If you’ve already made it through Practice Management (PcM), Project Management (PjM) will feel like the natural next step.
A lot of what you learned in PcM carries over here... but this time, it’s all about managing projects, people, and risk.

This exam tests how you actually run a project in a firm.
From contracts and coordination to schedules, budgets, and quality control — it’s the practical side of practice.

Resources to Help You Pass

• Join the ABC Club – your full ARE® study system and community

• Join ABC Club Premium – includes Mind Over ARE™ coaching, study calls, and replays

• Free ARE Resource Library – instant access to essential tools and tips

• Explore all our free ARE Resources here

Why Project Management Comes Next

PjM builds on everything you learned in PcM.
You’ll use the same contracts, but apply them to real project workflows: how teams communicate, how risk is managed, and how a project moves from concept to construction.

It’s usually the second exam I recommend taking.
You’re already familiar with firm structure and business concepts, and now you get to apply them to project execution.

What’s on the Project Management Exam

Each section tests a different part of project delivery.
Here’s what to focus on:

1. Resource Management (7–13%)

How to manage people, time, and budgets across multiple projects.

• Assigning team members and workloads

• Staffing strategies for profitability

• Tracking billable hours and utilization rates

📚 Focus on: how resources connect to firm financial health and project success.

2. Project Work Planning (17–23%)

Scheduling, communication, and coordination — the day-to-day flow of a project.

• Developing work plans and project schedules

• Internal team communication

• Roles and responsibilities

📚 Focus on: how to build realistic schedules and manage consultant coordination.

3. Contracts (25–31%)

The backbone of PjM. Know the major AIA contracts inside and out.

• A101, A201, B101, and C401

• Scope, responsibilities, and risk for each party

• Contract language that impacts delivery methods

📚 Focus on: how contract terms affect project management decisions.

4. Project Execution (17–23%)

Admin procedures, project approvals, and daily management.

• Reviewing submittals, RFIs, and meeting minutes

• Working with AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction)

• Communication logs and documentation

📚 Focus on: administrative systems that protect the firm and client.

5. Project Quality Control (19–25%)

How firms maintain high-quality work while minimizing risk.

• QA/QC procedures

• Peer reviews and internal standards

• Risk mitigation through communication

📚 Focus on: how consistent processes ensure client satisfaction and reduce liability.

How to Study

1. Start with the ARE Handbook – Use it as your master checklist.
   Go back often. Don’t assume you’ve covered everything.

2. Use the Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice (AHPP) –
   In the Free ARE Resource Guide , you’ll find exactly which chapters apply to PjM so you can save time and focus on what matters.

3. Get hands-on practice – inside the ABC Club , you’ll find study tools, games, and practice questions designed to help you understand rather than memorize.

4. Use the ARE 5 Review Manual – great for structured overviews and targeted study sessions.

5. Take notes (seriously) – Cornell-style notes or simple lists both work. The act of writing helps you retain concepts.

6. Watch for filler words on the exam – NCARB loves to add unnecessary info. Train yourself to cross out what’s irrelevant so you stay focused.

7. Schedule the exam – Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready... just schedule it.

If You Struggle with Motivation

It’s easy to get stuck in “study forever” mode.
That’s why community and accountability matter.

Inside ABC Club Premium, we talk about managing overwhelm, test anxiety, and how to reset after a fail.
You’ll get access to coaching, study calls, and strategies that help you actually stay consistent.

You don’t need to do this alone.

Homework

As a thank-you for reading, grab your free ARE® 5.0 practice problems from our Activity Book for Architects.
They’re designed to reinforce key PjM concepts and test your understanding.

👉 Download your ARE® homework here

Keep Going

If you’ve made it this far, you’re building serious momentum.
Once PjM clicks, you’ll notice how every other division starts to connect.

Stay consistent. Stay curious.
And remember... progress over perfection.

Happy studying,
Bryn