What EXACTLY do I have to do to earn my license (California)?

• Eight years of post-secondary education and/or work experience as evaluated by the Board (including at least one year of work experience under the direct supervision of an architect licensed in a U.S. jurisdiction or two years of work experience under the direct supervision of an architect registered in a Canadian province)
• Completion of the Comprehensive Intern Development Program (CIDP) and the Intern Development Program (IDP)
• Successful completion of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE)
• Successful completion of the California Supplemental Examination (CSE)

When should I take the ARE?

• Any time after you receive approval from CAB through Application for Eligibility Evaluation.

What order should I take the ARE divisions in?

• There is no set order. Most start with what are they most comfortable. My sequence was: Structural Systems, Building Systems, Building Design & Construction Systems, Site Planning & Design, Schematic Design, Programming, Planning & Practice, and Construction Documents & Services.

What are the different divisions of the ARE?

• Structural Systems, Building Systems, Building Design & Construction Systems, Site Planning & Design, Schematic Design, Programming, Planning & Practice, and Construction Documents & Services.

What is tested in the Programming, Planning & Practice division?

• 85 Multiple-Choice Questions, 1 Graphic Vignette and duration of 3 hrs
• The application of project development knowledge and skills relating to architectural programming; environmental, social, and economic issues; codes and regulations; and project and practice management.

What is tested in the Site Planning & Design division?

• 65 Multiple-Choice Questions, 2 Graphic Vignettes and duration of 3.5 hrs
• The application of knowledge and skills of site planning and design including environmental, social, and economic issues, project and practice management.

What is tested in the Building Design & Construction Systems division?

• 85 Multiple-Choice questions, 3 Graphic Vignettes and duration of 4.25 hrs
• The application of knowledge and skills of building design and construction, including environmental, social, and economic issues, project and practice management.

What is tested in the Schematic Design division?

• 2 Graphic Vignettes and duration of 5 hrs
• The application of knowledge and skills required for the schematic design of buildings and interior space planning.

What is tested in the Structural Systems division?

• 125 Multiple-Choice Questions, 1 Graphic Vignette and duration of 3.75 hrs
• Identification and incorporation of general structural and lateral force principles in the design and construction of buildings.

What is tested in the Building Systems division?

• 95 Multiple-Choice Questions, 1 Graphic Vignette and duration of 3 hrs
• The evaluation, selection, and integration of mechanical, electrical, and specialty systems in building design and construction.

What is tested in the Construction Documents & Services
division?

• 100 Multiple-Choice Questions, 1 Graphic Vignette and duration of 3.5 hrs
• Application of project management and professional practice knowledge and skills, including the preparation of contract documents and contract administration.
• Go to the free Study Notes to start studying!