The Journey Does Not End – Taking the ARE Exam
By Kevin Sneed
Licensed 1995
When asked to share my story of taking the ARE exam, I explained to Katherine that my account is possibly the most senior of all she had requested. However, she explained that it’s the experience of how I passed that she would like to impart to the readers, not the details of study materials from years ago. So, to start, as I combed through my past registration paperwork (which I still had!), I found a quote from my grandmother on a note from one of many phone calls with her. An educator, she always believed in me. She said, “You are going to pass; the question is when.” My grandmother further explained that I have the education, and I gained the necessary experience (IDP now AXP), all that was left for me to do was to make…time.
I thought, if I am going to excel in passing this exam, I will need to set up a solid strategy of when, what, and how? When will I take the exam? What resources do I have that are available, and how will I afford the necessary expenses to meet my goal? During the time I took the exam, it was nine divisions taken within four consecutive days, by hand, with a grueling 12-hour design vignette on the last day of the exam week. At that time, the full exam was given in June, and only the Site Graphic and the Design Vignette were available in December. Oh, and the process included schlepping a T-Square or Parallel Bar and small cooler to sustain you during the 12-hour ordeal.
Having moved to Washington, DC, from Dallas, Texas, after graduation, I did not know anyone. However, I was aware that the American Institute of Architects (AIA) had programs to help in the process of taking the exam. My employer made a deal with me that he would pay for my AIA membership if I became active in the organization. During that time, I joined the local AIA Associates/Young Architect Program (currently the Emerging Young Professionals). This was a committee to help Emerging Young Professionals at the local chapter level. It was so successful that the National AIA implemented the program on a Regional & National level. Joining the committee meant my payment to the exam prep seminars was waived. Also, the AIA National office had a library, so I studied there with example tests from previous years. This was before online software to assist with prep or the computerized exam, so I created flashcards. My friends would quiz me from these flashcards. I still remember a close friend of mine who even offered cassette tapes of her speaking on different topics. She also recorded multiple-choice questions for me, and I would listen and study while driving in my car or while sitting in my apartment.
Using the resources of the AIA, finding unique ways to study, and getting support from friends, I was able to finally reach a level of confidence in preparation for the exam. With all of this study material, I then needed a schedule. I gave myself five months to prepare and to study each division for two weeks, for at least four to six hours after work. I would then change to another division for another two weeks as well as focusing on ways to retain the knowledge that I was absorbing.
My first sprint in this marathon exam resulted in a big disappointment when I found that I did not pass all the divisions of the exam. In disgust, I spoke to my grandmother regarding my failure. Once again, in her motherly advice, she gave me words of wisdom. She said, “It does not matter the number of times you take this exam, as long as you pass is what counts.” After two more attempts, I was able to call myself an Architect. I still remember the moment I called my grandmother to tell her the great news. I could tell by her voice how elated she was as she said, “I told you that you would be an Architect!”
Further in my career, my grandmother was there for me when I received office promotions, awards for design and service with the AIA, and most recently, when I was elevated to Fellow in the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. I explained to my grandmother that being elevated by the AIA was like my big brother patting me on the back and telling me that I did a great job. I must admit, if it were not for passing the exam, I would not be where I am today.
Most importantly, the motivation from my grandmother, and her urging me to create a schedule and study habits, and to embrace a “stick to it” attitude, is ultimately what helped me pass the ARE exam.
In conclusion, from personal experience, I can definitely empathize with candidates taking the exam. I understand their feelings of putting so much effort into passing each division and how it feels as if you are climbing a steep mountain without being able to see the top. Please don’t despair, it does not matter the number of times you take the tests, you will get up that mountain, and there will be a time when someone will call you an Architect.
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