It’s time to take the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). And if you want to be prepared, finding the best ARE 5.0 study materials can get you there.

Like many other architectural and engineering exams, the ARE is a rigorous exam for a reason. It focuses on the services that most affect the safety, health, and welfare of the public. It assesses aspects of architectural practice that influence the soundness, integrity, and impact of a building. Additionally, the ARE also looks at an architect’s responsibility within firms, like project management and team coordination.

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) developed the exam. They require you to demonstrate competency in all areas for a passing score.

Ultimately, the NCARB exam is accepted by all U.S. jurisdictions and is the first step on your path to licensure. The latest version is ARE 5.0, which looks at six separate areas.

Remember these 6 different ARE 5.0 categories:

  1. Practice Management  
  2. Project Management  
  3. Programming & Analysis  
  4. Project Planning & Design  
  5. Project Development & Documentation  
  6. Construction & Evaluation  

To determine the best ARE 5.0 study materials, we researched all the platforms for ARE 5.0 study materials. Important resources were considered, such as:

  • Study guides
  • Practice exams
  • Podcasts
  • Case studies
  • Practice questions
  • Video tutorials 


2023‘s Best ARE 5.0 Study Materials

  1. School of PE ARE Study Materials (Edumind)
  2. PPI2Pass ARE Prep Course
  3. Architect Exam Prep ARE Review Course
  4. Black Spectacles


Here are the top three to make the list and how they can help you prepare:

COURSE RANK#1#2#3#4
COURSE NAMEEDU Mind LogoPPI2Pass ARE 5.0 Chart LogoArchitect Exam Prep ARE 5.0 Chart LogoBlack Spectacles ARE 5.0 Chart Logo
PRICE$0 - $1,990$390$49 - $109$179/month
STUDY GUIDEYesYesYesVideo Only
FLASHCARDSNoYesYesYes
INSTANT DOWNLOADYesYesNoYes
ONLINE SIMULATORNo$50 extraYesYes
SUPPORTEmail, Phone, Social Media, Course DashboardEmail, Phone, Social Media, Help CenterChat, Email, Phone, Social Media, Free ConsultationChat, Email, Help Center, Social Media
DISCOUNTNo DiscountSave 15%No DiscountNo Discount
GET STARTEDFull CourseFull CourseFull CourseFull Course

#1 EduMind ARE Review

Edumind ARE 5.0 Training Course

Instructor-Led Review

When you sign up for EduMind, the biggest benefit you gain is access to some of the brightest and most experienced instructors in the industry. EduMind’s teachers offer an invaluable combination of professional and academic experience to offer you a complete and well-rounded education. The course itself is designed to allow you to seamlessly ask questions and receive instant answers.

Expert-Level Practice Materials

After each lecture, you’ll receive handmade notes from your professor. These offer you with a summary of all the concepts covered— which can come in handy when you start working through EduMind’s workshop problems. This combination of study guides and practice questions reinforces your knowledge of advanced architecture concepts, ensuring a high score on your certification exam.

Convenience and Compatibility

You won’t need to wait for long in order to start studying with EduMind. Once you’ve signed up for one of their courses, you’ll receive instant access to all study materials without any delays or busywork. Additionally, you can access these materials on your phone. Talk about convenient!

Try Before You Buy

Still unsure if you want to commit to a monthly subscription? EduMind provides a 30-day trial completely free that will give you an in-depth look at what they have to offer. This way, you can understand exactly what you’re paying for before putting any money down, and the recently added pass guarantee ensures you’ll get the most out of this course!

Flashcards

Recently added are flashcards and a new Practice Portal! This was a big missing feature of their ARE course, but this is no longer the case.

Bottom Line

At the end of the day, an educational course is only as good as its educators. Fortunately, EduMind has some of the best instructors you can find in an online ARE prep course, so you’ll be in excellent hands when you sign up for a subscription. If you’re even a little bit curious about their study materials, try their risk-free trial and see for yourself!


#2 PPI2Pass ARE Review

PPI2Pass - Best ARE 5.0 Study Materials

Many people don’t realize this, but the The PPI2Pass ARE prep course actually encompasses the former Brightwood ARE 5.0 review, as well as the Kaplan ARE 5.0. Kaplan actually purchased both Brightwood and PPI2Pass, and has continued to offer the course under the PPI2Pass name. 

Simulated Exam Experience

The PPI ARE 5.0 Practice Exam is a thorough review of all six divisions that perfectly simulates the ARE exam experience. Additionally, the test features various styles of questions, including multiple-choice and alternative item types. Essentially, it’s formatted to improve your analytical skills and boost confidence.

Efficient Problem Solving

The ARE 5 in a Flash is PPI’s collection of more than 400 question/answer flashcards to keep your memory sharp as a tack! Use this tool to increase problem-solving speed and streamline test-taking skills.

Extensive Review Manual

The PPI ARE Review Manual by David Ballast (AIA) features a detailed review of content areas covered in all six divisions. The manual has hundreds of tables, figures, and exam strategies for a comprehensive experience.

Additional Costs

PPI offers an online simulator for $50 extra (it’s free for the others on this list). eTextbooks and reference materials must also be purchased separately. Although it isn’t a significant price increase, it’s unfortunate that these features aren’t included with the base package.

Bottom Line

The Kaplan-organized PPI to Pass offers a 360-degree review for the ARE experience. There’s only a one-time fee that unlocks the doors to an abundance of architectural resources at your fingertips. Furthermore, their additional reference materials ensure you will be thoroughly prepared come exam day.