ARE: You don't have to spill the beans

"...but at that moment I set it in stone that I'd finish all seven exams before I announce anything to anyone!"

These words ran through my mind the moment I received my first and thankfully my only exam failure letter. The Architectural Registration Exam (ARE) already has a mental exhaustion characteristic associated with it. There's no sense adding to your misery. My advice is think a minute on who you announce your ARE journey to. The below is a synopsis of my pledge of secrecy during my testing period.

In June of 2010 I embarked on a major step in my professional career: The ARE. I was uneasy about how the experience would be. From the Prometric facility, the difficult multiple choice questions or the lack of user-friendly CAD program, I knew this was going to be a tough battle. After two months of studying, I scheduled and took my first exam. At the time, there were no digital exam results so my uneasiness only continued further following the exam with a 4 week minimum wait period.

After weeks of pacing the door awaiting the snail mail, it came. With shaky fingers I opened it. Reading the words "FAIL" almost brought me to tears. I didn't know what my next step would be but at that moment I set it in stone that I'd finish all seven exams before I announce anything to anyone!

It is a personal journey therefore no persons path will be exactly the same.

Well not really. As my good friend said in a recent post, Failing the ARE is not the end of the world. I just had to be strategic but honest with myself at the same time. how I'd handle each group I encountered played out as follows: A. Family. I planned to be open with them whom I desperately needed for inspiration, encouragement and genuine care & love. B. Close college friends. They've always been in the loop of my career and my professional development, therefore it wasn't far reaching to show my progress but limit what information I revealed. C. Colleagues & Acquaintances. I thought about how to approach this group of people. Other than my family, these are the only other people I'd see daily at the office during good and bad times.

Looking back, my ARE experience was a communal process where at many stages I fed off others in the same position as me or those who were once there. Though I was adverse to study groups for principals of productivity and time efficiency, I utilized online forums regularly. Mostly to gain insight on practice vignettes solutions and my approach. I also sat in on each of the seven sections at my local AIA chapter (AIANY). With this overview it was apparent that it was acceptable and expected to give and take general knowledge from the digital study group. In comparison the biggest difference was you could pull the plug when you desired to go nomadic and retreat to your off the grid sanctuary. An example being exam days. These days in particular were sacred. Other than my immediate family, I did not divulge the date or time.

I came to conclude that I'd keep the exams to myself for the duration, cutting all communications on the topic with current colleagues and co-workers. At my completion I'd announce my accomplishment in the wave of excitement. The following four benefits I inherited with this route:

1. The first and most important benefit was less stress and pressure to pass and be done. My ARE journey was two and a half years long. So this wasn't a short walk in the park. An occasional conversation was fine but constant questioning on progress could become depressing especially if I was not doing well at that moment.
2. I had a better ability of focus on what was necessary for me to be confident and pass. Feeding off positive people in the small circle I established makes for easier light conversations at your choosing.
3. Generally, I enjoyed teaching what I know whether a photography concept or ARE Vignette strategy I thought worked best. Only did it become negative when it hindered my own progress. (A story to connect: After my first few passes I was excited and elated to be closer to being done. I would go into the forum and review other people's vignettes, answer general questions and point newbies toward vital information. I realized rather quickly I was using up too much of my time and getting behind in my own exam process. I would have been extremely upset to see those I helped go on to get licensed while I sat there still battling my remaining exams. It just wasn't practical. From that point about half way in, I limited overly extending myself. And it was crucial to my completion because after my third exam I was expecting my first child!)
4. Lastly I had complete concentration on my own responsibilities. Ultimately I was not only getting my license for myself but also for my family. I was looking to gain a broader range of abilities and have the freedom to open my own firm in the future. With a son and then a daughter thereafter on the way, it was of utmost importance to GET DONE as the head of my household.

Okay. Are you convinced? Take my poll and tell me. However... you may say.. wait that doesn't apply to everyone or even most. It is a personal journey therefore no persons path will be exactly the same. Of course there are also circumstances where you don't want to nor is it beneficial to keep your testing to yourself. Such as if you work best playing off others in study groups or if your firm reimburses exam cost. Yes having others aware of your exam process keeps you accountable but making it front page news has its own drawbacks.

Bottom line: Life happens. It is almost a prerequisite to have to alter your life during the ARE exam process. 1- Do what you know works best for you. 2- Negative thoughts breed negative & doubtful actions. 3- Only keep positive people around you.

Architectural Registration Exam Resources:
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
YoungArchitect.com
LifeofanArchitect.com
ARE Coach Forum
Sbyrktct ARE Help

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