INTRO TO THE ARE Presented by AIA-Pittsburghs Young Architects Forum - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

INTRO TO THE ARE

September 11, 2012

Presented by AIA-Pittsburgh’s Young Architects’ Forum

YAF’s Mission Statement: To support and encourage young professionals in the field of architecture to obtain their license, become more involved in career development

• pportunities, and engage allied professionals through collaboration. We

continually seek out new and fresh ideas and the energy and resources to implement them, and have fun doing it.

Agenda

5:30

Introduction/ Exam Overview

5:45

Multiple Choice

6:00

Graphic Vignettes

6:15

The Seven Divisions

7:30

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

“Which one do I take first?” “What should I use to study from?” “These ARE Review Sessions are great and all,

but why don’t you tell us what’s actually ON the exam…??”

Confidentiality Agreement

(updated 1 July 2010)

Beginning 1 July 2010, Prometric test centers will be using a new Confidentiality Agreement acceptance procedure for all divisions of the ARE. By taking divisions of the ARE, candidates are personally responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all information relating to the

• exam. They may not discuss exam content in any manner with

anyone, including but not limited to family, friends, other examinees, and test preparation providers. This agreement also covers internet chat rooms, mailing list servers, web sites, etc. Any disclosure of ARE content is strictly prohibited and may result in severe disciplinary action, including the suspension of testing privileges, and/or the cancellation of scores. Candidates choosing to decline the Confidentiality Agreement will have their exam session terminated before being exposed to any exam

• content. The exam fee for the division WILL NOT be refunded if a

candidate chooses to decline the agreement and end his or her exam.

The Rolling Clock

(effective January 1, 2006)

Candidates must pass all divisions within five years. The five-year period shall commence on the date when the first passed division is administered.

Authorization to Test Change

(effective 1 January 2011)

As of 1 January 2011, exam candidates must take a division of the ARE (pass or fail) once every five years to keep their Authorization to Test (ATT) valid. This includes the five-year period prior to 1 January 2011. Authorization will not become inactive if the applicant tests and fails; it will only become inactive if the applicant does not take at least one division every five

• years. Candidates whose authorizations have become

inactive will need to establish new eligibilities under the then current procedures of their registration boards.

Exam Structure

Seven distinct divisions

Multiple choice/ fill-in-the-blank Mandatory Break Graphic vignette(s)

Can be taken at any time, and in any order

Administered through Prometric testing centers Monroeville North Hills (McKnight Road)

Cost per division - $210

Grand total - $1,470 for all seven divisions

Roughly a four week waiting period for results

Prometric’s website

Retesting

There is a mandatory six-month waiting period between

failed divisions.

If you fail a division, you will be sent a new Authorization

to Test approximately two months before the start date

• f your new eligibility period for that division.

“If you fail a division, it is important to spend the time

between test administrations gaining additional knowledge, skills, and abilities in the appropriate areas of practice.”

The exam is not meant to be a teaching tool. The waiting period helps to protect the security of the exam.

What’s holding you back!?

Schedule your appointment

$35 fee for switching date 24 hrs prior

Take them frequently

3 -4 weeks in-between keeps overlapping content

fresh!

Be a better architect

Validate all that money you spent on school Learn more about what you’re doing day to day Experience can only take you so far Licensure is recognized as the most valuable

credential the profession has to offer

Things to consider…

Best time to take an exam

Figure out what works for you

Morning, Afternoon, Evening Weekday or Weekend

Know your office policy

Compensation for taking exams Time off for taking exams Get the support you need!

MULTIPLE CHOICE

The Testing Software

The Review Screen

Sample Question

• The planning phase of a sustainably designed architectural project

should include which of the following elements?

I.

Native landscaping that is aesthetically pleasing and functional;

II.

Designing structures in the floodplain that can resist the forces

• f flood waters;

III.

Consideration of sun orientation, topographic relief, and the scale of adjacent buildings;

IV.

Locating projects within existing neighborhoods that are adjacent to public transportation.

• A. I and II
• B. I and III
• C. I, III, and IV
• D. All of the above

Sample Question

• Which of the following factors are to be considered in determining

the allowable area of a building?

I.

Occupancy

II.

Type of construction

III.

%age of building frontage accessible to a public way or open space

IV.

Automatic sprinkler system

V.

Number of stories in the building

• A. I , II, and IV
• B. I, II, III, and IV
• C. I, II, IV, and V
• D. I, II, III, IV, and V

GRAPHIC VIGNETTES

The Testing Software

“Generic interface,” intended to be equally

unfamiliar to all exam candidates

Complex program with a simple purpose –

inputting a design solution to a given set of parameters

“Rubber stamp” mentality Practice makes perfect!!

The Testing Software

The Testing Software

Tools and Commands

Scoring

Pass/ Fail Exam is scored ELECTRONICALLY

Quantities of items Square footages of spaces Distances between objects Completeness of tasks

There is NO SUCH THING as a “Fatal Flaw!”

Just as no single trick exists to pass the exam, no

single mistake will cause you to fail

Compatibility issues…

…and a work-around…

If your computer runs on a 64 bit operating system, you still can practice the program… all you are missing is the “Program” page. Find the “Program” in the NCARB exam guide…

RESOURCES

ARE Forum

www.areforum.org

Online database and discussion site for exam

candidates

Users can organize/ sort posts by number of

views and replies

Alternative problems (and solutions)

available for the graphic vignettes

Allows for more preparation than the problems/ solutions

available on NCARB.org

Caveat Emptor (buyer beware)…!

Not sanctioned or endorsed by NCARB All content is user-defined… most is helpful, some is not

AREndurance

http://arendurance.wordpress.com/study-guides/

ARE Study Review 4.0

http://are-review.blogspot.com/

Niblet’s Notes

http://niblets-notes.blogspot.com/

NALSA

www.nalsa.com Study tools and guides available for purchase Alternative problems (and solutions)

available for the graphic vignettes

“AREvaluations” (reviews of solutions to practice

vignettes) can be purchased

Norman Dorf’s materials

Solutions guidebook Insight online video courses

Ballast Study Materials

Excellent supplement (or alternative) to the Kaplan guides Two volumes – Review Manual and Questions Lending library available through the AIA-PGH office

Kaplan Study Materials

Most common Resources available Most offices seem to have a full set available for use Lending library available through the AIA-PGH office

PrepARE online courses

“Live, online, and self-paced review workshops” for the Structural Systems exam $415 for four sessions

ArchiFlash iPhone app

“21st century version” of the flash cards $150 download

ArchiFlash cards

Excellent study material Flip through cards on the bus, in front of the TV, etc Remove cards from the pile as you master the concept…

watch the pile get smaller!

ARE Study Groups

Small, informal groups of candidates that are

studying for the same division

Contact any of the YAF officers if interested in

starting or joining a Study Group for any of the exam divisions

AIA-PGH YAF’s ARE Review Series

Construction Documents and Services

September 18 Quintin Kittle, qkArchitecture

Programming Planning and Practice

October 16 Dan Rothschild/ Melanie Buzgan Dower, RDC

Site Planning and Design

November 13 Nancy Lonnett Roman, Pashek Design Associates

Structural Systems - January Building Systems – February/ March Building Design and Construction Systems - April Schematic Design - May

QUESTIONS?

THE SEVEN DIVISIONS

Suggested Sequence

Construction Documents and Services Programming Planning and Practice Site Planning and Design Structural Systems Building Systems Building Design and Construction Systems Schematic Design

Alternative Sequence

Building Design and Construction Systems Structural Systems Building Systems Schematic Design Construction Documents and Services Programming Planning and Practice Site Planning and Design

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS AND SERVICES (CDS)

Division Statement

Application of project management and professional

practice knowledge and skills, including the preparation of contract documents and contract administration.

Exam Structure

100 Multiple-Choice Questions (2 hours) Break (15 minutes) 1 Graphic Vignette (1 hour)

Building Section

Content Areas

• CODES & REGULATIONS (5-8% of scored items)
• “…building codes, specialty codes, zoning, and other regulatory requirements…”
• ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES (4-9% of scored items)
• “…sustainable design principles, adaptive reuse concepts, alternative energy systems, new

material technologies, and hazardous material mitigation…”

• CONST DRAWINGS & PROJECT MANUAL (41-46% of scored items)
• “…coordinate construction drawings… general and supplementary conditions and technical

specifications.”

• PROJECT & PRACTICE MANAGEMENT (41-46% of scored items)

Cost “…estimates of probable construction cost….” Scheduling & Coordination “…manage project schedule and coordinate all contract

documents…”

Project Delivery (including submittals) “…project delivery method… contract

administration documentation…”

Contracts & Legal Issues “…professional services and construction contracts…

including risk management and professional and business ethics….”

By the numbers…

100 questions… 2 hours testing time…

…1 minute, 12 seconds per question

By content areas…

Codes/ Regulations…………………………........5 - 8 questions Environmental Issues..……………..……..…....4 – 9 questions Constr Drawings/ Project Manual…...…….41 – 46 questions Project/ Practice Management…….….……41 – 46 questions

Building Section

Draw a section through a two-story building at a given cut line. Indicate floor slabs, structural systems, finished ceilings, partitions, and ductwork that are shown at or directly adjacent to the cut line. Section should accurately depict the dimensions and spatial relationships depicted on the floor plan and described in the program.

Suggested Resources

The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice AIA Contract Documents

A201, with commentary (from AIA website)

The International Building Code Caroline Jospeh’s notes:

• http://dl.dropbox.com/u/69303980/CDs%20study%20Notes.pdf

Schiff and Hardin Lectures:

• http://www.schiffhardin.com/design-build/lecture-notes/architecture-

544---spring-2012 B101, A201 lectures

PROGRAMMING PLANNING AND PRACTICE (PPP)

Division Statement

Apply project development knowledge and skills to architectural

programming; environmental, social, and economic issues; building codes and regulations; project and practice management.

Exam Structure

85 Multiple-Choice Questions (2 hours) Break (15 minutes) 1 Graphic Vignette (1 hour)

Site Zoning

Content Areas

• PROGRAMMING & ANALYSIS (24-30% of scored items)
• “…develop a project plan and program… establish a preliminary project scope, phasing, budget,

and schedule.”

• ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & ECONOMIC ISSUES (23-29% of

scored items)

• “…review site and building surveys, assess physical, environmental, social, and economic issues
• n project, and develop design concepts…”
• CODES & REGULATIONS (10-13% of scored items)
• “…manage the regulatory approval process by incorporating building codes…”
• PROJECT & PRACTICE MANAGEMENT (33-39% of scored items)
• “…Develop scope of services and project delivery method…project budget and financing…project

schedule… legal issues relating to practice…”

By the numbers…

85 questions… 2 hour testing time…

…1 minute, 24 seconds per question

By content areas…

Programming andAnalysis.…..…………..…20 - 26 questions Environmental Issues..……………..……..…..19 - 25 questions Codes/ Regulations………………………….......8 - 11 questions Project/ Practice Management…………..…28 - 33 questions

Site Zoning

On a site plan divided into two lots, outline the area suitable for construction of new surface improvements and the area suitable for the construction of new

• buildings. Draw a site section of the existing grades, and the profile of the

maximum building envelope permitted on each lot.

Suggested Resources

The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice (14th ed)

• Ch. 9: Risk Management
• Ch. 11: Project Definition
• Ch. 12: Project Delivery
• Ch. 13: Project Management
• Ch. 14: Quality Management
• Ch. 15: Building Codes and Regulations
• Ch. 16: Types of Agreements

Whole Building Design Guide

• http://www.wbdg.org/design/dd_archprogramming.php

AREndurance’s vignette tips

• crucial to success regarding circles at the waterline

Andres Duany Lecture (“Charter for New Urbanism”

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwd4Lq0Xvgc

SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN (SPD)

Division Statement

The application of knowledge and skills of site planning and

design including environmental, social, and economic issues,

project and practice management.

Exam Structure

65 Multiple-Choice Questions (1 hour, 30 mins) Break (15 minutes) 2 Graphic Vignettes (2 hours)

Site Grading Site Design

Content Areas

• PRINCIPLES (16 – 24 % of scored items)
• “…human behavior, historic precedent, and design theory in the selection of systems,

materials…”

• ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES (24-32 % of scored items)
• “…assess and apply systems, materials, and construction methods…principles of

sustainability….impact on human behavior.”

• CODES & REGULATIONS (14-22 % of scored items)
• “…building codes, specialty codes, zoning, and other regulatory requirements…”
• MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY (22-30 % of scored items)
• “…the selection of systems, materials, and methods incorporated in site design…”
• PROJECT & PRACTICE MANAGEMENT (4 – 12 % of scored items)
• “…construction sequencing, scheduling, cost, and risk management….”

By the numbers…

65 questions… 1 hour 30 minutes testing time…

…1 minute, 23 seconds per question

By content areas…

Principles….………………………..…………..…10 - 16 questions Environmental Issues..……………..……..…..16 - 21 questions Codes/ Regulations………………………….......9 - 15 questions Materials andTechnology…………………….14 – 20 questions Project/ Practice Management…………………2 - 8 questions

Site Grading

On a site plan of an existing site, a new item is to be placed. The site is to be regraded to accept the new construction , as well as to allow water to flow around the new object (using swales)

Site Layout

Develop a schematic site plan based on a program that includes legal requirements and

• ther site influences. On given site plan, place buildings, related site elements, and

vegetation in relation to orientation and environmental conditions. The solution is required to include two buildings, an outdoor space, vehicular access and service drives, required parking space, pedestrian walkways, and vegetation.

Suggested Resources

Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials

and Methods –

ch2 Foundations, Sustainability (life-cycle)

Kevin Lynch’s The Image of the City Videos: http://www.ironwarrior.org/ARE/Site_Planning/SP%20Videos/ Soil Compaction Handbook

• http://www.concrete-catalog.com/soil_compaction.html

Step by step vignette

• http://nibletsnotes.blogspot.com/search/label/site%20planning%20and%20design

STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS (SS)

Division Statement

Identification and incorporation of general structural and

lateral force principles in the design and construction of

buildings.

Exam Structure

125 Multiple-Choice Questions (3 hours, 30 mins) Break (15 minutes) 1 Graphic Vignette (1 hour)

Structural Layout

Content Areas

• GENERAL STRUCTURES (38-42% of scored items)
• Principles
• Materials and Technology
• Codes and Regulations
• SEISMIC FORCES (28-32% of scored items)
• Principles
• Materials and Technology
• Codes and Regulations
• WIND FORCES (14-17% of scored items)
• Principles
• Materials and Technology
• Codes and Regulations
• LATERAL FORCES – GENERAL (13-16% of scored items)
• Principles
• Materials and Technology

By the numbers…

125 questions… 3 hour, 30 minutes testing time…

…1 minute, 41 seconds per question

By content area:

General Structures…….…………..……………47 - 53 questions Seismic Forces…………..…………………..…..35 - 40 questions Wind Forces………………………………….…...17 - 22 questions Lateral Forces…………………….…….……..…16 - 20 questions

Structural Layout (Lower Roof)

Create a two-level framing solution (Upper Roof Plan and Lower Roof Plan) for a given background

• drawing. The solution should locate all structural elements such as load-bearing walls, columns,

beams, and joists, and be responsive to the floor plan layout defined on the background (i.e., no new walls can be added). Framing for the Upper Roof needs to be depicted on the Lower Roof, and then carried through to the floor plan/ foundation.

Structural Layout (Upper Roof)

Suggested Resources

“References Available During the Test” The Architect’s Studio Companion Simplified Engineering for Architects and

Builders

AISC Steel Manual Notes from college classes FEMA, Chapter 4 and 5 (lateral forces) YouTube’s “WikiEngineering” channel

• http://www.youtube.com/user/wikiengineering

BUILDING SYSTEMS (BS)

Division Statement

The evaluation, selection, and integration of mechanical,

electrical, and specialty systems in building design

and construction.

Exam Structure

95 Multiple-Choice Questions (2 hours) Break (15 minutes) 1 Graphic Vignette (1 hour)

Mechanical and Electrical Layout

Content Areas

• CODES & REGULATIONS (5-8% of scored items)
• “…building codes, specialty codes, zoning, and other regulatory requirements…”
• ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES (10-15% of scored items)
• “…sustainable design principles…”
• PLUMBING (10-15% of scored items)
• Principles
• Materials and Technology
• HVAC (18-23% of scored items)
• Principles
• Materials and Technology
• ELECTRICAL (10-15% of scored items)
• Principles
• Materials and Technology
• LIGHTING (18-23% of scored items)
• Principles
• Materials and Technology
• SPECIALTIES (14-19% of scored items)
• Principles
• Materials and Technology

By the numbers…

95 questions… 2 hour testing time…

…1 minute, 15 seconds per question

By content areas…

Codes/ Regulations….…………..……………..…4 - 8 questions Environmental Issues..……………..……..…..10 - 15 questions Plumbing……………………………………….....10 - 15 questions HVAC…………………….…………………….……17 – 22 questions Electrical ……………………………………….....10 - 15 questions Lighting..……………….…………………….……17 – 22 questions Specialties………………………………………...13 – 18 questions

Mechanical/ Electrical Plan

Define a reflected ceiling plan by providing an acoustical tile grid, placing lighting fixtures based on required lighting levels, and developing an HVAC plan including all required dampers, diffusers, and return air grilles. The solution must respond to structural constraints as well as physical sizes of ductwork and lighting fixtures. In addition to program requirements, candidates are provided simple photometrics in order to select lighting fixtures appropriately.

Suggested Resources

“References Available During the Test” document Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings Heating, Cooling, Lighting (Lechner) YouTube’s “WikiEngineering” channel MEEB’s Student Companion Site

• http://bcs.wiley.com/he-

bcs/Books?action=contents&itemId=0471465917&bcsId=2879

CED Engineering.com’s “Design Options for HVAC

Distribution Systems”

• http://www.cedengineering.com/upload/Design%20Options%20for%20

HVAC%20Distribution%20Systems.pdf

BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS (BDCS)

Division Statement

The application of knowledge and skills of building design and

construction, including environmental, social, and economic issues,

project and practice management.

Exam Structure

85 Multiple-Choice Questions (1 hour, 45 minutes) Break (15 minutes) 3 Graphic Vignettes (2 hours, 45 minutes)

Accessibility/ Ramp Stair Design Roof Plan

Content Areas

• PRINCIPLES (27-36% of scored items)
• “…impact of human behavior, historic precedent, and design theory…”
• ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES (11-17% of scored items)
• “…principles of sustainable design…”
• CODES & REGULATIONS (7-10% of scored items)
• “…building codes, specialty codes, zoning, and other regulatory

requirements…”

• MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY (31-40% of scored items)
• Masonry
• Metals
• Wood
• Concrete
• Specialties
• PROJECT & PRACTICE MANAGEMENT (7-13% of scored items)
• “…construction sequencing, scheduling, cost, and risk management…”

By the numbers…

85 questions… 1 hour 45 minutes testing time…

…1 minute, 14 seconds per question

By content areas…

Principles….………………………..…………..…23 - 31 questions Environmental Issues..……………..……..…....9 - 15 questions Codes/ Regulations…………………………........6 - 9 questions Materials andTechnology……………..…….26 – 34 questions Project/ Practice Management………….……6 - 11 questions

Accessibility/ Ramp

Develop a ramp and stair system that connects two distinct floor elevations. Indicate all required landings, handrails, guardrails, and rail extensions per programmatic requirements, a model code, and design logic.

Stair Design

Develop a stair assembly that connects three distinct floor elevations. Indicate elevations of all landings and stair flights, and describe all required handrails, guardrails, and rail extensions. Provide proper headroom clearances at all floor levels. Completed solution must meet programmatic requirements, a model code, and design logic.

Roof Plan

Design a roof for a building with multiple roof planes. For each roof area, define the extent, slope, and provide spot elevations for planes designed for effective removal of rainwater. Place all required programmatic elements such as clerestories and skylights, locate plumbing stacks and mechanical units, and provide all necessary flashing, crickets, gutters, and downspouts.

Suggested Resources

Fundamentals of Building Construction Building Construction Illustrated (Frank Ching) A Visual Dictionary of Architecture (Frank Ching) Architectural Graphic Standard (Ramsey/ Sleeper) Lunch and Learns

SCHEMATIC DESIGN (SD)

Interior Layout

Design an interior space plan and furniture arrangement responding to program, code, and accessibility requirements.

Building Layout

Develop a schematic design for a two-story building addressing program, code, site, and environmental requirements.

Suggested Resources

Practice! Alternative problems

Kaplan guides ARE Forum’s FTP

Dorf’s Solutions Guide

Dottie’s set up notes

• http://www.areforum.org/forums/showthread.php?139194-How-to-do-a-quick-

Interior-Layout

Alkikat’s “Compilation” files

• https://www.dropbox.com/s/ih1y51kav8vvsmq/SD-

IL_Graphic%20Guide%20Compilation.pdf

• https://www.dropbox.com/s/wyrvinwbzo8pbop/SD-

BL_Graphic%20Guide%20Compilation.pdf

QUESTIONS?

Before you begin…

Review the state board’s guidelines for registration. Go to NCARB’s website and read everything pertaining

to the ARE.

Download and read NCARB’s ARE Guidelines. Download and read NCARB’s Exam Guide for every division. Download and use every practice program.

If you feel overwhelmed, you might not be ready!

“Remember, this is an exam for professional licensure. This isn't a school test. Passing the ARE means that you have been deemed competent to practice architecture

• n your own.”

Four-Six Weeks before the exam…

Schedule your appointment

First thing in the morning is recommended

Gather Study Materials

Review overlapping material from other divisions

Set a schedule for studying

Designate specific “study nights” per week Make sure to take time off (ex: Friday night)

Review vignette(s) for this exam

Get familiar with the specific vignette, even if you

think you know the software!

Tools work a little different depending on what you are

drawing.

Attend the YAF’s Review Session for that division

One Week before the exam…

Take the practice exams…

You will not ace it, and that’s okay Use this to gauge what areas you need to re-

review

Study the areas you were lacking

Ramp up the study effort

Review selected material every night

Study in a similar environment to exam

Try to avoid distractions

Find the testing center

One Day before the exam…

Return to a “general overview” mentality Beware of cramming

The night before the exam…

Make sure you are relaxed and well rested Consider taking the night off!

Test Day…

Arrive at the testing center early. Don’t get stuck…

Skip or mark items and come back to them Don’t get stressed if you mark a lot of questions. Once you review them they seem easier the second time around. Or another question you answered triggers a question you skipped

Answer every question!

Even a guess is a chance at a correct answer…

Make the most of your break.

Clear your head, relax, and get focused on the next section. Take a quick walk, eat a snack, splash water on your face… whatever works for you. Don’t stress on what you think you missed.

Take your time… you paid for the full appointment! Follow all of the instructions!! Don’t second-guess yourself.

Immediately after the exam…

Jot down any trouble spots you might have

encountered (being mindful of the Confidentiality Agreement!)

Relax…! Give yourself a break after six weeks

• f hard work.

The day after the exam…

Move on to the next division!

General Tips…

Study comprehensively… Save practice tests until the end. Remember – it’s not AutoCAD…

… or design studio.

Practice makes perfect…

… but don’t over-practice!!

QUESTIONS…?

THANKS!