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Programming & Analysis

Pass PA with NCARB-approved test prep

Get Ready To Crush Programming & Analysis

The first ARE® 5.0 Programming & Analysis (PA) study materials with the NCARB stamp of approval. Prep with Video Lectures, Practice Exams, Digital Flashcards and Practical Application Videos. Prepare on your own schedule, or with your peers in one of our Virtual Workshops. All materials are designed by ARE veterans and built in alignment with NCARB’s exam objectives.

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About Programming & Analysis

The Programming & Analysis (PA) exam focuses on the earliest phase of a project. The PA division covers programming, environmental and contextual conditions, as well as zoning and building code regulations that impact a project. Our study materials go deep into establishing qualitative and quantitative project requirements, site analysis, and prioritizing the client’s programmatic requirements. Here’s how NCARB structures the PA exam:

  • Environmental & Contextual Conditions

    11-16 expected items, 14-21% target percentage

    • Evaluating site-specific environmental and socio-cultural opportunities
    • Evaluating site-specific environmental constraints
    • Determining optimal use of onsite resources by incorporating sustainability principles

  • Building Analysis & Programming

    28-32 expected items, 37-43% target percentage

    • Evaluating relevant qualitative and quantitative attributes of a new or existing building
    • Evaluating documentation, reports, assessments, and analyses
    • Identifying and prioritizing components of the building program
    • Assessing spatial and functional relationships
    • Recommending a preliminary budget and schedule
    • Identifying alternatives for building and structural systems for given programmatic requirements, preliminary budget, and schedule
    • Analyzing graphical representations regarding building analysis and building programming

  • Codes & Regulations

    12-17 expected items, 16-22% target percentage

    • Identifying relevant code requirements for building and site types
    • Identifying relevant zoning and land use requirements
    • Identifying relevant local and site-specific requirements

  • Site Analysis & Programming

    16-20 expected items, 21-27% target percentage

    • Evaluating relevant qualitative and quantitative attributes of a site as they relate to a program
    • Synthesizing site reports with other documentation and analysis
    • Analyzing graphical representations regarding site analysis and site programming

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ARE® Overall Practice Management (PcM) Project Management (PjM) Programming & Analysis (P&A) Project Planning & Design (PP&D) Project Dev. & Documenation (PD&D) Construction & Evaluation (C&E) Pass Rate Black Spectacles National Avg. 75% 54%

Our members report passing PA at a % higher rate than the NCARB-published national average.*

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ARE Live

Chosen by ArchDaily as one of the best podcasts for architects, ARE Live is where you come for help with passing the ARE. Featuring discussions and exercises including ARE division topics and NCARB objectives led by distinguished architects and industry experts, ARE Live comes to you monthly, and it’s on the house.