The ARE 4.0 Study Aids are comprised of the ARE 4.0 Guidelines, a general practice program, and a study guide and practice program for each of the seven divisions. All of the ARE 4.0 Study Aids can be downloaded below, free of charge.

Please note: If you currently taking ARE 3.1, click here to download the ARE 3.1 Study Guides which are available in PDF format, free of charge.

Click here to download the ARE 3.1 Practice Program.


ARE 4.0 Guidelines
All candidates preparing to take ARE 4.0 should download the ARE 4.0 Guidelines. This free publication contains an overview of the ARE 4.0 divisions, as well as information about the practice programs, the rolling clock, and maintaining exam eligibility. The ARE 4.0 Guidelines also explains the six steps to completing the ARE:

1. Verifying Your Information
2. Paying for the ARE
3. Scheduling an Appointment
4. Taking the ARE
5. Receiving Your Score Report
6. Retaking the ARE

ARE 4.0 General Practice Program
The general practice program contains information and tools related to all seven divisions. Click here to download the general practice program for ARE 4.0 (10.2MB), which runs on an IBM PC or compatible computer running Windows 98, Windows XP, Windows NT or Windows Vista 32‐ bit. Warning: the program will not run in a 64‐bit operating system. See each division section below for division-specific practice programs, which contain sample vignettes for you to solve.

ARE 4.0 Study Guides & Practice Programs
A study guide for each division is available in PDF format and can be downloaded below, free of charge. Each study guide contains sample multiple-choice questions (except Schematic Design), one passing and one failing solution for each sample vignette, and a list of references for further study.

Each division also has a practice program with sample vignettes for you to solve. The practice programs can be downloaded free of charge, and will run on an IBM PC or compatible computer running Windows 98, Windows XP, Windows NT or Windows Vista 32‐
bit. Warning: the program will not run in a 64‐bit operating
system.

PROGRAMMING, PLANNING & PRACTICE [back to top]

Division Statement
The application of project development knowledge and skills relating to architectural programming; environmental, social, and economic issues; codes and regulations; and project and practice management.

Content Areas
Programming & Analysis
Environmental, Social & Economic Issues
Codes & Regulations
Project & Practice Management

Vignette
Site Zoning

Click here to download the PP Study Guide , which contains 40 sample multiple-choice questions, one passing and one failing solution for one sample vignette, and a list of references.

Click here to download the PP Practice Program (9.24MB), which contains the sample vignette for you to solve.

SITE PLANNING & DESIGN [back to top]

Division Statement
The application of knowledge and skills of site planning and design including environmental, social, and economic issues, project and practice management.

Content Areas
Principles
Environmental Issues
Codes & Regulations
Materials & Technology
Project & Practice Management

Vignettes
Site Grading
Site Design

Click here to download the SPD Study Guide , which contains 39 sample multiple-choice questions, one passing and one failing solution for two sample vignettes, and a list of references.

Click here to download the SPD Practice Program (9.88MB), which contains the sample vignettes for you to solve.

BUILDING DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS [back to top]

Division Statement
The application of knowledge and skills of building design and construction, including environmental, social, and economic issues, project and practice management.

Content Areas
Principles
Environmental Issues
Codes & Regulations
Materials & Technology
Project & Practice Management

Vignettes
Accessibility/Ramp
Stair Design
Roof Plan

Click here to download the BD Study Guide , which contains 37 sample multiple-choice questions, one passing and one failing solution for three sample vignettes, and a list of references.

Click here to download the BD Practice Program (9.73MB), which contains the sample vignettes for you to solve.

SCHEMATIC DESIGN [back to top]

Division Statement
The application of knowledge and skills required for the schematic design of buildings and interior space planning.

Vignettes
Interior Layout
Building Layout

Click here to download the SD Study Guide , which contains one passing and one failing solution for two sample vignettes, and a list of references.

Click here to download the SD Practice Program (10.2MB) , which contains two sample vignettes for you to solve.

STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS [back to top]

Division Statement
Identification and incorporation of general structural and lateral force principles in the design and construction of buildings.

Content Areas
General Structures
Seismic Forces
Wind Forces
Lateral Forces - General

Vignette
Structural Layout

Click here to download the SS Study Guide , which contains 38 sample multiple-choice questions, one passing and one failing solution for one sample vignette, and a list of references.

Click here to download the SS Practice Program (9.86MB), which contains the sample vignette for you to solve.

BUILDING SYSTEMS [back to top]

Division Statement
The evaluation, selection, and integration of mechanical, electrical, and specialty systems in building design and construction.

Content Areas
Codes & Regulations
Environmental Issues
Plumbing
HVAC
Electrical
Lighting
Specialties

Vignette
Mechanical & Electrical Plan

Click here to download the BS Study Guide , which contains 42 sample multiple-choice questions, one passing and one failing solution for the sample vignette, and a list of references.

Click here to download the BS Practice Program (9.37MB), which contains one sample vignette for you to solve.

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS & SERVICES [back to top]

Division Statement
Application of project management and professional practice knowledge and skills, including the preparation of contract documents and contract administration.

Content Areas
Codes & Regulations
Environmental Issues
Construction Drawings & Project Manual
Project & Practice Management

Vignette
Building Section

Click here to download the CDS Study Guide , which contains 48 sample multiple-choice questions, one passing and one failing solution for the sample vignette, and a list of references.

Click here to download the CDS Practice Program (9.35MB), which contains one sample vignette for you to solve.

Sample AIA Documents
C141-1997 Standard Form of Agreement Between Architect and Consultant (554KB)
A141-2004 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Design-Builder (175KB)
A141-2004 Exhibit A Terms and Conditions (370KB)
A141-2004 Exhibit B Determination of Cost of Work (127KB)
B141-1997 Instructions Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect (1.554MB)
B141-1997 Part 1 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect (175KB)
B141-1997 Part 2 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect (210KB)
A101-1997 Standard Form of Agreement Between Architect and Contractor (140KB)
A201-1997 General Conditions of the Contract for Construction (452KB)
A101/CMa-1992 Standard Form of Agreement Between Architect and Contractor (300KB)
B141/CMa-1992 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect (929KB)

All documents appear courtesy of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).