Learn 10 tips for surviving and conquering exam day for the ARE 5.0.
Taking the Architecture Registration Exam (ARE) is like stepping into a boxing ring. You’ve been training for this very moment. You’ve put in the hours, the blood, sweat, and tears, and now, it's your time to shine.
But here's the twist—you never really know what to prepare for. While you can study for the actual exam content, there is not one universal formula to calm your nervousness when you step into that exam space.
Everyone is different, and there is no right way to prepare for exam day. Finding a routine that works for you is key. From the early morning rays to the sigh of relief once the exam is done, here are 10 tips for surviving (and conquering) exam day.
Note: These tips are geared towards taking an exam in person at a test center. If you choose to take an online-proctored exam remotely, your experience will look a little different. Take note of the additional tips next to ‘Online Proctoring’ be sure to consult the ARE 5.0 Guidelines for additional information.
The day of your exam isn't just any ordinary day—it's the day when all your hard work comes to fruition! So, it is important to dedicate adequate time ahead of the exam to prepare for your big moment, and after the exam to decompress.
Pick a day of the week that makes sense with your schedule. Will you take time off of work during the week, or will use time during the weekend? Do you want to get your exam out of the way at the start of a week, or do you want that extra study time leading up to your exam day later in the week? Also consider what time of day you will take the exam based on personal preferences, and when you will feel most confident and energized.
Online Proctoring: There may be wider availability in scheduling an online-proctored exam, as opposed to the limited availability of a test center.
On exam day, your mind should be focused on one thing and one thing only: the exam. You don’t want to waste cognitive resources on trivial matters like forgetting something at home. So, spend a few minutes packing your exam bag the night before or morning of your exam.
What to include in your exam bag:
Double-check the ARE 5.0 Guidelines and test center's rules to understand what you're allowed to bring and what must be placed in a storage locker.
Online Proctoring: If you are testing at home, you may not need to pack an actual bag, but you should still set these items aside so that they are easily accessible before your exam and during breaks.
The day before your exam should be used for light studying, rest, and relaxation. Don’t try to cram any new information in; you know all that you need to know at this point, and any extra studying will not make a difference. Review your notes, flashcards, and key information that you need to brush up on.
Most importantly, get a good night’s rest so that you have the energy you need to conquer your exam!
Online Proctoring: It is a good idea to set up your testing space ahead of time, either the day before or morning of your exam. See the ARE 5.0 Guidelines for requirements for your testing environment.
Eat a nutritious breakfast that will fuel your brain and keep you energized throughout the day. Opt for nutrient-rich foods like whole grains, lean protein, and fruits, which can provide sustained energy throughout your exam.
Pair this with a good hydration strategy. Drink enough water, but be mindful of excessive caffeine intake, which might make you jittery or require frequent bathroom breaks. Matcha is known for enhancing your focus, making it a perfect alternative to coffee if you tend to get jittery.
The ARE is indeed a mental challenge, but your physical well-being, backed by good nutrition, is a fundamental part of your success.
Now that you've had a healthy start and your bag is packed, it's time to make your way to the test center. Aim to arrive early to avoid any last-minute rush, which could increase anxiety levels.
NCARB recommends arriving at the test center 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. There's a quiet confidence that comes from being early—it's one less thing to worry about.
Once you're at the testing center, take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the environment. Locate the restrooms, lockers, and exam space. The more comfortable you are with your surroundings, the more you can focus on the task at hand. You're here to pass the ARE, not to figure out where the bathroom is on a short break!
Online Proctoring: It is recommended to schedule a free test run with the proctor ahead of your exam, to confirm that your computer and testing environment is acceptable. See the ARE 5.0 Guidelines for more information and instructions for scheduling.
The ARE, like many comprehensive exams, isn't just about what you know—it's also about how effectively you can demonstrate that knowledge given the time constraints.
Take your total test time (in minutes) and divide it by the total number of items, to determine the average amount of time you should allocate per question. This equates to roughly 2.5 minutes across all divisions. Keep in mind that some questions may take longer (i.e. case study questions), so use this average as a general guide and adjust as needed. For example, if your average time is 3 minutes per question and you've been stuck on a question for 6 minutes, you know that you need to flag it for later review and move on!
Plan an approach that suits your test-taking style. Some candidates find it beneficial to quickly scan the entire exam, answering familiar questions first and marking tougher ones for review later. Others like to work chronologically, to make sure they don’t miss anything. Some candidates might start with the case studies to get the more difficult/time-consuming portion out of the way.
When dissecting items on the exam, utilize the highlighter tool to identify key pieces of information in a question. Strikethrough text that is irrelevant and unnecessary to obtaining the answer, as well as any answer choices that you can easily eliminate. Be sure to utilize case study references that are available to you, as they may help you answer other non-case study questions. Check out our tips on how to approach each item type on the ARE 5.0.
Regardless of the approach you take - make a plan and stick with it throughout.
Each exam includes an optional break time, which can be used for multiple short breaks or one long break, and can be used at any time. Take advantage of this break opportunity if needed. Don't try to power through the exam if you are feeling worn out or need to step away, as this may increase the pressure you experience and ultimately cause you more stress.
However, be sure that you are confident about the questions that you have already seen/answered, as all seen items will lock once you take a break (regardless if they were answered or not).
Tip: For case studies, only the items that you have seen will lock. Items that you have not seen that are attached to a case study, along with all of its references, will still be available to you after a break.
Note that you will need to follow the re-admittance security procedures each time you return from a break.
Online Proctoring: There are additional security screening measures for online proctoring. See the ARE 5.0 Guidelines for more information.
The ARE can create a very stressful environment. You feel the high stakes and pressure, and it can definitely affect your exam performance. If you experience text anxiety, be sure to combat it ahead of time or develop strategies that will help you tackle them in the moment. If you start to feel dizzy or nauseous, take a few meditative deep breaths to calm your nerves and refocus.
You may encounter a technical issue, whether at a testing center or through an online-proctored exam. Don’t panic - notify your proctor immediately so that they can investigate and resolve the issue in a timely manner.
Online Proctoring: Be sure that you are using a wired internet connection and that there aren’t any other factors that may clog up your connection. The last thing you need is a dropped internet connection in the middle of your exam! If you are testing at home, you’ll also want to coordinate the activities of other household members - walk your dog ahead of time so that he isn’t barking throughout your exam, ensure that your roommate isn’t streaming on the network so that your internet isn’t clogged, and arrange childcare so that your kids don’t disrupt your exam.
Finally, you've crossed the finish line—the intense hours of examination are over. But what next? Here's the last step, and it's an important one: reflect and relax after the ARE.
Reflect on the experience and jot down some notes about the exam while your memory is still fresh. This could include things like:
This isn't a moment to critique yourself harshly, but it can help you to understand your experiences better. These notes can be incredibly beneficial as you prepare for your next ARE division.
Now that you’re done reflecting, it’s time to relax! Don’t let the preliminary exam results deter this step. Take a deep breath and allow yourself to revel in the achievement. You've just completed a significant milestone, and that is worth celebrating, regardless of the outcome.
Consider doing something enjoyable or relaxing post-exam to help your mind and body unwind. This could be anything from a quiet walk in a park, a favorite movie, dinner at your favorite restaurant, or simply catching up on sleep!
Exam day may feel daunting, but with the right preparation and approach, you can navigate it successfully. Remember, this day is not a judgment but an opportunity—an opportunity to showcase your understanding, your skills, and your passion for architecture.
So, when the exam day arrives, take a deep breath, step into your exam space, and remember: you've studied hard for this. You're ready. Good luck! Learn more about Black Spectacles ARE 5.0 exam prep here.
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