Once you have been given access to start taking your exams, it doesn't mean you are ready to just jump right in. It is going to take a lot of planning and study and a little bit of nerve. When I took the test there were many nerve wracking moments, but in the end I got through it. I have been asked many times how I was able to pass all of my tests on the first shot within a year, so I collected a few of my own tips and tricks to get you started on your exams:1. Get the right study materialThere are a few places to get study material. If you are currently at an architecture firm, ask around to see if they have some material you can use, or check out your closest architecture library. Just be careful that it is not outdated or have incorrect information. If you aren't at a firm, or at one that doesn't have study material, you will need to purchase some for yourself, but don't worry, it is well worth the investment. Below are the most popular places to get your material: Architect Exam PrepMore than just a books, this is the best bet to get all of the exam information you need. Get the "whole enchilada" and get study guides, audio companions, flashcards and exam simulators. I used their whole enchilada to pass my California Supplemental Exam and this is absolutely the best deal you can find. Ballast ARE Review ManualGreat overall book that goes into a lot of detail. Good to review once you have a general grasp on the material and need more in depth information to really make it sink in.2. Get is scheduledThe first and hardest step in testing is getting started. So just do it, set a date and stick to it. Don't reschedule, don't cancel, just set yourself a deadline and work towards it. Trust me, this is the best way to force yourself to get the studying done. We are architects, we work best under pressure anyways right?This is by far the best thing you can do to force yourself to study. If you're tired after a long day of work, or you just want to hang out with your friends a little longer, the knowledge that you have a test coming up in a few days or weeks will remind you of what you need to do.3. Come up with a game planWhat order are you going to take your tests? It all depends on you and what you are most comfortable with. Some people like to start with the easiest exams first, giving them motivation as they go, while others want to get the hard one's out of the way, but it really depends on you. There are a million ways to go about it, but the most important thing is to sit down and write it out so you know what to focus on.

For me the best plan was in this order: SD - The only graphics only test, which would force me to use their horrible CAD software SS & BS - Being fresh out of school (actually still in school) I knew this material was fresh in my mind and wouldn't be something I would learn on the job until later SPD, BCS, SPD & CDS - I saved these for the end, expecting that most of my learning in these areas would come from working in a firm.

4. Go to arecoach.comGo to their forums and get and give advice. A great place to reach out with others who are in the same boat as you. This is a new forum that is based on the now defunct areforum.org that helped me out during my exams. It is mostly the same (mostly) helpful people who are there to help you study, and for free.These quick and easy tips are just the beginning of getting started on taking your exams, but hopefully these will inspire you to get started. What tips and tricks do you have? What order are you planning on taking? Let me know in the comments below.

The post Architecture Registration Exam (ARE) Tips and Tricks appeared first on Architecture Career Guide.