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PODCAST

Architect Exam Podcast

Michael Riscica

Free, high-value ARE prep broken into digestible episodes that make studying accessible and actually enjoyable. We translate complex exam content into clear, actionable strategies based directly on NCARB"s objectives—not complicated study approaches that miss the mark. Young Architect has guided thousands to licensure since 2013 by simplifying ARE prep to what truly matters and keeping it fresh. Subscribe for practical ARE insights delivered in a format that fits your busy life.

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All Episodes

21:06

042 - ARE Exam Prep: Study Materials vs The ARE Boot...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/11/03

ARE Bootcamp is the only coaching program for the Architect Registration Exam, and it works completely differently than study materials like Amber Book or Black Spectacles. In this episode, we break down exactly how ARE Bootcamp actually works and why it's not just another study resource. Michael explains the fundamental difference between coaching and study materials, shares the strategy behind both Pro Practice and Technical Bootcamp, and answers the most common questions about cost, time

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31:56

041 - Construction Cost Estimates: Getting the...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/10/27

Understanding construction cost estimates is critical for architects at every stage of a project. From early conceptual estimates using square footage costs to detailed quantity takeoffs during construction documents, each estimate type serves a specific purpose and provides different levels of accuracy. In this episode, we break down when to use each estimate type, what information you need to prepare them, and how they're tested on the ARE exam. Whether you're studying for the PjM, PA, PDD exams

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15:38

040 - ARE Panic Notes: Your Test Day Survival Guide

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/10/20

Test day anxiety can derail even the most prepared ARE candidate. Learn proven strategies to stay calm and focused during your architect exam. Ever felt your heart racing during an exam? You’re not alone. Test anxiety affects countless ARE candidates, but it doesn’t have to derail your path to licensure. In this episode, we dive deep into practical strategies for managing test day panic and maintaining focus when it matters most. We cover the critical 7-day rule for exam scheduling, how to handle

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16:28

039 - Construction Specs Nightmares: 8 Myths That...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/10/13

Think specs are just boring boilerplate documents that nobody reads? Think again! In this episode, I reveal 8 dangerous myths about construction specifications that are costing architects time, money, and professional credibility. As someone who used to believe these myths myself, I'll share the painful lessons I learned the hard way - like when my copied-and-pasted specs nearly tanked a small commercial project. Whether you're studying for the ARE, pursuing CDT certification, or just trying to

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21:23

038 - Fire Rated Walls: Don't Get Burned by the Details

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/10/06

Fire rated walls save lives by buying precious time during emergencies. Learn how these tested assemblies actually work and why every detail matters for building safety. Learn the essential knowledge every architect needs about fire rated walls, from Type X gypsum board science to UL assembly specifications. This comprehensive guide covers when and where fire rated walls are required, how they actually work to save lives, and the common mistakes that can compromise their effectiveness. Whether

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31:54

037 - Master Building Codes and Regulations for PA...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/09/29

Building codes and regulations make up 16-22% of your PA exam. Master them with this complete Section 2 breakdown! Learn the code requirements, zoning regulations, and site-specific standards that shape architectural programming. In this 32-minute deep dive, we break down all three objectives in PA Section 2, covering the essential code knowledge every architect needs for both exam success and professional practice. Whether you're struggling with occupancy classification, construction types, or

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24:46

036 - What Is The Best ARE 5.0 Exam Order?

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/09/22

Want to master the ARE 5.0 exam order strategy? This podcast breaks down the strategic testing sequence that maximizes your chances of passing NCARB’s architect exams efficiently. In this episode, we explore the most effective ARE 5.0 test order based on content overlap, difficulty progression, and real candidate experiences. You’ll learn why starting with certain exams builds momentum and creates knowledge foundations for subsequent tests. We cover each of the six ARE 5.0 exams and explain how

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44:57

035 - Claims and Disputes: When Projects Get Messy

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/09/15

What happens when a simple construction project turns into a legal nightmare costing hundreds of thousands in attorney fees? Emily breaks down construction claims and disputes - the inevitable reality that every architect needs to understand before it happens to them. In this comprehensive episode, you'll learn the critical differences between claims and disputes, discover the most common types of construction claims, master prevention strategies that can save your project, and understand resolution

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31:16

034 - ARE Exam Questions: Stop Getting Tricked by NCARB

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/09/08

Are ARE exam questions tripping you up even though you know the content? Learn the test taking strategies that separate passing from failing. Do you walk out of ARE exams feeling like you just played a guessing game instead of demonstrating your architecture knowledge? You're not alone. Many brilliant candidates fail these exams not because they lack knowledge, but because they don't know how to analyze ARE questions strategically. This episode breaks down the exact test taking strategies used by

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24:17

033 - Types of Elevators: Breaking Down the Basics

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/09/03

Master the three main types of elevators every architect needs to know - from hydraulic systems to high-speed traction elevators. This episode breaks down elevator selection for different building types and heights. Perfect for ARE candidates studying PA, PPD, or PDD exams where elevator knowledge is essential. Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/types-of-elevators/ Key Topics Covered: - Hydraulic Elevators - best for low-rise buildings up to 65 feet -

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32:38

032 - Hard Costs vs Soft Costs: Making Cents of...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/08/25

Understanding the difference between hard costs vs soft costs is essential, whether you're managing client budgets, leading projects, or preparing for the ARE. In this episode of The Architect Exam Podcast, Emily breaks down these critical cost categories that form the financial backbone of every construction project. Learn the fundamental differences between tangible hard costs (materials, labor, equipment) and intangible soft costs (design fees, permits, financing) that together create successful

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16:12

031 - Standard of Care: The Fine Art of Not Screwing Up

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/08/18

Learn the essential concept that defines professional responsibility in architecture. Michael breaks down what standard of care actually means, why it's not about perfection, and how it protects architects in contracts and practice. In this comprehensive episode, you'll discover the difference between standard of care and perfection, understand how it appears in AIA contracts, learn to avoid elevated standards that create legal risk, and master practical strategies for demonstrating professional

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38:03

030 - Project Closeout & Evaluation - Breaking Down...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/08/11

Learn the essential concepts for the final section of the Construction & Evaluation exam. Michael and Emily wrap up their CE series by covering project closeout procedures and post-occupancy evaluation methods. In this comprehensive episode, you'll master the difference between substantial and final completion, understand the punch list process, learn about required closeout documentation, and discover how to evaluate building performance after occupancy. This is the conclusion of our four-part CE

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18:56

029 - Business Entity Types for Architects: Save Your...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/08/04

Learn how one architect lost $45,000 because she didn't set up the right business entity! Understanding business entity types might sound as exciting as watching concrete cure, but it could literally save your career! In this episode, Emily breaks down the crucial differences between sole proprietorships, LLCs, LLPs, and corporations with real-world examples that make these concepts crystal clear. We'll explore each structure using simple building analogies. Perfect for ARE 5.0 exam prep

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07:29

028.5 - Free CDT® Webinar: Master the Fall 2025...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/07/28

Join our free CDT webinar to master Fall 2025 registration deadlines, study strategies, and insider secrets that help ARE candidates efficiently add this valuable certification to their licensing journey. After Episode 26 about CDT certification for ARE candidates, we got flooded with requests for actionable information. People want to know how to actually get CDT certified. Emily and I are hosting a free CDT webinar to help you master the Fall 2025 testing cycle. We're both CDT certified and have

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08:59

028 - Vent Stack vs Stack Vent: Clearing the Air for...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/07/21

Confused about the difference between vent stack vs stack vent and worried it might cost you points on the ARE? Layla breaks down these commonly confused plumbing concepts that trip up almost every ARE candidate - but once you understand the simple distinction, you'll never mix them up again. In this focused episode, you'll master the key differences between vent stacks and stack vents, understand when each is required in building design, learn practical analogies that make these concepts stick, and

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26:23

027 - Create a Realistic ARE Study Schedule That...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/07/14

Creating a realistic ARE study schedule is crucial for passing your architect exams. In this comprehensive guide, I break down the step-by-step approach to building a study plan that works with your busy life. Learn the reality of what it takes to pass ARE 5.0 We cover everything from finding consistent study time to choosing the right test dates, plus common misconceptions that derail most candidates. Whether you're working full-time, raising kids, or juggling multiple responsibilities, this

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19:35

026 - ARE Candidates: Why CDT® Certification Is Your...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/07/06

This episode explains why pursuing the Construction Documents Technologist ® certification alongside your Architect Registration Exam preparation creates a powerful knowledge combination that enhances your career prospects. Want to learn more about ARE candidate and CDT® certification? Check out our in-depth article for a complete analysis: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-candidates-cdt-certification/ By the end, you'll understand why CDT® certification deserves serious consideration as

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29:20

025 - Gross, Rentable, Usable, and Net Areas: Simply...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/06/30

Understanding building area measurements is crucial for ARE exam success and professional practice! In this episode, we break down the differences between Gross Area, Rentable Area, Usable Area, and Net areas using the easy-to-remember GRUN framework. Never mix up these measurements again! We cover: The hierarchy of building measurements How to calculate building efficiency Common exam traps and how to avoid them Real-world examples that make these concepts click Check out our blogpost

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32:34

024 - Top 10 Construction Specification Writing...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/06/23

Discover the 10 most common construction specification mistakes architects make throughout their careers. In this video, we break down critical spec errors and share practical solutions to improve your architectural documentation. Despite being as crucial as drawings, specifications often get overlooked in architectural education. This comprehensive guide explores why poor specs lead to conflicts, cost overruns, and even legal disputes - plus how to fix these issues in your practice. 📝 Want to

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