mentioned and the Chairman explained problems with disciplining those who are practicing without a license. Sometimes the customer is speaking with someone (doing the drawings and work), but the drawings are stamped by someone else. He warned that practicing without a license could severely affect your ability to become licensed in the future.

What Did They Do? (to pass the Architectural Registration Exam 3.1)

One young architect said she studied only from architectural flash cards! I found that hard to believe, but maybe her experience was well rounded. The flash cards probably only served for the multiple choice questions.

Warning was given that there are errors and misinformation on the areforum. Don’t use the forum like a thoroughly edited text. For example, people who don’t know have given wrong answers! They are studying too!

One architect said she had to avoid the areforum, because it was too emotional. Posts depressed her spirit, rather than lifted it. This is very important. Be cautious of how you use these external sources. They are to enhance and encourage your testing experience. Consider what happens to you after viewing the forum. Are you anxious, stressed, panicky, relieved, happy, resolved to study more…? Participation in the forum is important. You could also “lurk” around and just read posts. Or not read posts two days before testing might help keep you calm. Do what it takes for the areforum to play a positive influence in passing your exams. By reading my posts, you can tell I am for the areforum. There are other places for support, such as family, co-workers, former alumni and professional organizations.

Finally it was proven jokingly, that your spouse generally gets your results first.

I took Construction Document and Services on September 3rd, 2008. That’s seven weeks ago.

I called the New York State Board on Monday. They checked and they have not received my results from NCARB. I was informed it takes them one to two weeks from the time they receive the results from NCARB to mail out. I was instructed, next time to call NCARB’s ARE Operations first to confirm if they’ve processed and sent the results.

I called ARE Operations and they confirmed they do not have any of my results yet. I told a friend recently, “They’re holding my results hostage.” For now, I’m bracing myself for an even longer wait and staying optimistic.