In Episode 83 of the ARE Podcast, David and Eric break down the five most important strategies for passing the Practice Management (PcM) division.

We begin with a critical mindset shift: PcM is not about thinking like an employee. It’s about thinking like a principal. Many candidates miss questions because they answer from their personal job experience rather than from the perspective of a firm owner making business decisions. On this exam, you have to think like the boss.

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Show Notes

We also address a common mistake — relying too heavily on personal experience. The ARE tests the standard of care and textbook principles, not how your specific firm happens to operate. Experience can actually hurt you if it introduces bias.

Another key clarification: you are not supposed to memorize the Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice. It is a reference guide, not a traditional textbook. The exam tests judgment and understanding, especially in areas like accounting and firm management.

Accounting fundamentals are a major focus of this episode. Understanding credits, debits, and the accrual method is essential for PcM. These questions are often more straightforward than candidates expect once the concepts are clear.

We also break down corporate legal structures — including sole proprietorships, LLCs, S Corps, C Corps, and professional corporations (PCs). The correct answer on the exam depends on tax liability, ownership requirements, flexibility, and state-specific rules — not personal preference.

Finally, we recommend using the Wiley guide to the Architect’s Handbook as a tool to quickly locate relevant topics. It’s not about memorizing the Handbook. It’s about knowing how to navigate it efficiently.

If you’re starting with PcM or struggling to pass it, this episode provides strategic clarity on what actually matters — and what doesn’t.

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If you’re studying for the ARE right now, this episode is for you.

In this solo Tuesday episode, David shares why he’s resetting the ARE Podcast, what’s changing, and how this shift is designed to help you build clarity and consistency in your exam journey.

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Show Notes

Why the Reset?

The ARE Podcast began in 2014. There have been 81 episodes over 12 years. In 2025, only one episode was published.

That lack of consistency sparked reflection.

David shares openly that consistency has never been his strongest trait — and that it impacted his own ARE journey, which took seven years (back during ARE 3.0 with nine divisions).

This reset is about correcting that pattern. Not just for the podcast — but for you.

The Real Theme: Consistency

Many candidates struggle with:

• Taking only one exam in a year

• Losing momentum after a failure

• Starting strong but drifting off track

This episode draws a parallel between podcast consistency and exam consistency.

Going forward, there will be two episodes per week:

• Tuesday: Solo episode (just you and David)

• Friday: Traditional episode with Eric

What’s Changing?

The produced intro is gone. No music. No 30-second commercial. No hype. Just direct conversation. The goal is efficiency and clarity.

Tuesday episodes are one-on-one conversations — honest, direct, and focused on your journey. These episodes are about encouragement, professional mindset, and helping you stay consistent.

Friday episodes continue with David and Eric discussing ARE topics, the profession, and industry trends — with even more clarity and efficiency.

A Core Focus Moving Forward

Thinking like a professional.

This is not about memorizing technical facts. It’s about judgment, risk, ethics, process, standard of care, and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

The ARE is not testing whether you’re a student. It’s testing whether you can think like a licensed architect.

That mindset shift will be a recurring theme in future Tuesday episodes.

The 6-Month Commitment

David’s commitment:

• A new Tuesday episode every week

• A Friday episode every week

Your commitment:

• Take 3 exams in the next 6 months

• One exam every two months

• The same pacing taught inside AEP coaching

Structured. Doable. Consistent.

This reset isn’t about production value. It’s about rebuilding connection and helping you finish the ARE.

If you’re in the process right now, you’re not alone.

You can reach out directly at David@ArchitectExamPrep.com.

Have a consistent week. See you Tuesday.

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In this episode, David and Eric break down what it really takes to pass the Architect Registration Exam (ARE) in 2026. They walk through the six ARE divisions, explain how to sequence exams for momentum, and outline a realistic study approach designed for busy professionals — not full-time students.

This episode is about starting, building consistency, and treating the ARE like a professional process instead of an academic mountain to climb.

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Show Notes

• A clear overview of the six ARE divisions:

  • Practice Management (PcM)

  • Project Management (PjM)

  • Construction & Evaluation (CE)

  • Programming & Analysis (PA)

  • Project Planning & Design (PPD)

  • Project Development & Documentation (PDD)

• Why the first three exams are often grouped as professional practice

• How the design-focused exams differ in scale and mindset

• Why consistency beats perfection when studying

• A realistic study rhythm: about 1 hour a day, 6 days a week

• Why retaking the same exam repeatedly often leads to worse results

• How taking a new exam every two months keeps momentum strong

• Why scheduling exams in advance changes your mindset and outcomes

• Don’t wait until you “feel ready” — readiness comes from motion

• Treat the ARE like a professional obligation, not a school test

• Daily, predictable study habits outperform long, irregular sessions

• Momentum matters more than any single exam result

• Set up your NCARB Council Record and obtain authorization to test

• Schedule your first ARE exam for about six weeks out

• Map out all six exams across the year to create a clear roadmap

• Use reliable study resources to support consistency, not overwhelm

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If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a review. It would really help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!