Customer Reviews

ARE Review Manual (Architect Registration Exam)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is a decent complement to other study materials when preparing for the ARE. It is not exhaustive, but it's not meant to be. The nicest thing about this book was having all the material for each of the sections in one volume, so it was easy to read portions of other sections for information that applied to the section that you're studying.
Cons: The subsections in each chapter don't always flow very well from one to another, and results in a somewhat choppy read at times, but this is a review manual - not a novel. Also, there are no sample exam questions in this book, as you might find with some other study guides.

Here are the top reasons I'd recommend this book:

1) This book has very clear definitive descriptions and diagrams for all the core concepts you need to take the ARE. Absolutely no fluff, every paragraph is packed with information.

2) It's probably the most relevant information that includes information for ALL of the ARE exams for the least amount of cost.

3) Personal experience with this book -- I've taken 3 of the exams and passed all 3 so far, heavily studying this book as the primary source (starting point) for my studying.

The individual ARE section books from Ballast are just the Q&A books, THIS is the book with the CONTENT to study in it. This book is just so concise and relevant it makes Kaplan feel like reading a child's book.

I strongly feel that this should be the main book to start studying from for your ARE's. You may want to glance or skim through other study guides if you can find them at your local AIA chapter or local library, but if you're going to buy one book, THIS IS IT! The other books will just be a supplement to this.

This book is so full of information, it's great. The best part is most of it actually showed up on my ARE exams, so reading this guide by Ballast was never a waste of time. I took all 7 divisions close together, which this book is perfect for due to its organization of having all the exams combined in one guide.

The companion practice test books are very good too. I liked the system and finished the whole ARE within 5 months using this system along with some materials from NALSA.

Hello dear readers!
I have taken my 2nd ARE exam. I recommend studying both the Ballast and Kaplan books. In some instances, either book contains some information the other does not. The Ballast book is denser and more concise. I therefore recommend studying it as a primer,then the Kaplan for more explanations or detail. I also recommend studying the practice guides for both books as the format and tone of the questions are exam-like.

Despite my comments, please ear in mind that these books are not NCARB's official references for the ARE's. Hence, why some peeps complain about exam questions that were never hinted in the Ballast of Kaplan books. At the back of every exam guide ( found at [...]is listed NCARB's reference list. You should make sure to, at least, skim through these to indentify unconvered topics in the ballast and Kaplan books. Co-workers as well as the AREforum.org are also good sources for determining to what extend to study the NCARB reference materials.

In conclusion, I have both books and they are serving me good...I took Building Systems on Wednesday, I hope I pass.

Enjoy!

I used this book as my main source to the ARE, with it I passed 3 exams, first try: CD, MM, Pre-design. It is a technical book, it takes time to understand the material. I give it fours stars because it tends to assume you know some of the stuff already. It is a little hard to get into, but once you did, you will have a better understanding of the material.

The ARE review manual is a great introduction to the material required for the ARE exams. Pairs well with the Archiflash flash cards!

This book is very general and gives a good overview, but does not help you very much with the actual ARE test. I've found contradictions in the book too. One of them caused me to miss a question. If you do go the PPI route with Ballast, I would suggest reading the entire review manual before you take a single exam and use several other more specific sources for each category.

This is the least expensive collaborative resource for the ARE. If youre looking for information at a value this book is for you.

Lots of information. Very helpful for preparing for the ARE. Best to have the complementary study material (test booklets) as well.