ARE Bootcamp Insider's Guide: How to Get the Most Out of the Program

Learn how to get the most out of ARE Bootcamp with this insider's guide to the program.

Michael Riscica and Emily Hobbs break down what makes the Bootcamp different from just studying alone and share key strategies for success. Whether you're just starting your ARE journey or looking to finish what you've started, this conversation reveals why structure, mentorship, accountability, and community make all the difference.

Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/unlock-the-power-of-are-bootcamp/

🔗 Resources

- Join ARE Bootcamp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

- Check out testimonials from over 40 licensed architects: https://youngarchitect.com/testimonials/

Want to transform your ARE journey? Stop trying to piece together your preparation alone. Join a program that's been proven to work time and again. Your future registered architect self will thank you.

Quality Assurance vs Quality Control: Essential Knowledge for Architects & ARE Candidates

Understanding QA vs QC is crucial for every architect and ARE candidate.

In this episode, we break down Quality Assurance and Quality Control systems that appear across ALL ARE exams and the CDT®. Learn the fundamental differences, how they work throughout the project lifecycle, and practical applications.

Discover how quality assurance focuses on prevention through planned systems while quality control concentrates on detection and correction. We'll share practical examples, clear analogies, and exam-focused tips to help you master these concepts for both exam day and professional practice.

📝 FREE STUDY GUIDE

Download our 2-page PDF that organizes all the QA/QC concepts from this episode in one printer-friendly document. Perfect for quick review before your exam!

Get it here: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/quality-assurance-vs-quality-control/

🔗 Resources

• Learn more about our ARE 101 courses: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101/
• Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/
• Explore our CDT 101 course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/cdt-101/

Want to master QA vs QC for your ARE exam? Check out our in-depth article for complete analysis: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/quality-assurance-vs-quality-control/

If you found this helpful, please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more weekly architecture exam prep content!

Construction Types: Master All Five for ARE Exam Success

Learn all about construction types and how they impact your building designs and ARE exam success!

In this comprehensive guide, I break down the five types of building construction from Type I (fire-resistive) to Type V (wood-frame) that every architect needs to master.

Understanding the differences between Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 4, and Type 5 construction is crucial for the ARE exam, especially in the Construction & Evaluation, PPD, and PDD divisions. I'll explain when to use each construction type, their fire ratings, and how they affect building height and area limitations.

📝 FREE Resources

Dive deeper into construction types with our FREE 2-page PDF – perfect for ARE exam prep and quick reference during practice: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/construction-types/

🔗 RESOURCES

- Building Codes 101 Course: https://youngarchitect.com/ARE101

- ARE Bootcamp: https://youngarchitect.com/AREbootcamp

Know the difference between Type I-A and I-B? How about when to use non-combustible construction vs. ordinary construction? This episode covers all the nuances you need to know for your architectural practice and exam success!

Like and subscribe for more ARE exam tips and architectural knowledge every week!

Construction Punch Lists: The Most Heated Debate in Construction Finally Settled!

Discover why contractors—not architects—are responsible for creating punch lists according to official AIA documents.

Michael breaks down the connection between substantial completion and punch lists with practical examples that every architect needs to understand.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

- What substantial completion really means and why it matters

- The official AIA documentation confirming who creates punch lists

- The step-by-step punch list process from start to finish

- How to handle missed items with the one-year correction period

- Best practices for managing punch lists without conflict

Looking to master construction punch lists? Explore our in-depth guide on the Young Architect Academy: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/construction-punch-list/

📚 Resources & Links

ARE candidates: Understanding specifications and project management processes is essential for exam success. Learn more in our comprehensive courses:

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

- ARE Boot Camp Coaching Program: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

- ARE 101 Course Membership: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101/

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

Master construction administration with confidence. Subscribe for weekly architecture exam tips and professional insights!

Are you studying for NCARB's Construction Evaluation exam? This comprehensive breakdown of Preconstruction Activities will help you understand exactly what NCARB is testing—and how to pass it on your next attempt.

🔍 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

- NCARB's hierarchy of ARE exams, sections and objectives

- How delivery methods affect architect responsibilities

- Systematic contractor evaluation techniques

- Value engineering vs. simple cost-cutting

- Contract mechanisms for controlling costs

- Common pitfalls when studying Section 1

📝 FREE RESOURCE: Download our Preconstruction Notes PDF to help with your studying: https://youngarchitect.com/preconstruction

🎓 WANT MORE HELP WITH THE CE EXAM?

- CE 101 Course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/ce-construction-evaluation-101-are-course/

- ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

If you're preparing for the Construction Evaluation exam or failed CE Section 1, this episode will give you the big-picture understanding you need. Don't forget to subscribe for more ARE podcast prep content!

Occupancy Classifications: The Foundation of Building Code

The foundation of building code that determines safety requirements for every structure.

In this comprehensive episode, we break down the 10 major occupancy groups from the International Building Code - from Assembly spaces like theaters to Utility structures like sheds. You'll learn how these classifications impact building size, exits, fire protection systems, and accessibility requirements.

For a comprehensive analysis of Occupancy Classifications, visit our dedicated article on the Young Architect Academy: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/occupancy-classifications/

🔗 Resources

- Take our complete Building Codes 101 course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101

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

Ready to Master Building Codes for the ARE Exam?

✅ This episode provides the foundation you need to understand how occupancy classifications drive building safety requirements.

SUBSCRIBE for weekly architecture exam tips and strategies!

Emily pulls back the curtain on one of architecture's most underappreciated tools: specifications. Discover why this registered architect genuinely loves specs and how understanding them can transform your projects and exam success.

In this illuminating episode, you'll learn:

- The fundamental difference between drawings and specifications

- Why specs serve as crucial legal documents that protect all parties

- How good specifications directly impact building performance and durability

- Practical analogies that make specifications instantly understandable

Emily shares real-world examples from her career showing how detailed specifications saved projects from costly mistakes and prevented change orders. If you're preparing for the ARE or working in the field, this introduction to specifications provides essential knowledge in a clear, approachable way.

Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/construction-specification-types/

Ready to master specifications for the ARE or CDT® exam?

Check out our resources:

- CDT 101 Course: https://youngarchitect.com/cdt101

- ARE Bootcamp: https://youngarchitect.com/bootcamp

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

#ArchitectRegistrationExam #ARE #Specifications #YoungArchitect #ArchitectureExam #Construction

For years, ARE candidates have been told that specifications always take precedence over drawings if there is a conflict. But this widespread belief is completely wrong—and it could cost you on both the exam and in practice.

In this eye-opening episode, Michael Riscica debunks the dangerous misconception that "specs always win" and explains what AIA documents actually say about the relationship between drawings and specifications. Learn why these documents are complementary rather than competing, and discover how this knowledge impacts everything from contract administration to payment approvals.

Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/drawings-vs-specifications/

In this episode, you'll hear about:

-The exact language in AIA A201 about drawings and specifications

- Why the complementary relationship properly allocates risk and responsibility

- Real-world examples of how this misconception can cause serious problems

- The contractor's contractual obligation to report discrepancies

- Practical approaches to resolving conflicts between documents

- How understanding this concept helps you on the ARE and in your career

Whether you're studying for the ARE or practicing architecture, this essential information will change how you think about construction documents. At the Young Architect Academy and our ARE Boot Camp, we emphasize this complementary relationship in our training because it's fundamental to good practice.

Links mentioned in this episode:

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

- ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

- ARE 101 Course Membership: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101/

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

Layla Qarout had a unique journey to becoming a licensed architect, transitioning internationally from Palestine, adapting to ARE 5.0, and facing multiple exam setbacks along the way. Through persistence, structured practice, and the supportive community of Young Architect, Layla overcame these challenges, achieved licensing, and now helps others navigate their own architect exam journeys.

In this insightful episode, Layla and Michael discuss her story, highlighting the importance of running your own race, the power of structured studying with a partner, and the value of embracing the exam process—even through failures. Layla also shares her experiences co-creating impactful courses, including the Young Architect Building Codes Course and the CDT 101 Course.

This conversation offers valuable insights and motivation for anyone tackling the ARE and aspiring toward architectural licensing.

Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/layla-qarout/

🎯 Helpful Links:

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

- ARE Bootcamp Info: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

- Building Codes 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/cdt-101/

- PA 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101/

Emily, a registered architect and specifications expert, breaks down the often-overlooked world of construction specifications in this approachable introduction. Discover why specifications are the unsung heroes of every successful building project and how mastering them can improve your exam success and professional practice.

Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/construction-specifications-101/

In this episode, Emily shares:

- The essential differences between drawings and specifications

- Why specifications serve as crucial legal documents

- How properly written specs prevent costly mistakes and change orders

- A real-world example of how specifications saved a project from a missing railing

- Practical analogies that make specifications instantly understandable

Whether you're studying for the ARE, preparing for the CDT® certification, or simply want to improve your understanding of construction documentation, this episode provides fundamental knowledge in a clear, conversational format.

Ready to master specifications for the ARE exam? Check out our resources:

- CDT 101 Course: https://youngarchitect.com/cdt101

- ARE Bootcamp: https://youngarchitect.com/bootcamp

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