Taking the ARE is an essential part of the licensure path, and we want to be sure candidates are ready for success! We’ve spoken with several licensed architects throughout the years, gathering advice and tips to help candidates looking for guidance and support navigating requirements.

Explore advice from some of our NCARB Architect Spotlights as they share the advice you need to keep your journey to licensure going!

Staying disciplined with a routine schedule makes allocating studying time feel as normal as going to work […] Another tip I would offer is not to be discouraged by exam retakes, and to keep moving forward. Any opportunity to take the exam is incredibly insightful. – Farah Ahmad, RA, LEED AP BD+C

Read more about her licensure journey

I studied for all the exam divisions at once. After I reviewed the study materials for all the sections, I scheduled tests once a month. For each test, I spent three weeks refreshing my memory on that section, knocked out the section, and then took a week off. Wash, rinse, and repeat! – Ross Hamilton

Read more about his licensure journey

I found I need to pull, rather than push, myself for motivation. I would go a few months without thinking about the exams, but once I booked a test and the clock began ticking, I would finally focus on preparing. Even though I passed all the tests on the first try, not once did I feel confident after any of the exams. Because of that, I kept the same study and practice routine throughout.  – Joshua Arcurio, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

Explore Joshua’s advice for emerging professionals

Everyone has challenges, but it’s important to discern the advantages and disadvantages that come with a challenge. I consider myself lucky to speak a different language. The exams were more difficult, but this forced me to be more disciplined and structured. I took many valuable lessons from the ARE process that extend into my life today, and I am very thankful for that. – Lilian Noya, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C

Read more about Lilian’s licensure journey as a non-native English speaker

Want more insights on the path to becoming an architect? Explore the rest of NCARB’s Architect Spotlight series.