How to build an ARE study schedule that actually works starts with understanding what the exam really requires, and it's not what most ARE exam prep companies tell you.

After helping hundreds of candidates since 2013, I've learned that building a realistic ARE study schedule looks nothing like what NCARB or other prep programs describe. Passing all six exams is a 700 to 1,500 hour project. Most people take about three years. Nobody tells you that upfront, and that gap between expectation and reality is where most study schedules fall apart.

In this episode I walk through a step-by-step approach to creating a study schedule that fits your real life: how to show up consistently, how to use NCARB's own guidelines to study smarter, and the mindset shift that makes all the difference.

📝 Key topics covered:

• How many hours it actually takes to pass the ARE (700 to 1,500)

• Why failing a few exams is normal and doesn't set you back

• How to use the ARE Guidelines as your real study guide

• The difference between hard work and easy work studying

• Why studying for all 6 exams at once almost never works

⏱️ Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:22) ARE Study Schedule Reality Check

(8:30) Step 1: Show Up Every Day and Build a Study Routine

(10:51) Step 2: Study NCARB Objectives First

(13:33) Step 3: Balanced Learning Approach

(16:21) Step 4: How to Pick Your Exam Date

(17:38) Step 5: The Final Week Before Your Exam

(19:09) ARE Study Schedule Misconceptions

(23:21) The Mindset That Changes Everything

📖 Read the full blog post

🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership

🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp

📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses:

• PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design)

• PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs)

• Building Codes 101

• Mechanical Systems 101

• PcM 101 (Practice Management)

• PjM 101 (Project Management)

• CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation)

• PA 101 (Programming and Analysis)

• AIA Contracts 101

CDT certification is one of the smartest moves an ARE candidate can make during their licensing journey. Offered by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), the Construction Documents Technologist credential covers the complete lifecycle of a construction project from programming through demolition, including project delivery methods, roles and responsibilities of every party, and how buildings come together from concept to completion.

If you've already been studying for the ARE, you likely know 70-80% of the CDT content before you ever open a study guide. That's not a coincidence. PcM, PjM, and CE all build heavily on the same AIA contract foundation that the CDT tests, which means most of the work is already done.

In this episode, Michael and Emily share their own CDT experiences, explain why the testing format is more straightforward than the ARE, and make the case for why this credential is worth pursuing while you're still in the middle of your licensing journey.

📚 Key topics covered:

• What CDT certification actually covers (it's not just specs)

• How CDT overlaps with PcM, PjM, and CE content

• Why the Project Delivery Practice Guide is the core CDT study resource

• The CDT exam schedule and what makes it different from the ARE

• When to fit the CDT into your ARE journey

⏱️ Chapters:

(0:00) What Is CDT Certification?

(6:27) CDT Certification Benefits

(8:08) The Young Architect CDT 101 Course

(12:57) The CDT Schedule

(14:48) Advice for ARE Candidates

(17:48) Learn More About the CDT

📖 Read the full blog post

🎯 Watch the free CDT webinar or register for the next session

🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership

🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp

📚 Individual ARE and CSI Certification Courses:

• CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist)

• CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration)

• PcM 101 (Practice Management)

• PjM 101 (Project Management)

• CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation)

• PA 101 (Programming and Analysis)

• PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design)

• PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs)

• AIA Contracts 101

• Building Codes 101

• Mechanical Systems 101

Building area measurements explained using the GRUN framework: gross, rentable, usable, and net areas.

If you've ever been confused about the difference between rentable and usable square footage, this episode breaks it all down. Layla walks through the GRUN hierarchy using the Russian nesting doll analogy so the relationship between all four measurement types finally makes sense.

From there we get into how load factors work, what SF/YR actually means on a commercial lease, and how to calculate building efficiency for different project types. Whether you're studying for the ARE or working with a client on a lease negotiation, these are the distinctions that prevent expensive misunderstandings.

📝 Key topics covered:

• Gross, rentable, usable, and net area definitions and how they nest

• Load factor in real estate and how to calculate it

• What SF/YR means in a commercial lease

• Building efficiency ranges by building type (offices, hospitals, residential)

• Common ARE exam mistakes on area calculations

⏱️ Chapters:

(0:28) Introduction

(3:41) The GRUN Framework: Gross, Rentable, Usable, Net

(14:02) Why Building Area Measurements Matter

(17:38) Building Efficiency by Building Type

(21:21) ARE Exam Prep for Area Calculations

(25:06) BOMA Standards and Industry Rules

(27:01) Conclusion

📖 Read the full blog post

📝 Download the FREE Building Area Measurements study notes

🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership

🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp

📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses:

• PA 101 (Programming and Analysis)

• PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design)

• PcM 101 (Practice Management)

• PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs)

• Building Codes 101

• PjM 101 (Project Management)

• CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation)

• AIA Contracts 101

• Mechanical Systems 101

Architectural specification writing is one of the most important skills in practice, and one of the least taught. In this episode, Emily shares the 10 most common specification writing errors architects make throughout their careers, along with practical solutions for each one.

Every mistake on this list has real consequences: RFIs, change orders, field failures, and liability exposure. Whether you're a working architect or studying for the ARE, understanding how to write and coordinate specs correctly is a skill that pays off on every project.

📝 Key topics covered:

• Why specs are legal contract documents, not boilerplate paperwork

• The coordination gap between drawings and specifications

• How vague language like "high quality" and "as required" creates disputes

• Why copy-pasting manufacturer specs without editing is a liability

• How to write execution sections that actually prevent field failures

⏱️ Chapters:

(0:00) Why Architectural Specification Writing Matters

(2:42) Mistake #1: Poor Coordination Between Drawings and Specs

(7:46) Mistake #2: Vague and Ambiguous Specification Language

(10:10) Mistake #3: Copy-Pasting Manufacturer Specs Without Editing

(12:54) Mistake #4: Ignoring Site-Specific Conditions

(15:01) Mistake #5: Using Outdated Master Specifications

(17:39) Mistake #6: Poor Coordination With Other Design Disciplines

(19:29) Mistake #7: Weak Execution Sections (Installation Details)

(22:18) Mistake #8: Unclear Substitution and Alternate Criteria

(25:03) Mistake #9: Communication Breakdowns Between Office and Field

(27:24) Mistake #10: Mis-Specifying Sustainable Materials and Systems

(30:03) How to Build Better Specification Writing Skills

📖 Read the full blog post

📝 Download the FREE Specification Writing Errors study notes

🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership

🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp

📚 Individual ARE and CSI Certification Courses:

• CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist)

• CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration)

• PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs)

• PjM 101 (Project Management)

• CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation)

• PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design)

• Building Codes 101

• PcM 101 (Practice Management)

• PA 101 (Programming and Analysis)

• AIA Contracts 101

• Mechanical Systems 101

What is a change order in construction? A change order is a formal amendment to the construction contract that adjusts cost, time, or both when the scope changes after the contract is signed.

In this episode, we break down the complete change order process from identification through implementation, walk through the AIA G701 form, and compare change orders to construction change directives, ASIs, and addenda so you know exactly which document to use and when.

You will learn how change orders work step by step, why changes after contract signing always cost more, how A201 and B101 define responsibilities, and how to tell a change order apart from a CCD, ASI, or addendum on the ARE and CDT exams.

📝 Key topics covered:

• What is a change order in construction and when they occur

• The 8-step change order process from trigger to schedule of values update

• AIA G701 change order form and three-party agreement

• Construction change directive vs change order vs ASI vs addendum

• Change order clauses in AIA A201 and B101 contracts

⏱️ Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:45) What is a Change Order?

(4:30) When Change Orders Occur

(7:15) Types of Change Orders

(9:30) The Change Order Process

(17:20) AIA Contract Context

(21:45) Comparing Modification Types

(28:10) Key Takeaways

📖 Read the full blog post and grab free study notes: Change Orders: Your Complete Guide

📝 Download the FREE 2-page change order study guide: youngarchitect.com/changeorder

🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership

Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp coaching program

📚 Individual ARE and CSI Exam Courses:

• CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation)

• PjM 101 (Project Management)

• AIA Contracts 101

• PcM 101 (Practice Management)

• PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs)

• CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist)

• CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration)

• PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design)

• PA 101 (Programming and Analysis)

• Building Codes 101

• Mechanical Systems 101

Construction administration is the documentation backbone of every construction project. This episode breaks down the five key construction administration documents: RFIs, ASIs, change orders, construction change directives, and supplemental drawings.

We cover when to use each document type, the schedule of values and how AIA G702 and G703 payment applications work, and the submittal review process. We also walk through how to handle non-conforming work and the most common construction administration mistakes.

📝 Key topics covered:

• RFIs, ASIs, change orders, and CCDs: when to use each

• Schedule of values and payment applications (AIA G702 and G703)

• Submittal review process and review stamps

• Handling non-conforming work on site

• Common construction administration mistakes

• Where construction admin shows up on the CE exam

⏱️ Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction

(2:09) How the CE Exam Is Organized

(5:44) What Is Construction Admin?

(8:46) RFIs, ASIs, Change Orders, CCDs

(13:46) Submittal Review Process

(18:50) Schedule of Values and Payments

(25:12) Handling Non-Conforming Work

(30:41) Construction Admin Mistakes

(34:35) How to Study Construction Admin

(41:30) Conclusion

📖 Read the full blog post

📝 Download the FREE 2-page CE study guide

🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership

🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp

📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses:

• CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation)

• AIA Contracts 101

• CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration)

• CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist)

• PjM 101 (Project Management)

• PcM 101 (Practice Management)

• PA 101 (Programming and Analysis)

• PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design)

• PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs)

• Building Codes 101

• Mechanical Systems 101

Architect insurance is the safety net every design professional needs but nobody wants to think about. This episode breaks down what coverage you need, what it costs, and how to protect your practice from career-ending claims.

We cover professional liability and E&O insurance, general liability, and workers' compensation. You'll learn the critical difference between claims-made and occurrence policies, why tail coverage matters when you retire or switch carriers, and how waiver of subrogation and hold harmless clauses protect your project team.

We also walk through real claim scenarios, insurance requirements for contractors and owners, and risk management strategies that lower your premiums.

📝 Key topics covered:

• Professional liability and E&O insurance for architects

• Claims-made vs occurrence policies explained

• Tail coverage and extended reporting periods

• Waiver of subrogation in construction contracts

• Hold harmless agreements and indemnification clauses

• Architect insurance costs and premium factors

⏱️ Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction

(3:42) Architect Insurance Requirements

(8:39) Contractor Insurance Requirements

(10:23) Owner Insurance Requirements

(11:53) Owner-Built Project Scenario

(14:06) Contractor-Led Project Scenario

(15:52) Multiple Parties in a Claim

(18:52) Insurance Costs and Legal Terms

(23:49) Architect Insurance Exam Questions

(27:18) Recap and Resources

📖 Read the full blog post

📝 Download the FREE Architect Insurance study notes

🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership

🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp

📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses:

• PcM 101 (Practice Management)

• PjM 101 (Project Management)

• AIA Contracts 101

• CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation)

• PA 101 (Programming and Analysis)

• PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design)

• PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs)

• Building Codes 101

• Mechanical Systems 101

Means of egress is one of the most tested topics on the ARE exam. This episode breaks down the three components of egress: exit access, exit, and exit discharge.

Layla explains how occupant load calculations drive every egress requirement and walks through the physical requirements for egress doors, corridors, and stairs. She also covers travel distance measurements, exit separation rules, and how egress changes for high-rises, healthcare, and assembly spaces.

📝 Key topics covered:

• Exit access, exit, and exit discharge explained

• Occupant load calculations and load factor tables

• Egress door, corridor, and stair requirements

• Travel distance, common path of travel, and dead-end corridors

• Exit separation distance and the one-third diagonal rule

• Special occupancy egress for high-rise, healthcare, and assembly

⏱️ Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction

(2:19) 3 Components of Means of Egress

(4:47) Occupant Load

(9:41) Physical Requirements

(13:23) Travel Distance Limitations

(16:07) Means of Egress on the ARE

(18:39) Special Occupancy Challenges

(21:06) Building Systems Integration

(23:01) Strategic Exam Prep Tips

(26:10) Conclusion and Key Takeaways

📖 Read the full blog post

📝 Download the FREE 2-page Egress study guide

🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership

🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp

📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses:

• Building Codes 101

• PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design)

• PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs)

• PA 101 (Programming and Analysis)

• CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation)

• PcM 101 (Practice Management)

• PjM 101 (Project Management)

• Mechanical Systems 101

• AIA Contracts 101

You watched 40 hours of ARE prep videos. You feel ready. You sit down on exam day, read the first question, and your mind goes completely blank. Sound familiar? The visual learner myth has convinced thousands of candidates that watching videos is enough. It's not.

In this episode, we break down the learning pyramid, a framework that ranks study methods from least effective to most effective. We cover the four passive methods that feel productive but don't stick, the three active methods that actually lock in knowledge, and why cross-training your study routine is the only way to pass.

We also bust the visual learner myth wide open. We're all visual learners. The difference isn't whether you use visual content. It's whether you're passively watching or actively creating. Stop watching someone else draw the diagrams. Start drawing them yourself.

📝 Key Topics Covered:

• Passive vs active studying and why it matters for the ARE

• Learning pyramid: all seven levels from lecture to teaching

• Cross-training your brain like training for a half marathon

• Visual learner myth: why "I'm a visual learner" isn't a study strategy

• How ARE Boot Camp uses every layer of the pyramid

• Practical challenge to make one shift today

⏱️ Chapters:

(0:00) Are You Actually Learning or Just Watching

(1:32) Passive vs Active Studying

(2:44) Learning Pyramid for Exam Prep

(3:14) Passive Study Methods That Don't Work

(4:52) Active Study Methods That Do

(5:51) Teaching Is the Most Effective Method

(6:49) Cross-Training Your Study Routine

(7:45) How ARE Boot Camp Uses Every Layer

(10:52) Visual Learner Myth

(12:20) Your Challenge: Make One Shift Today

📖 Read the full blog post: Visual Learner Myth: Why You Need Multiple Study Methods

🎯 Get access to all ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership: ARE 101 Membership

🎯 Join the next ARE Boot Camp cohort: ARE Boot Camp

📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses:

• PcM 101 (Practice Management)

• PjM 101 (Project Management)

• CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation)

• PA 101 (Programming and Analysis)

• PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design)

• PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs)

• AIA Contracts 101

• Building Codes 101

• Building Systems 101

Construction observation is the heart of the architect's role during construction, and it makes up the largest section of the CE exam. This episode breaks down what construction observation actually means and the critical difference between observation and inspection.

We cover why understanding design intent vs means and methods will save you on exam day and on site. We also walk through construction field reports, evaluating work for conformance, identifying non-conforming work, and the most common observation mistakes that create liability problems.

📝 Key topics covered:

• Observation vs inspection: why the distinction matters

• Design intent vs means and methods

• Construction field reports and AIA G711

• Evaluating construction conformance

• Limits of the architect's authority on site

• Non-conforming work identification

⏱️ Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction

(2:44) The CE Exam Structure

(7:27) What Is Construction Observation?

(14:44) Architect's Role on Site

(18:32) Evaluating Conformance

(22:25) Construction Progress

(25:25) Observation Mistakes

(30:29) How to Study Observation

(35:31) Conclusion

📖 Read the full blog post

📝 Download the FREE 2-page CE study guide

🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership

🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp

📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses:

• CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation)

• AIA Contracts 101

• CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration)

• CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist)

• Building Codes 101

• PjM 101 (Project Management)

• PcM 101 (Practice Management)

• PA 101 (Programming and Analysis)

• PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design)

• PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs)

• Mechanical Systems 101