Control joint vs expansion joint - what's the actual difference? We break down all four joint types you need to know for the ARE and the job site.

Control joint vs expansion joint is one of those topics that trips people up because the terms sound so similar. But these joints are doing completely different things, and understanding those differences matters for the ARE and for real-world construction.

In this episode, we break down four types of joints you'll encounter on the exam and on the job site: expansion joints, control joints, isolation joints, and construction joints.

For each one, we cover what it does, where you'll see it in real construction, and how to remember the difference when you're under pressure on exam day.

We also give you clear analogies and memory hooks so you're not just memorizing definitions that disappear five minutes later. By the end, you'll know exactly how to tell these joints apart and which ARE divisions they show up on, including PA, PPD, PDD, and CE.

Key topics covered:

Expansion joints and how they allow material movement

Control joints and why you plan for cracks instead of preventing them

Isolation joints and when complete separation is required

Construction joints and how they relate to the work schedule

The rebar test for telling isolation and construction joints apart

Which ARE 5.0 divisions test each joint type

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

1:56 - Free Study Guide

2:51 - Expansion Joints

18:16 - Control Joints

13:44 - Isolation Joints

19:03 - Construction Joints

24:13 - Recapping Our Joints

27:35 - Wrap Up

Episode Resources:

Download free joint types study guide: https://youngarchitect.com/joints

Ready to pass the ARE and become a licensed architect?

Get access to all our ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-study-materials/

Individual ARE Exam Courses:

- Practice Management (PcM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PcM101

- Project Management (PjM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PjM101

- Construction & Evaluation (CE 101): https://youngarchitect.com/CE101

- Programming & Analysis (PA 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/

- Project Planning & Design (PPD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-planning-and-design/

- Project Development & Documentation (PDD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-development-and-documentation/

- Building Codes 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-building-codes-101/

- Mechanical Systems 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-mechanical-systems-101/

- AIA Contracts 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-aia-contracts-101/

- Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

- Explore our CDT 101 course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/cdt-exam-prep/

- Pass the CCCA Certification with our course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/ccca-exam-prep/

Subscribe for weekly ARE exam prep content and join thousands of successful architects who've passed their exams with Young Architect!

PcM, PjM, and CE are three different exams, but most people study them without understanding what makes each one unique.

This episode breaks down exactly what NCARB is testing on Practice Management, Project Management, and Construction and Evaluation so you can study smarter, not harder. Too many ARE candidates jump into prep materials without ever looking at what each exam actually focuses on, and that leads to wasted time and confusion.

PcM zooms out to the firm level. It's about business operations, finances, risk, and how an architecture practice stays profitable.

PjM zooms into one project. You've got a signed contract, a team, and a schedule to manage through the design phases.

CE picks up after the documents are done and construction begins. It's about administering the construction contract and making sure what gets built matches what was designed.

We also cover where these exams overlap (contracts, risk, insurance, quality control, and project delivery methods all show up on all three), and why that overlap is actually good news for your study plan. Plus, there's a free homework assignment that ties it all together.

Download the free study notes and homework assignment: https://youngarchitect.com/understandingpropractice

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

4:18 - Study Notes and We Need Your Help

5:21 - Why Start with the Pro Practice Exams?

6:30 - The Big Picture: What Ties These Three Exams Together

8:17 - PcM: Practice Management - Running the Firm

9:57 - PjM: Project Management - Managing the Project

12:13 - CE: Construction and Evaluation - On the Job Site

16:53 - How They Flow Together

18:06 - Study Strategy for the Pro Practice Exams

20:24 - Homework Assignment

21:41 - Conclusion

Episode Resources:

- Read the full blog post: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/understanding-pcm-pjm-and-ce

Ready to pass the ARE and become a licensed architect?

Get access to all our ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-study-materials/

Individual ARE Exam Courses:

- Practice Management (PcM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PcM101

- Project Management (PjM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PjM101

- Construction & Evaluation (CE 101): https://youngarchitect.com/CE101

- Programming & Analysis (PA 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/

- Project Planning & Design (PPD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-planning-and-design/

- Project Development & Documentation (PDD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-development-and-documentation/

- Building Codes 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-building-codes-101/

- Mechanical Systems 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-mechanical-systems-101/

- AIA Contracts 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-aia-contracts-101/

- Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

- Explore our CDT 101 course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/cdt-exam-prep/

- Pass the CCCA Certification with our course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/ccca-exam-prep/

Subscribe for weekly ARE exam prep content and join thousands of successful architects who've passed their exams with Young Architect!

Six concrete slab types explained with span ranges, load capacities, and the decision framework you need to pick the right system every single time.

Every concrete slab question on the ARE comes down to two things: the shape of your bay and the loads it needs to carry. But with six different systems to choose from, it's easy to second-guess yourself when the clock is ticking.

In this episode, we break down all six structural slab systems from one-way solid slabs to waffle slabs.

You'll learn the span ranges for each, the load conditions that drive your selection, and the visual cues that show up in exam questions.

We cover why bay geometry matters more than anything else, how to tell the difference between a one-way joist and a waffle slab, and what punching shear has to do with flat plates vs flat slabs.

Key topics covered:

- One-way vs two-way classification using the aspect ratio test

- One-way solid slabs (6-18 ft) and one-way joist slabs (20-30 ft)

- Two-way slab with beams for square bays (15-40 ft)

- Flat plate vs flat slab: when drop panels matter

- Waffle slabs for long spans and architectural expression (24-54 ft)

- Formwork cost comparison across all six systems

- A quick decision framework for exam day

This content is especially relevant for the PPD and PDD divisions of the ARE 5.0.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

2:10 - One-Way vs Two-Way: The Shape Test

4:45 - One-Way Slab

6:02 - One-Way Joist Slab

7:56 - Two-Way Slab With Beams

9:28 - Two-Way Flat Plate

12:04 - Flat Slab With Drop Panels

14:56 - Waffle Slab

17:46 - Putting It All Together

19:26 - Wrap-Up

Episode Resources:

- Download the free 2-page study guide: https://youngarchitect.com/slabs

Ready to pass the ARE and become a licensed architect?

Get access to all our ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership: https://youngarchitect.com/ARE101

Individual ARE Exam Courses:

- Practice Management (PcM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PcM101

- Project Management (PjM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PjM101

- Construction & Evaluation (CE 101): https://youngarchitect.com/CE101

- Programming & Analysis (PA 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/

- Project Planning & Design (PPD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-planning-and-design/

- Project Development & Documentation (PDD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-development-and-documentation/

- Building Codes 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-building-codes-101/

- Mechanical Systems 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-mechanical-systems-101/

- AIA Contracts 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-aia-contracts-101/

- Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

- Explore our CDT 101 course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/cdt-101/

Subscribe for weekly ARE exam prep content and join thousands of successful architects who've passed their exams with Young Architect!

Cast in place concrete spans, rebar sizing, slump tests, and when to reject a pour. Everything you need for PPD, PDD, CE, and PA exam questions.

Understanding cast in place concrete is essential for multiple ARE divisions. This episode breaks down how concrete and rebar work together as a structural system, why span limitations matter for your architectural design, and what you need to know for construction observation questions.

We cover the key concepts that show up on PPD when selecting structural systems, PDD when detailing and sizing components, CE when identifying non-conforming work, and PA when evaluating existing buildings. You'll learn typical span ranges for standard cast in place concrete (20-25 feet), how rebar sizing works in 1/8 inch increments, and why concrete excels in hurricane zones but presents challenges in seismic areas.

Key topics covered:

1. Concrete vs. rebar responsibilities (compression vs. tension)
2. One-way slabs versus two-way slabs
3. Honeycombing, spalling, and 45-degree shear cracks
4. Slump tests and Kelly Ball tests
5. CMU block versus cast in place concrete
6. Pre-tensioned vs. post-tensioned systems

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

4:26 - When to Choose Concrete

7:26 - How Concrete Works

11:19 - Common Mistakes with Concrete

13:49 - Construction Observation

17:39 - Identifying Structural Failures

19:27 - CMU Block vs Cast-In-Place

21:57 - Pre-Tensioned and Post-Tensioned

26:14 - How to Use This on Exam Day

28:43 - Wrap Up

Episode Resources:

Full blogpost and free 2-page study notes: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/cast-in-place-concrete/

Want to cast in place concrete and other challenging technical concepts for your ARE preparation?

Get access to all our ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-study-materials/

📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses:

- Practice Management (PcM 101) https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-practice-management/

- Project Management (PjM 101) https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-management/

- Construction & Evaluation (CE 101) https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-construction-and-evaluation/

- Programming & Analysis (PA 101) https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/

- Project Planning & Design (PPD 101) https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-planning-and-design/

- Project Development & Documentation (PDD 101) https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-development-and-documentation/

- Building Codes 101 https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-building-codes-101/

- Mechanical Systems 101 https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-mechanical-systems-101/

- AIA Contracts 101 https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-aia-contracts-101/

- Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

- Explore our CDT 101 course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/cdt-101/

As Emily mentions, understanding technical concepts like cast in place concrete becomes much clearer when you can discuss them with other candidates and get expert guidance.

👍 Like this episode? Subscribe for weekly architecture and ARE exam prep!

The CDT certification overlaps 80% with your ARE pro practice studies. Here's how to earn real credentials while preparing for your architect exam.

If you're studying for the ARE, you're already doing most of the work needed to earn the CDT certification.

Join Michael and Emily for a free webinar where they'll break down exactly how CSI certifications fit into your architecture license path, share CDT study strategies, and answer your questions live.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction 2:28 - Quick Callback to Episode 26 3:59 - The Bigger Picture: CSI Certification Ecosystem 10:05 - Why This Matters for ARE Candidates 11:08 - The CDT Schedule Reality 12:49 - What We're Covering in the Webinar 16:12 - Call to Action

Episode Resources:

• Register for the FREE CDT Webinar: https://youngarchitect.com/cdt-panel-discussion/

• Read the full blog post: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/free-webinar-csi-certifications/

• Get CDT 101 Course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/cdt-101/

What is an RFI? A Request for Information is the official way to get answers during construction. Here's everything you need to know about them.

On a large project, you might see 500 to 1,000 RFIs before construction wraps up. That's 500 to 1,000 opportunities for miscommunication, delays, and finger-pointing if they're not handled properly. In this episode, we break down the RFI meaning in construction, when to use them, when NOT to use them, and the critical differences between RFIs and other construction documents.

You'll learn why an RFI is the "nuclear option" for getting answers, not your first step. We cover the difference between RFIs vs change orders, RFIs vs submittals, and RFIs vs ASIs. Plus, we talk about what makes a good RFI versus what I call a "Zombie RFI" that creates more problems than it solves.

This is essential knowledge for the Construction and Evaluation (CE) division of the ARE, but these concepts show up across multiple exams.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

1:46 - What is an RFI?

3:23 - When DO You Use an RFI?

5:32 - When DON'T You Use an RFI?

7:40 - RFI vs Other Documents

11:23 - What Makes a Good RFI?

14:59 - Timing and the Architect's Responsibilities

17:03 - How This Shows Up on the ARE

18:56 - Conclusion

Episode Resources:

Read the full blog post: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/what-is-an-rfi-construction/

Download free RFI study notes: https://youngarchitect.com/RFI

Ready to pass the ARE and become a licensed architect?

Get access to all our ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership: https://youngarchitect.com/ARE101

Individual ARE Exam Courses:

- Practice Management (PcM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PcM101

- Project Management (PjM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PjM101

- Construction & Evaluation (CE 101): https://youngarchitect.com/CE101

- Programming & Analysis (PA 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/

- Project Planning & Design (PPD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-planning-and-design/

- Project Development & Documentation (PDD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-development-and-documentation/

- Building Codes 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-building-codes-101/

- Mechanical Systems 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-mechanical-systems-101/

- AIA Contracts 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-aia-contracts-101/

- Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

- Explore our CDT 101 course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/cdt-101/

Subscribe for weekly ARE exam prep content and join thousands of successful architects who've passed their exams with Young Architect!

The AIA C401 Standard Form of Agreement Between Architect and Consultant is one of the most critical contract documents you need to master for ARE exam success and professional practice.

In this comprehensive episode, Emily breaks down everything you need to know about consultant agreements, from relationship structures to liability protection.

Learn how the C401 connects with your B101 Owner-Architect agreement and A201 General Conditions to create a complete chain of professional responsibilities.

Whether you're studying for PcM, PjM, or CE exams, understanding consultant coordination will protect your practice and help you deliver better projects.

Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/aia-c401/

🎯 Get Your Free C401 Study Guide: Want to master the AIA C401 for your ARE exams? Download our comprehensive 2-page study guide that breaks down all the key provisions and exam concepts: https://youngarchitect.com/c401

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• AIA Contracts 101 Course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/aia-contracts-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/

• ARE Bootcamp 10-Week Program: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

• PcM 101 Practice Management: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/practice-management-101-are-5-0-exam-prep-pcm-101/

• PjM 101 Project Management: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/project-management-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/

👍 Found this helpful? Like this podcast and subscribe for more ARE exam prep content!

Foundation types explained: 7 systems from spread footings to pile foundations. Learn when to use each based on soil conditions and building loads.

Every building you'll ever design depends on something you'll never see: the foundation. And on the ARE, understanding that invisible piece is what helps you make the right decisions early in design.

This episode breaks down the 7 most popular foundation types, organized from simple to complex. We start with shallow foundations like spread footings, continuous footings, combined footings, and mat foundations. Then we move into deep foundations for when surface soil can't support your building: pile foundations, caissons, and grade beams.

For each foundation type, you'll learn what it is, when to use it, real-world examples, and specific exam tips for the ARE. We also cover how foundation choice affects your structural system, construction costs, and project schedule.

Whether you're studying for the PA, PPD, or PDD exam, or just want to understand foundation selection better, this episode gives you the foundation knowledge (pun intended) you need.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

2:22 - Foundation Type #1: Spread Footings (Isolated Footings)

4:39 - Foundation Type #2: Continuous Footings (Wall Footings)

6:49 - Foundation Type #3: Combined Footings

8:46 - Foundation Type #4: Mat Foundations (Raft Foundations)

11:25 - Transition: Moving from Shallow to Deep Foundations

12:31- Foundation Type #5: Pile Foundations

15:08 - Foundation Type #6: Caissons (Drilled Piers)

18:29 - Foundation Type #7: Grade Beams

20:59 - Wrap-Up: How Foundation Choice Affects Design

Episode Resources:

- Read the full blog post: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/foundation-types/

Ready to pass the ARE and become a licensed architect?

Get access to all our ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership: https://youngarchitect.com/ARE101

Individual ARE Exam Courses:

- Practice Management (PcM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PcM101

- Project Management (PjM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PjM101

- Construction & Evaluation (CE 101): https://youngarchitect.com/CE101

- Programming & Analysis (PA 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/

- Project Planning & Design (PPD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-planning-and-design/

- Project Development & Documentation (PDD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-development-and-documentation/

- Building Codes 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-building-codes-101/

- Mechanical Systems 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-mechanical-systems-101/

- AIA Contracts 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-aia-contracts-101/

- Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

- Explore our CDT 101 course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/cdt-101/

Subscribe for weekly ARE exam prep content and join thousands of successful architects who've passed their exams with Young Architect!

Liquidated damages are basically a prenup for construction projects. Here's why that protects everyone and what it means for your ARE.

Liquidated damages work exactly like a prenup. You sit down before the project starts, when everyone is optimistic and getting along, and you decide what happens if things go wrong. Nobody wants to have that conversation, but it saves everyone a massive headache later.

Without liquidated damages, an owner whose project runs late has to prove actual damages in court. How much revenue did that hotel lose? What would that retail store have earned during the holiday season? These are real losses, but they're nearly impossible to quantify. You'd spend years in litigation arguing over hypothetical numbers.

Liquidated damages cut through all of that. Both parties agree on a daily dollar amount upfront. The owner gets compensated without a court fight. The contractor knows exactly what they're risking. Everyone has certainty.

In this episode, we cover how these amounts get calculated, when the clock starts (substantial completion), and where liquidated damages appear in AIA contracts. We also explain why the A201 protects liquidated damages even when consequential damages are waived. Critical knowledge for CE, PcM, and PjM.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

0:20 - The Kitchen Renovation Story

2:36 - What Are Liquidated Damages?

4:08 - Why Do Liquidated Damages Exist?

5:44 - How Liquidated Damages Work

7:54 - Liquidated Damages vs. Other Types of Damages

9:37 - Where Liquidated Damages Show Up in AIA Contracts

11:50 - What This Means for You 13:04 - Conclusion

Episode Resources:

• Read the full blog post: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/liquidated-damages/

• Download free 2-page study notes: https://YoungArchitect.com/Damages

Ready to pass the ARE and become a licensed architect?

Get access to all our ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership: https://youngarchitect.com/ARE101

Individual ARE Exam Courses:

- Practice Management (PcM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PcM101

- Project Management (PjM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PjM101

- Construction & Evaluation (CE 101): https://youngarchitect.com/CE101

- Programming & Analysis (PA 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/

- Project Planning & Design (PPD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-planning-and-design/

- Project Development & Documentation (PDD 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PDD101

- Building Codes 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-building-codes-101/

- Mechanical Systems 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-mechanical-systems-101/

- AIA Contracts 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-aia-contracts-101/

- Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

- Explore our CDT 101 course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/cdt-101/

Subscribe for weekly ARE exam prep content and join thousands of successful architects who've passed their exams with Young Architect!

Understanding architect fees and contractor payment structures is crucial for ARE exam success and your architecture career. In this comprehensive episode, we break down every fee structure you need to know, from fixed fees to percentage of construction cost, plus how contractors get paid through lump sum, cost plus, and GMP contracts. Essential knowledge for Practice Management, Project Management, and Construction & Evaluation exams.

Resources & Links:

- Want to master architect fees and contract administration? Check out our comprehensive article: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/architect-fees/

- Practice Management 101 Course: https://youngarchitect.com/PcM101

- Project Management 101 Course: https://youngarchitect.com/PjM101

- Construction & Evaluation 101 Course: https://youngarchitect.com/CE101

- ARE 101 Course Membership: https://youngarchitect.com/ARE101

- ARE Boot Camp (10-week coaching): https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

- Young Architect Academy: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/

- The Architect Exam Podcast: https://youngarchitect.com/AREpodcast

Subscribe for weekly ARE exam prep content and join thousands of successful architects who've passed their exams with Young Architect!