In order to familiarize yourself with the design portions of the exam (CADD Graphic), you should practice using the software until you are comfortable enough to take the exam. You can download the NCARB Design software for free from www.ncarb.org

A good description of what is included in each division of the exam can be found at http://www.ncarb.org/are/divisions.html

Many of the books listed below are available from Professional Publications, Inc. 1250 Fifth Avenue, Belmont, California 94002, telephone (650) 593-9119, and can be ordered online from them at www.ppi2pass.com

Architectural License Seminars is a company specializing in preparing guides to help candidates pass the ARE. They are located at 924 Westwood Boulevard, Suite 840, Los Angeles, California 90024, telephone (310) 208-7112. Their publications can be ordered directly online at www.alsOnline.com

AIA Handbook of Professional Practice

AIA Supplementary Education Handbook - this is available directly from the AIA, not from the AIA Bookstore. Call the National AIA headquarters at (202) 626-7456 to order.

Building Planning Vignette Primer and Mock ARE Building Planning Exam
Site Planning Tips and Techniques and Mock ARE Planning Exam
Building Technology Vignette Primer & Mock ARE Building Technology Exam

Building Design Vignette Primer
Site Design Tips and Techniques
Site Grading Workbook

Architectural Exam Review Volume I: Structural Topics
David Kent Ballast. Architectural Exam Review Volume II: Non-structural Topics
David Kent Ballast. Building and Site Design Practice Exam
Architectural License Seminars Computerized Mock Exams

Pre Design
General Structures
Lateral Forces
Mechanical & Electrical Systems
Materials and Methods
Construction Documents and Services

Architectural License Seminars ALS Mock Exams: Site Planning
Architectural License Seminars Mock Site Exam
Architectural License Seminars ALS Mock Exams: Building Design
Architectural License Seminars ALS Mock Exams: Structures
Architectural License Seminars ALS Mock Exams: Lateral Forces
Architectural License Seminars Structural Questions and Answers
Architectural License Seminars New Questions and Answers

NCARB. ARE Study Guides - 2 Volumes

ARE Study Guide/Multiple-choice Divisions - This volume contains approximately 30 sample exam questions for each multiple choice division

ARE Study Guide/Graphic Divisions - This volume contains sample practice vignettes, solutions, and tips

Larry A. Paul. ARE Practice Exam, Non-graphic Divisions

Archiflash flashcards: also available directly from the author at http://www.nalsa.com/afinfo.html

Professor N.K. Dorf, a practicing New York Architect and past NCARB Director, has been an examination writer for 7 years, a grader for 13 years and helped to develop the computerized testing methodology with NCARB and the Educational Testing Service for 5 years. He lectures on the graphic divisions of the examination throughout the country. He has put together what he calls a "home study course" for the exam which can be ordered directly through him at

www.ARE-solutions.com

These are mock paper and pencil tests which are designed to simulate what a candidate can expect on the actual computer examination. Your solution will be marked up, graded, and returned with written comments. Additional problems in areas of weakness can be purchased separately from him. He also produces a 135 page study guide called the "New Solutions Guidebook" which describes each vignette type in detail, it's components, serious considerations, recommendations how to approach each problem, and scoring issues. Sample problems are provided, with commentary on the program requirements (serious things to watch out for, and/or interpretive analysis).

There is also an ARE online Forum - a place where you can ask questions about the exam and get answers from your peers who have already taken the exam. It can be found at http://www.areforum.org/forums/