AARE study guide
AARE · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
AARE stands for the Architect Registration Examination, the licensing exam that jurisdictions use to decide whether a candidate may practice architecture independently. It is written for interns and graduates who have completed the required experience record and are ready to move from supervised work to registered status. The AARE study guide has 9 sections and about 1,998 words.
01Pre-Design and Project Planning
The Pre-Design and Project Planning domain tests your ability to frame a project before design begins: client goals, feasibility, budget, schedule, delivery method, and approvals. Expect scenarios that ask for the next action, not a finished design.
250 words, about 1 min02Site and Environmental Analysis
This domain tests site due diligence: how topography, soils, drainage, climate, vegetation, and environmental regulation constrain development. Questions often present a site condition and ask for the implication or the next study.
247 words, about 1 min03Building Design and Programming
Programming and building design questions test your ability to convert needs into space, adjacency, and code-compliant layouts. The exam favors quantitative checks and functional relationships over aesthetics.
237 words, about 1 min04Structural Systems and Building Technology
This domain tests structural load paths, system selection, foundation behavior, and integration with architecture. Expect conceptual questions on span, load, and lateral resistance.
214 words, about 1 min05Environmental, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems
This domain tests HVAC, lighting, power, plumbing, energy, and acoustics at a schematic level. Questions often ask for sizing checks, code minimums, or coordination impacts.
219 words, about 1 min06Building Codes, Zoning, and Accessibility
This domain tests application of building codes, zoning, and accessibility to design. Expect occupancy, construction type, egress, fire separation, height/area, parking, setbacks, and ADA clearances.
232 words, about 1 min07Construction Materials, Methods, and Specifications
This domain tests how materials and assemblies are selected, specified, and quality-controlled. Expect CSI MasterFormat, specification types, submittals, mockups, and testing.
204 words, about 1 min08Contract Administration and Construction Observation
This domain tests the architect's role during bidding, construction, payment, changes, and closeout. Expect contract interpretation, observation duties, and documentation.
199 words, under 1 min09Professional Practice, Ethics, and Project Management
This domain tests business, ethical, and management judgment: standard of care, conflicts, licensure, scope, fees, risk, and team leadership. Standard of care is what a reasonable architect would do under similar circumstances; it is not a guarantee of perfection.
196 words, under 1 min