Is egress the most feared topic on the ARE exam? It shouldn't be!

In this episode of the Architect Exam Podcast, building codes expert Layla shares her passion for egress design and breaks down why it matters for both the exam and real-world practice. We start with the big picture (the three components of egress that form a complete escape route) before diving into the calculations and dimensions you need to memorize.

Layla explains how occupant load drives everything from door widths to travel distances, using real examples to make these concepts stick.

Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/means-of-egress/

✨ Pro Tip

As you listen, pay attention to the "why" behind each requirement. Understanding the logic makes memorization easier and helps you spot violations on the exam!

Whether you're preparing for PPD, PDD, or just want to design safer buildings, this episode provides a complete framework for thinking about egress in a way that goes beyond mere code compliance. By the end, you'll see why Layla calls egress her "favorite topic" and how mastering it gives you a serious advantage on the ARE.

Struggling with the ARE despite watching countless prep videos?

In this episode, I break down why passive studying fails and introduce you to the Learning Pyramid - a powerful framework that shows exactly how to transform your studying from passive absorption to active learning that sticks when it matters most.

Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/visual-learner-myth-why-you-need-multiple-study-methods/

🔗 Links & Resources

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

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

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

Don't study passively - engage actively! SUBSCRIBE for weekly ARE prep strategies and leave a COMMENT with your biggest ARE study challenge.

STRUGGLING with Construction & Evaluation Section 2?

Did NCARB tell you "Section 2 needs improvement" but didn't explain why? This episode reveals EXACTLY what you need to know about the largest and most challenging section of the CE exam (29-41% of all questions)!

In this comprehensive breakdown, we explore what happens when construction actually begins and your role as an architect during site visits. Learn exactly what NCARB is testing in this crucial section that many candidates struggle with.

🔑 KEY TOPICS COVERED:

- Understanding the crucial distinction between observation vs. supervision

- Evaluating construction for conformance with documents and codes

- Determining construction progress and schedule adherence

- Navigating design intent vs. contractor's means and methods

- Documentation protocols for site visits and non-conforming work

- Handling unforeseen conditions and material substitutions

This podcast has a FREE 2-page study guide available at: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/construction-observation-ce-exam/

Construction Submittals: Avoid Costly Mistakes with Quality Control

Avoid costly construction mistakes with submittals!

This episode reveals how submittals serve as your project's quality control system, preventing expensive errors and delays. Discover the critical differences between shop drawings, product data, samples, and mock-ups, plus learn the exact submittal workflow from preparation to approval.

You'll get insider tips on what "No Exceptions Taken" really means and how to avoid the common pitfalls that trip up even experienced professionals. Essential knowledge for passing your ARE exam and succeeding in real-world practice.

📝 FREE Study Guide

Want to learn more about construction submittals? Download our FREE Two-Page Submittals Study Guide: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/construction-submittals-no-exceptions-taken/

🔗 Links & Resources

- 📚 Complete ARE Preparation: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101/

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

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

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

Get exclusive ARE exam prep discounts during our 14-day Summer School promotion! From May 15-29, 2025, save big on ARE Boot Camp, 101 Courses, and more. 

In this episode, Mike and Emily break down all the limited-time offers to help accelerate your journey to architectural licensure. Just Visit - https://youngarchitect.com/summerschool 

We've also completely rebuilt the Young Architect Academy from the ground up, adding tons of new content and features to help you pass your exams faster.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• 📝 Summer School Deals Hub: https://youngarchitect.com/summerschool
• 🏫 ARE Boot Camp Info: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/
• 💻 ARE 101 Courses: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101/
• 📚 CDT 101 Course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/cdt-101/
• 🎙️ More Podcast Episodes: https://youngarchitect.com/podcast

✅ LIMITED TIME OFFER: All deals run for just 14 days - May 15-29, 2025. No promo codes needed! All discounts automatically apply at checkout.

#ARExam #ArchitectLicense #YoungArchitect

Struggling to understand the differences between fire walls, fire barriers, and fire partitions? In this episode, we break down all five fire and smoke separation types in buildings, with clear explanations of their ratings, continuity requirements, and real-world applications. Essential knowledge for the ARE exam and professional practice!

🔗 Links & Resources:

- 📝 Download our FREE 2-page Fire Separations Study Guide: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/fire-wall-fire-barrier-fire-partition/

- 📚 Building Codes 101 Course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101/

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

Want to master building codes for the ARE exam? Check out our comprehensive Building Codes 101 course with 180+ practice questions and visual guides: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101/

If you found this helpful, please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more weekly Architect Registration Exam content!

Public Construction Bidding Process: From Drawings to Breaking Ground

Learn the complete public construction bidding process from architectural drawings to breaking ground.

This step-by-step guide reveals what happens during procurement on government projects and why it matters for architects.

In this episode of the Architect Exam Podcast, I share insights from my experience on both sides of public projects—as an architect and as a government project manager. I'll walk you through the entire 2-3 month process that happens between when drawings leave an architect's office and when construction actually begins.

📝 FREE STUDY GUIDE

Download a 2-page PDF with all key points from this podcast at https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/construction-bidding-process-public-procurement/

Understanding this process helps architects prepare better documents, manage client expectations, and navigate public projects more effectively. If you're studying for the ARE exam, this knowledge is essential for several divisions.

🔗 Resources

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

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

- 🎧 Previous Episode on Public vs Private Projects: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/public-vs-private-architecture-clients/

✅ Like and subscribe for more weekly architecture exam content!

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!