FREE ARE 5.0 RESOURCES
Free resources
for every division.
Study guides, practice questions and interactive tools for all six ARE 5.0 divisions. Free to use, no account needed.
PRACTICETest your knowledge48 original questions, 8 per division, with explanations.Start a check →
PLANNINGPlan your study timeA study window for each division from your real weekly hours.Open the planner →
SCORESRead your score reportSee how far each content area was from the passing line.Open the calculator →
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Every free guide, practice set and tool. Filter by type or by the division you're studying.
Beam deflection for ARE PPD and PDD: strength, stiffness and L/360Understand beam deflection for ARE PPD and PDD: strength vs. stiffness, L/360 calculations, span and depth decisions, and three original practice questions.PPDPDDInteractiveQuiz
Free ARE Starter KitFree ARE study materials in one 8-page PDF: what each ARE 5.0 division tests, a worked example for each, and a 32-week example study schedule.All divisionsFree PDF
IBC frontage increase explained for ARE: perimeter, open space and recessesLearn IBC frontage increase for ARE PA, PPD and PDD: trace perimeter, check 20-ft open space, use the 2021 table and solve three original scenarios.PAPPDPDDInteractiveQuiz
Construction administration for ARE CE: change orders, submittals, payment and closeoutFive ARE CE concepts explained in plain English — Change Order vs. CCD vs. ASI, submittal review, nonconforming work, payment math, and closeout.CEQuiz
Hospital HVAC for ARE PPD & PDD: pressure, ventilation and system selectionCompare hospital HVAC systems for ARE PPD and PDD: all-air, VAV with reheat, constant volume, room pressure, and 3 original practice questions.PPDPDDInteractiveQuiz
Architecture licensure without a NAAB degree? What the 2026 data tells youCan you become an architect without a NAAB degree? Read NCARB 2026 education and AXP data, see original charts, and separate eligibility from ARE prep.All divisions
How long does it take to study for each ARE exam?Plan ARE exam prep around your experience and weekly study hours. Compare six divisions, read NCARB completion data, and adapt a transparent sample schedule.All divisionsPlanner
Net vs. gross floor area for ARE PA: efficiency calculations explainedPrepare for ARE PA with net vs. gross floor area, efficiency ratios, grossing factors, a worked building-program example, and three original practice questions.PAInteractiveQuiz
Failed an ARE 5.0 exam? How to prepare for your retakeFailed an ARE 5.0 exam? Understand NCARB retake rules, read your score report, and build a targeted study plan with fresh practice and a realistic schedule.All divisions
Air barrier vs. vapor retarder for ARE PPD & PDDStudy air barriers vs. vapor retarders for ARE PPD and PDD. Compare airflow and diffusion, trace a window connection, and try three original practice questions.PPDPDDInteractive
Utilization rate vs. net multiplier for ARE PcM & PjMPrepare for ARE PcM and PjM with utilization rate and net multiplier explained through a worked finance example, common mistakes, and interactive practice.PcMPjMQuiz
ARE 5.0 pass rates: which exam is the hardest?Compare NCARB’s 2025 ARE 5.0 pass rates by division. Understand PPD vs. PjM, year-to-year changes, and what the data means for your ARE exam prep.All divisionsInteractive
ARE exam prep: how to know you're ready for test dayIs your ARE exam prep working? Use NCARB data and five practical checks to review practice scores, timing, content coverage, and gaps before test day.All divisionsInteractive
Thermal bridging for ARE PPD & PDD: find the bridge, choose the fixThermal bridging explained for ARE PPD and PDD: why studs bypass cavity insulation, how continuous insulation helps, and 3 practice questions.PPDPDDInteractiveQuiz
How to read contour lines for ARE 5.0: slope, drainage and the V-ruleRead topographic contour lines for ARE PA and PPD: slope from spacing, the V-rule for valleys and ridges, drainage direction, and cut and fill on grading plans.PAPPD- ARE 5.0 score calculatorRead a score report and see how far you were from the passing line.All divisionsNo sign-in
- Test Your Knowledge48 original questions, 8 for each ARE division, with full explanations.All divisions48 questions
PPD vs PDD: the real difference between the two ARE 5.0 design divisionsARE PPD vs PDD explained by following one building through both exams: design selection vs. detailing and documentation, the overlap, and which to take first.PPDPDD
ARE 5.0 study plan: how to order and prepare for all six divisionsBuild an ARE 5.0 study plan that fits a full-time job: the best division order, weekly structure, active practice, the final two weeks and retake strategy.All divisions
ARE 5.0 changes in 2026: updated objectives and shorter case studies explainedARE 5.0 changes from April 27, 2026: 12 of 91 objectives revised, case studies cut to one or two resources — what stayed the same and how to adjust your prep.All divisions
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Study by topic.
Each topic links the concept guides that build on one another. Topics grow as new guides are published.
Structural systemsPPD · PDD
Beam deflection for ARE PPD and PDD: strength, stiffness and L/360Code analysisPA · PPD · PDD
IBC frontage increase explained for ARE: perimeter, open space and recessesBuilding systemsPPD · PDD
Hospital HVAC for ARE PPD & PDD: pressure, ventilation and system selectionProgramming & areaPA
Net vs. gross floor area for ARE PA: efficiency calculations explainedBuilding envelopePPD · PDD
Air barrier vs. vapor retarder for ARE PPD & PDD Thermal bridging for ARE PPD & PDD: find the bridge, choose the fixFirm financePcM · PjM
Utilization rate vs. net multiplier for ARE PcM & PjMSite & topographyPA · PPD
How to read contour lines for ARE 5.0: slope, drainage and the V-ruleExam guides by division