The ritual of setting intentions at the start of the New Year may be something humans have practiced for millennia, but that doesn’t mean it’s any easier to stick with it. A discouragingly high percentage of New Year’s optimists either lose track of progress on their resolutions, forget about them entirely, or set their goals too high. While there’s plenty of research and writing on how to set goals and follow through with them, it’s easy for us to get discouraged or lose motivation if we feel we’re falling behind or not meeting our own expectations.
If you’re a Candidate who has resolved to earn your initial license in 2024, tracking your progress and keeping the end goal in sight is paramount to your success. Whether it’s finishing the process or starting from scratch, taking on one exam division at a time or all of them at once, maintaining your motivation is often the hardest part of the licensure process. To start the New Year, I’d like to offer some tips from other Candidates and recently licensed Architects that might help you get started.
Learn about your Benefits. Ask your supervisor or firm’s HR department what support or resources are provided for aspiring Architects. Whether it’s study materials, reimbursement for exam fees, or a bonus when you finish the process, most firms offer incentives for Candidates.
Find Resources for your Learning Style. There are several books that cover content for each ARE division, but online audio and video courses have become more accessible in recent years. AIA NoVA is about to kick off their annual ARE 5.0 Prep Series, which you can attend virtually. If you’re an AIA Virginia member, you can take advantage of our Amber Book discount subscription, which offers a deep discount for two months of access. Beware of free materials you find online – you get what you pay for when it comes to ARE study materials.
Set a Realistic Schedule and give yourself some flexibility. No path is a straight line, and even if you get into a groove, life happens. You could get the flu, have a family emergency, or a busy week at work, so build in some cushion so you don’t get discouraged if you miss a few days of studying.
Schedule your exams. The biggest reason Candidates don’t finish their AREs is that they’re nervous to start, but you can’t pass an exam if you don’t take it! Give yourself a few weeks to determine if your study schedule is realistic, and then start scheduling your tests. NCARB still allows candidates to reschedule each exam one time with no fee, so you still have some flexibility.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. This process is difficult, but it’s not impossible. Think of everyone you know who’s a licensed Architect and remember that they had to go through the same struggles you’re experiencing now. Take breaks, recognize small wins, and plan how you want to celebrate when you pass that last division.
Keep the End Goal in Mind. It’s hard not to get wrapped up in the process but keep your eyes on the prize. All those hours of studying are to get you as prepared as possible to pass the exams. Once you’re finished, you never have to do it again!
If you’re still on the fence about tackling your exams, ask around with friends and colleagues who have gone through the process recently. They likely have some insight and can tell you what worked best for them. The most important thing is to recognize what works for you and what doesn’t. Advice is wonderful and reassuring, but it’s up to you to put it into action and follow through.
As always, your questions about AXP, the AREs, or NCARB in general are always welcome and encouraged. Happy New Year, and good luck as you pursue those lofty resolutions.
Gina Robinson, AIA
Architect Licensing Advisor – Virginia
gina.robinson@hdrinc.com