It took me 23 months (to the day) to pass all six ARE® 5.0 exams. Some people do it faster. Others take longer. Either way, your timeline doesn’t define your ability to become an architect!

I used to think passing quickly was a badge of honor, but honestly, I learned way more from failing than I ever did from passing. So if you’re in that “fail” stage right now, you’re exactly where you need to be.

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, tips, and resources designed to PASS the ARE®

• Explore all our free ARE Resources here

Step One: Get Grounded

Start with the NCARB ARE Handbook...always! It breaks down what each exam covers, how many questions to expect, and how long you’ll have. It’s not everything, but it’s your starting map.

Once you see the structure, create your roadmap. Don’t overthink it. The biggest mistake I made early on was trying to start with the hardest exams (PPD and PDD).

Everyone says, “Get the tough ones out of the way!”, but honestly, it’s a setup for frustration. These exams aren’t just about what you know… they’re about learning how to take them.

The Order That Worked for Me

PcM → PjM → CE → PA → PPD → PDD

Grouping them this way helps with overlap. PcM might not be “fun,” but it’s the best introduction to how the exams work - how NCARB asks questions, what the interface looks like, and how much interpretation is needed beyond memorization.

Even the “easy” exams are hard. Start with the ones that help you learn how to test before diving into the deep technical ones.

How to Study (Without Losing Your Mind)

I had to figure out how I learn best. Reading wasn’t cutting it. I’d go through a stack of books and walk into the exam feeling prepared… only to realize I didn’t actually know the material.

Once I started using a mix of visual tools, notes, audio, and practice, everything changed.

Inside the ABC Club, I’ve built study tools for every type of learner: interactive sheets, games, quizzes, and printable resources, because no one learns from just reading a textbook.

Focus on understanding concepts, not memorizing facts. NCARB loves to twist questions so that rote memorization won’t get you through. When you understand the why, you can adapt to any question they throw at you.

When You Fail (Because You Probably Will)

Let’s be real. Most people fail at least one exam.

When I first started sharing about failing the AREs, hardly anyone else was talking about it. But it’s part of this process. NCARB’s pass rates still hover around 50–60%. That means statistically, failing is normal.

I used to take 5–6 months to recover after a failed test. I’d overanalyze, get discouraged, and lose momentum. Then one day, my husband said something that stuck:

“Nobody cares.”

At first, I was offended. But he was right. Nobody cares if you fail. What matters is that you keep going.

After adopting that mindset, I started retaking exams faster (within weeks, not months!!) and passed the rest back-to-back.

So if you’ve failed, here’s what I want you to know:

• You are not behind.

• You are not less capable.

• You are learning how to pass.

The only way to fail the AREs is to stop trying.

Don’t Go Through It Alone

These exams are tough, but you don’t have to isolate yourself. There’s an entire community of candidates just like you working toward licensure.

Join us inside the ABC Club for a full study system that actually makes sense, with interactive resources, coaching replays, and support that keeps you consistent.

Or, if you want to start small, grab one of the free resources linked above.

You’ve got this. Keep going. And remember: nobody cares if you fail, only if you quit.

Happy studying,
Bryn