AIA Minnesota

Real-world take: AXP and ARE prep

Patricia Mutebi, AIA

Passed ARE 5.0: April 2025

Study materials/videos/tools you found most helpful:

PcM, PjM and CE

PA, PPD, PDD


Advice for current licensure candidates:

The fails can sting. Let yourself feel it, take a breath, then lock back in. The AREs are a marathon, not a sprint; they test endurance as much as knowledge. Stay consistent with your study plan, adjust your approach if needed, and keep swimming. The finish line comes sooner than it feels it will.

Nate Anderson, AIA

Passed ARE 5.0: August 2024


Study materials/videos/tools you found most helpful:
  • Amber Book: Best place to start. It is long, but gives a good overview of the information needed to know for the tests.
  • Black Spectacles: I only used the practice exams. They were slightly more difficult than the actual exams, so I found those helpful on strengthening my test taking skills.
  • NCARB Practice Exams: They are free and best represented the difficulty of questions from the actual exams.
  • DeskCrits: A great physical book that helped me get over the hump of failing exams. It has study sheets/summarized notes that are good to review frequently and right before taking the exams.
Advice for current licensure candidates:
View your AXP experience as a continuation of your architectural education – a vital step in lifelong learning and professional development. Licensure takes time and isn’t easy, so embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth, and remember that consistent effort is more valuable than rushing the process. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and celebrate small wins along the way.

Dantès Ha, AIA, NOMA

Passed ARE 5.0: December 2023

Study materials/videos/tools you found most helpful:

Advice for current licensure candidates:

Take on the exams on your own schedule. Use the studying to learn improve yourself as an architect. Don’t let a potential raise or anyone pressure you into doing it before you are ready to commit.