Hot Topic Alert for All ARE Candidates
We recently received this question in a PA Virtual Workshop hosted by @coachjoeyandrada:
Can you combine study efforts for PA, PPD, and PDD like how you can combine PcM, PjM, and CE?
The short answer is yes. There is a ton of overlap between the six divisions of the ARE 5.0 and they essentially build upon each other. You can see this directly in the learning objectives identified by NCARB. Think of the design phases of a project in real life - a decision you make during the programming phase inevitably has an effect on the construction documents phase. It is all related - so while the overlapping content can be overwhelming, you can use it to your benefit!
However, this question leads to the bigger question (and one we hear all the time):
“What order should I take the exams in?”
There is no right or wrong answer here, as it depends on your personal preference and how you feel you would learn and succeed best. What works for someone else may not be the best order for you, and vice versa. Here are a few suggested approaches as a starting point:
1. Take similar ARE divisions together.
If you study for multiple divisions together, the information you learn for one exam will remain fresh for the next exam and you won’t feel like you are restudying content but rather, enhancing what you’ve already learned from a different perspective.
For example:
- PcM, PjM, and CE are considered the “professional practice” or “contract-based” exams. Dissecting and understanding the AIA contract documents is crucial for all three exams.
- PA, PPD, and PDD are considered the “technical” exams and align directly with the phases of design. Knowing how to navigate building codes and regulations, while selecting and integrating various building systems, comes into play for all three exams.
Even if you are studying for multiple divisions simultaneously, you should still space out your exam dates appropriately. Ensure that you have adequate preparation time and focused study for the specific learning objectives at hand. However, a lot of the core content of similar exams will be relevant, so this could be an efficient approach to maximize your study time and knowledge base.
This is the approach that I personally took, and it worked very well for me.
2. Utilize your existing knowledge and experience.
If you have strength or expertise in a particular area, take advantage of that and tackle that division first. This may help you get an “easy” pass right away and keep your momentum going as you move through the rest of the divisions.
For example:
- If most of your experience involves analyzing sites for opportunities and constraints to determine potential design solutions, PA would be a great first exam for you.
- From there, you can integrate the previously mentioned approach of taking similar ARE divisions together. (For example: PPD, then PDD. Lastly, PcM, PjM, and CE.)
3. Follow the Black Spectacles Approach (PcM, PjM, PA, PPD, PDD, CE).
- Take PcM first, because you actually have to study for it.
It is unlikely that you will have a ton of experience in this area, which means that you will need to learn the information in a different way. This will get you into the mindset of studying essentially from scratch and developing strategies that work best for you. You’ll have the opportunity to learn directly from the books, without any personal or work experiences clouding your knowledge. Not only will you learn the content needed for PcM; you’ll be understanding the exam format, tools and interface, and know what it takes to pass an exam.
- Next, take PjM because it overlaps a lot with PcM.
- From there, move onto PA, PPD, PDD, and CE.
These last four divisions align with the design phases of a project, which will help you think about the content logically from start to finish.
In summary…
Try not to stress too much about what order to take the exams. At the end of the day, you’ll find a system that works for you. Getting the process started and developing a study plan that works for you are the most important things. Once you do this, you will be well on our way to passing the ARE 5.0 and becoming a licensed architect!
For additional study tips for your ARE journey, check out this podcast episode: ARE Live: How to Pass the ARE 5.0 in 2025.
What order are you tackling the exams in, and why?
Kiara Galicinao, AIA, NCARB
Product Coordinator
Black Spectacles