Morina Peterson (2021)

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Dual Narratives
By Morina Peterson
Licensed 2021

Instructions for readers

Don’t read this article straight through from beginning to end. No, seriously, don’t. This article is set up like a “choose your own adventure book” and contains different perspectives and advice appropriate for people at various stages in the licensure process. Please play/read along.

Your adventure options:

Narrative 1: The Long Journey | A story about the long path to becoming a Registered Architect because of “life”.

Narrative 2: Straight advice for testing | Practical tips to get through the process.

Narrative 1: The Long Journey

For those looking for an inspirational story of how to complete the ARE exams in 6 months, skip this post, and check out another post.

For those who are on a long journey to become a Registered Architect because of “life”, keep reading. You are not alone. 

SHE PERSISTED. That is written below the raised fists on the T-shirt my husband gave me as a “you got this” gift as I was plotting a course to pass the last two exams in ARE version 5.0. I started studying for the ARE way back in 2001/2002 about 5 years after NCARB transitioned to the computerized exam in 1997. Yes, my journey to licensure took 20 years! During that time I have failed exams, taken long breaks between exams, and lost exams to transitioning to newer versions and the rolling clock.

You may be wondering “Why did it take you so long? Was it…”

  • …being Dyslexic? The short answer is no. The long answer is it was a factor, as I got questions wrong because I misread some questions and answers. I did not request special accommodations for additional time. In timed practice tests, the results were not different when I had more time. But getting a good night’s rest, reducing stress, and being prepared helped a lot.
  • …the vignettes in the previous version? I definitely was not a fan of the clunky software. It required extra practice time to change the way I thought about documentation since it was so different from AutoCAD and Revit, which I used at work.
  • …test fatigue and/or anxiety? Sometimes. There were times after failing an exam I would “retool” my approach which could take weeks or months. There was a period when I failed 5 exams in a row, and I thought about giving up (again). Instead, I licked my wounds and kept going. There were also times when the celebration for passing an exam took months before I started preparing for the next exam.
  • …the cost of the exams and NCARB membership? While I don’t know how much I have spent in this pursuit, I am sure it would have been a sizable downpayment on a home.
    • A couple of times I waited to schedule an exam after payday. Then I started saving up for them. This has been an issue for some of my study buddies, so I contribute to the DVC Scholarship. I’ve recommended that they do likewise. I’ve also suggested that they apply to both the AIA Large Firm Roundtable ARE Scholarship and the Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship
  • …that you did not have a support system? No, I have been fortunate to be a part of several great study groups of co-workers and/or peers. Approaches from study groups that worked well for me include:
    • Writing practice exam questions
    • Talking about the subject matter
    • Sharing study resources
    • Quiet study time (Study with me on youtube also helps)
    • Providing each other positive feedback and encouragement

My family has also been very encouraging and supportive. Examples include: Friday night ARE videos with my husband instead of movie night, skipping extended family events before exams, and “much success” voice messages and texts before an exam.

In retrospect, the main reason for this long journey was that I put my job before my career. I habitually worked long hours to hit deadlines and postponed studying for exams. I also prioritized work committees over NOMA, AIA, and USGBC participation. So, if you are taking the exams or about to start, please prioritize your career and get the exams done. For those on their own long journey – you can do this! PERSIST. Design your way to licensure.

Narrative 2: Straight advice for testing

For those looking for a map of how to complete the ARE exams in 6 months, skip this post. For those who want practical tips on a long journey to become a Registered Architect, keep reading. You are not alone. 

Part of what inspired me to start taking the ARE Exams was to be a positive statistic. You probably know the stats that 2% of licensed architects are African American. When I started, Barbara Laurie was working on her 200+ project. My goal was to be one of the 200 living black licensed women architects. At the end of my 20-year journey, my number is around 513, I have never been happier to pay that increase in professional membership dues.

If you are on the long journey to Registration, I suggest:

  • Prioritize your career over your job – take the time to build the skills and certifications you need to design your career. See Narrative 1: The Long Journey
  • Do something architecture-related that inspires and rejuvenates you. That could be your job, volunteering for Project Pipeline or Architecture in Schools, mentoring or career days.
  • Study every day – even if it is only 15 minutes. Being able to utilize audio and video files helps to make studying every day more doable, It also works well for us visual and audio learners. Being a part of a study group also helped keep me accountable as well as a good place to share real-life examples. Write a practice question or two. Reserve and protect this time from projects. Changing up your study location may help as well.
  • Limit your study material – Since I started the exams, study materials have improved! There are so many options out there for available study material. Spend a limited amount of time researching what works best for you at a high level as well as detailed information when needed. Use the NCARB resources as a starting place.
  • Breaks between exams – limit them so you don’t lose your momentum, whether you pass or fail.
  • Take practice exams before you start studying so you know what you need to focus on, 
  • Create a pre-exam routine  – have breakfast or coffee or tea, stretch, and reduce stress.
  • In the exam – once the timer has started take a few minutes to write down the information you know and do not want to forget.
  • Keep your energy level up – find people and organizations that invigorate you – BWA Network and Brunch, America’s Hidden Gems, Riding the Vortex, NOMA, WIELD, USGBC, or other organizations

In other words, I am suggesting you “do what I say” and learned along the way, instead of doing what I did. The suggestions above are items I wish someone told me in a way I could hear and incorporate.

No matter how long it takes you to complete the AREs know that you can do this and are not alone. All the time and effort have been worth it for me. Why? I have met many exceptional people in my study groups, and my career opportunities and choices have increased. Licensure gives me “cred”, so I have less to prove to clients and contractors.  I am proud to finally reach this goal. My number is 513 of about 560 black licensed women architects in the US. 

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