PODCAST · education
Architect Exam Prep: The ARE Podcast
by David Doucette & Eric Corey Freed
Listen in as David and Eric talk about issues aimed at candidates preparing for the NCARB Architect Registration Exam (ARE) . We discuss topics related to helping you become a better test taker as well as become a more valuable employee.
Episodes
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093. ARE Technical: Top 5 Tips for Project Development & Documentation (PDD)
In this episode, David and Eric focus on the ARE PDD (Project Development & Documentation) exam, framing it as the construction documents phase in contrast to PPD’s schematic design and PA’s programming. They emphasize that PDD is less about memorizing content and more about using judgment,...
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092. ARE Technical: Top 5 Tips for Project Planning & Design
David and Eric discuss how PPD fits into the ARE sequence, how it differs from other divisions (especially PDD), and five key mindset/strategy tips for candidates. The main emphasis: PPD is about integration and judgment, not memorizing formulas or hyper‑detailed systems data. Listen to the Audio...
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091. ARE Technical: Top 5 Tips for Programming & Analysis (PA)
David and Eric discuss five tips for passing the programming and analysis (PA) division of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). They emphasize that PA is about evaluation, not design, and highlight the importance of using highlighting tools for long, wordy questions. They stress that...
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090. ARE Mentor: The Identity Shift
This episode, “The Identity Shift,” is for ARE candidates who are close to finishing but feel stuck or suddenly full of doubt. David reframes that experience as a normal transition from student to licensed architect, where imposter syndrome, fear of passing, and completion anxiety are signals of...
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089. ARE Technical: Top 5 Tips for Construction & Evaluation (CE)
This episode of the ARE podcast gives five key tips for passing the ARE Construction & Evaluation (CE) exam. The focus is on thinking like an architect under the AIA contracts, emphasizing standard of care, observation vs. construction, administrative procedures, question-reading strategy, and...
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088. ARE Mentor: Course Correcting After Failure
David discusses how to course correct after failing an ARE exam. He explains why one failed division shouldn’t create a negative narrative and reminds candidates that failure simply means retaking the exam. He also covers how to review the score report, keep momentum by scheduling the next exam...
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087. ARE Technical: Top 5 Tips for Project Management (PjM)
In Episode 87 of the ARE Podcast, David and Eric break down the five most important strategies for passing the Project Management (PjM) division and how to think like a project manager on exam day. We begin with discussing the top five tips for project management, focusing on the AIA Contracts B...
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086. ARE Mentor: Schedule the Exam Before You Feel Ready
In this episode, David emphasizes the importance of scheduling the your first or next Architect Registration Examination (ARE) before feeling fully ready. He shares his personal experience, noting it took seven years to complete due to procrastination. He then highlights the psychological…
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085. ARE Technical: Analyzing the Score Report
In this episode, David and Eric discuss how to realistically interpret NCARB ARE score reports without overthinking them. They explain why content area percentages and “low” scores often look worse than they are, and how weighting and test design affect what the report really means. They also…
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084. ARE Mentor: Build Your Weekly Study System
In this episode, David introduces the new ARE Mentor format — short, direct Tuesday episodes focused on mindset, structure, and execution — alongside the ongoing ARE Technical episodes released on Fridays. Listen to the Audio Show Notes The core message: most candidates don’t struggle because…
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083. ARE Technical: Top 5 Tips for Practice Management (PcM)
In Episode 83 of the ARE Podcast, David and Eric break down the five most important strategies for passing the Practice Management (PcM) division. We begin with a critical mindset shift: PcM is not about thinking like an employee. It’s about thinking like a principal. Many candidates miss…
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082. ARE Reset: Resetting the ARE Podcast
If you’re studying for the ARE right now, this episode is for you. In this solo Tuesday episode, David shares why he’s resetting the ARE Podcast, what’s changing, and how this shift is designed to help you build clarity and consistency in your exam journey. Listen to the Audio Show Notes Why the...
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Episode 81: Getting Started with the ARE in 2026
In this episode, David and Eric break down what it really takes to pass the Architect Registration Exam (ARE) in 2026. They walk through the six ARE divisions, explain how to sequence exams for momentum, and outline a realistic study approach designed for busy professionals — not full-time...
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Episode 80: Where’s Waldo? Looking for Answers in the ARE Journey
In this podcast, we discuss the idea of Where’s Waldo and how we can better look for answers during the process of the ARE. Listen to the Audio Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and…
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Episode 79: The RFP Process Explained for Private and Public Projects
In this podcast, we discuss another frequently confusing and fuzzy topic, the RFP (Request For Proposal) process for both public and private projects. Listen to the Audio Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please...
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Episode 78: Fire Separation – 4 Types
In this podcast, we discuss a frequently confusing and fuzzy topic, fire separation and the 4 types. Listen to the Audio Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a review. It would...
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Episode 77: The Chocolate Bar: Is It a Control Joint or an Expansion Joint?
In this podcast, we discuss a frequent fuzzy topic, the difference between a control joint and an expansion joint. Listen to the Audio Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a…
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Episode 76: Is Nuclear Energy Making a Comeback?
In this podcast, we discuss whether nuclear energy is making a comeback and the pros and cons of this carbon free energy source. Listen to the Audio Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and...
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Episode 75: Albedo: What Is Good For?
In this podcast, we discuss a frequent fuzzy topic, albedo. Listen in as we discuss what albedo is and how best understand it and apply it in our practice as well as taking the ARE. Listen to the Audio Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes!…
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Episode 74: The Reality of Believing in Yourself
In this podcast, we discuss the Stockdale Paradox which is a concept that involves having faith in the ability to prevail while also facing the harsh realities of the present and how this applies to our mindset during our ARE journey. Listen to the Audio Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates...
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Episode 73: Fuzzy Topic – Plan Efficiency
In this podcast, we introduce what we mean by a “fuzzy topic” and Plan Efficiency as our first of several planned Fuzzy Topic podcasts. Listen to the Audio Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on...
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Episode 72: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
In this podcast, we discuss the ARE journey as a marathon and not a sprint. Listen to the Audio Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a review. It would really help us spread the...
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Episode 71: The Only 3 Ways to Change a Contract
In this podcast, we discuss the only 3 ways to change the contract for construction using the Architects Supplemental Instruction, Change Order, and Construction Change Directive. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate…
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Episode 70: The Two Week Retake Plan
In this podcast, we discuss a step by step plan for a two retake plan. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a review. It would really help us...
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Episode 69: Be Careful Who You Tell
In this podcast, we discuss the struggle that can come with telling extended family when it comes to gatherings. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and...
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Episode 68: 9 Tips to Get Your Confidence Back
In this podcast, we discuss 9 tips to get your confidence back. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a review. It would really help us spread…
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Episode 67: Just Say No to Using Just
In this podcast, we discuss the use of the word “just” and the impression it leaves on others. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a review. It...
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Episode 66: Afraid to Ask Questions? We’re Here to Help
In this micro podcast, we discuss our fear of being afraid to ask questions and dive into the why behind it. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and…
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Episode 65: The Mindset of Design Bid Build
In this micro podcast, we discuss the traditional project delivery method of design bid build. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a review. It...
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Episode 64: Round Up or Round Down?
In this micro podcast, we discuss the common issue many candidates face and that is whether to round up or round down. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on…
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Episode 63: Fake It Until You Make It? Maybe.
In this micro podcast, we discuss the common phenomenon known as imposter syndrome. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a review. It would…
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Episode 62: How Do I Prepare for a Retake?
In this micro podcast, we discuss how candidates can successfully prepare for a retake. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a review. It would...
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Episode 61: I Missed It By One Question!
In this micro podcast, we discuss why candidates often feel they missed it by one question. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a review. It...
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Episode 60: Does Second Guessing Keep You From Passing?
In this micro podcast, we discuss whether our tendency to second guess our answers helps us or hurst us. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a...
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Episode 59: There Is No PA Question
In this micro podcast, we discuss why there is no PA question. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a review. It would really help us spread the...
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Episode 58: Help! I Bombed the Case Studies!
In this micro podcast, we discuss the phenomenon known as “bombing the case studies”. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a review. It would...
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Episode 57: What is Your Investment Worth?
In this micro podcast, we discuss the investment in your architecture career and education and ask the question “Is it worth it?” Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate…
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Episode 56: What Side of the House Does the Breakfast Room Go On?
In this micro podcast, we discuss which side of the house the breakfast room should be located and the reasons behind it. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate…
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Episode 55: Which Wolf Do You Feed
In this micro podcast, we discuss an old Cherokee story and the wisdom to be gained from it. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a…
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Episode 54: Studying Is Not Like Exercise
In this micro podcast, we discuss how studying is not like exercise. It requires a different mindset and strategy. Listen in as we discuss some tips that will benefit your study habits. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below!...
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Episode 53: Call Of the Week: Failed 5 Years Ago
In our Call Of the Week, we discuss Eric’s conversation with a candidates about failing 5 years ago and walking away from the process and how she can get back on the horse. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us…
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Episode 52: Rack Up As Many Points As Possible
In this micro podcast, we discuss the strategies necessary in racking up as many points as possible on exam day. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes...
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Episode 51: 5 Reasons You’re Failing the ARE®
In this micro podcast, we discuss the 5 top reasons you’re failing the ARE®. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a review. It would really...
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Episode 50: They Make It Hard On Purpose
In this micro podcast, we discuss how this entire process is designed to be hard. It’s designed to test your meddle, to weed out those who don’t really want it. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If…
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Episode 49: NCARB Pass Rate Stats
We deep dive in to NCARB’s pass rate statistics to gain a better understanding of trends and the impact of retakes on the candidates’ mental mindset. Bad news, you’re doing worse on the retake and Eric and I discuss why that’s happening and how you can adjust your strategy so you don’t become…
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Episode 48: Case Studies Are Just A Format
The case studies have been a source of anxiety for candidates since 5.0 launched. They are a small part of the Exam process and we have found that many candidates put too much emphasis on the case studies. In other words, case studies rent too much space in your head! Listen in and find out the...
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Episode 47: You’re Doing the Breaks All Wrong
Eric and I discuss how you might be approaching the breaks all wrong. We continue to hear stories from candidates about getting locked out because they “just peeked” at the case study questions. Don’t let this be you! There’s no reason you should be getting locked out of questions. Listen in and...
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Episode 46: At Home Testing: The Pros & Cons
Eric and I discuss the pros and cons of at home testing and 5 reasons why you should consider doing it (and 5 reasons you shouldn’t do it). Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show,...
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Episode 45: You’ve Been Looking at These Tests All Wrong
Eric and I introduce a new “micro” podcast format in which we discuss specific topics in a short amount of time, typically 10-15 minutes. These episodes are hyper focused and easy to consume in a limited amount of time. Today’s micro topic is about looking at all 6 tests in a different way and in…
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Episode 44: Eric Wants to Grow A Building – XPRIZE
We discuss Eric’s amazing proposal for the XPRIZE and how he wants to grow a building. Listen to the Audio Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a review. It would really help us...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Listen in as David and Eric talk about issues aimed at candidates preparing for the NCARB Architect Registration Exam (ARE) . We discuss topics related to helping you become a better test taker as well as become a more valuable employee.
HOSTED BY
David Doucette & Eric Corey Freed
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Architect Exam Prep: The ARE Podcast have?
Architect Exam Prep: The ARE Podcast currently has 93 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Architect Exam Prep: The ARE Podcast about?
Listen in as David and Eric talk about issues aimed at candidates preparing for the NCARB Architect Registration Exam (ARE) . We discuss topics related to helping you become a better test taker as well as become a more valuable employee.
How often does Architect Exam Prep: The ARE Podcast release new episodes?
Architect Exam Prep: The ARE Podcast has 93 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Architect Exam Prep: The ARE Podcast?
You can listen to Architect Exam Prep: The ARE Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Architect Exam Prep: The ARE Podcast?
Architect Exam Prep: The ARE Podcast is created and hosted by David Doucette & Eric Corey Freed.
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