Programming & Analysis (PA) - 2026
The Analysis of Architecture
The Programming & Analysis (PA) exam tests your understanding and application of project requirements, constraints, and opportunities. You’ll face scenario-based questions on programming, site analysis, and zoning and code requirements, applying your critical evaluation skills over four hours to demonstrate how effectively you collect and analyze project information.
Our PA study package is a complete and affordable solution designed to give you everything you need to succeed. It guides you through site planning charts, bubble diagrams, and relationship matrices, helping you develop a “problem-seeking” mindset while eliminating the need for additional materials. The study guide mirrors the structure of the NCARB exam and is written in clear, accessible language. The Audio Companion lets you listen and follow along from anywhere, reinforcing concepts with real-life examples and memorable stories.
The package also includes a Case Study Guide to prepare you for the exam’s case studies with realistic project documents, hundreds of digital flashcards covering all exam sections for efficient review, and a timed exam simulator that provides instant feedback and scoring so you can track your readiness.
Reviewed and approved by NCARB, this study package ensures you focus on the material that truly matters to pass the PA exam. Membership grants access from any device, anywhere, through a beautifully designed online course portal, allowing you to study at your own pace and approach this challenging exam with confidence.
Start preparing for the ARE Practice Management exam today
Everything You Need to Know
- Study Guide
Follows the exact structure of the NCARB exam, written in clear, easy-to-understand language. - Audio Companion
Listen like an audiobook while following along with the guide—study anywhere, anytime. - Real-Life Commentary
Memorable stories and examples that show how concepts apply in practice. - Digital Flashcards
Hundreds of flashcards organized by exam section to reinforce key concepts. - Exam Simulator
Timed practice exams with instant feedback and scoring so you’ll know exactly when you’re ready. - Case Studies Test Prep
6 Case Studies consisting of 272 questions that will help you prepare to move through reference documents efficiently and effectively. - Practice Exam Questions
240 practice exam questions with instant feedback as well as timed exams to help you develop a steady pace for exam day.
Inside the Study Materials
Online Study Guide
- 60+ Mastery Topics – Dive into detailed, exam-specific concepts that go beyond surface-level summaries
- 4 Main Modules / 40 Topics – Organized structure so you can move step by step with confidence
- Concise Summaries – Each module includes streamlined takeaways so you focus on what matters most
- Prep Strategies – Practical tips to maximize your study time and stay efficient
- Mindset Guidance – Proven strategies to stay focused, confident, and exam-ready
Audio Companion
- 8+ Hours of Downloadable Content – Learn anywhere, anytime, without needing Wi-Fi
- Seamlessly Paired with the Study Guide – Listen while you follow along for stronger retention
- Flexible Learning – Perfect for the gym, commute, or downtime when you can’t sit and read
- On-the-Go Mastery – Turn everyday moments into productive study sessions
Flashcards That Fit Your Study Style
- Organized by Module – Review content section by section so you always know what to focus on
- Flip & Tap on Your Phone – Study on the go with easy digital cards at your fingertips
- Download & Print – Prefer paper? Print them out for offline practice and highlight as you go
- Flexible Learning – Switch between digital and print depending on your schedule and preferences
- Built for Busy Candidates – Quick, effective, and exam-aligned for maximum retention
Exam Simulator
- 375 Question Mini Quiz Bank – Practice with 25 quizzes designed for repetition and retention
- 272 Case Study Questions – Train with realistic project documents and scenarios just like test day
- 285 NCARB-Style Questions – Build confidence with authentic question types and formats
- Flexible Modes – Choose feedback, no-feedback, or timed settings to match your study style
- Mimics the NCARB Exam Experience – Instant scoring, timing, and structure that mirror the real test so you know exactly what to expect
Instant Access & Support
- Start Studying Right Away – Get instant access the moment your purchase is complete
- No Waiting – Dive into your materials today without delays or shipping
- Always Here to Help – Reach us anytime at support@architectexamprep.com for quick, reliable assistance
Ready to dive into your study tools?
Complete PA Package
- Flexible Study Options
Choose 1 month or 3 months to access the full PA study package and tailor your preparation to your schedule. - Comprehensive Prep Tools
Everything you need is included—study guide, audio companion, case study guides, flashcards, and a timed exam simulator—so you won’t need any extra materials. - Develop Critical Evaluation Skills
Learn to analyze project requirements, site conditions, zoning, and code constraints, and tackle scenario-based questions with confidence. - Practical Methods from Experts
Created by architects who’ve passed the ARE, this package focuses on proven strategies and tools like bubble diagrams, relationship matrices, and site planning charts. - Exceptional Value
Get all PA study resources for a fraction of the cost of competitors, including guides, audio, and exam simulation tools.
Bundle & Save on Your Exam Prep
Maximize your preparation and minimize your costs with our exclusive course bundles. Whether you’re tackling all six divisions or focusing on a targeted set, these packages give you the flexibility, resources, and support you need to succeed.
Platinum Coaching + ALL 6 Divisions Package
One Full Year of Access
24/7 entry to all six ARE 5.0 study packages with every resource included
Personalized Coaching & Support
Direct guidance from licensed architects to keep you on track
Unmatched Value
Equivalent to getting six months free compared to monthly plans
Flexible Payments
Pay in full or split into four easy installments
Everything You Need to Succeed:
- Complete study library, downloadable MP3s, printable flashcards, and mindset downloads
- Live coaching sessions led by two licensed architects
- Daily study plan to help you finish in one year
- Weekly Zoom calls every Monday & Tuesday for discussion and review
- Free one-on-one coaching session (a $100 value)
- Exclusive Coaching Forum for direct access to mentors and peers
- Platinum Pass Guarantee – our highest level of success assurance
Bundle and Save – Complete ALL 6 Divisions Package
One-Year Access
Get all six ARE 5.0 divisions in one streamlined bundle
Perfect for Motivated Candidates
Designed for those aiming to earn their license within a year
Flexible Payment Options
Pay in full or split into four easy payments
All-Inclusive Resources
Online study guides, audio companions, flashcards, mini quizzes, and full-length practice exams for every division
Study Your Way
24/7 access to everything from day one, with downloadable MP3s and printable flashcards for offline use
Unbeatable Value
Compare to Black Spectacles at $3,290 per year or Amber Book at $4,920 per year—our package gives you more for a fraction of the cost
Focused & Affordable
Built by architects who understand your workflow, without the overwhelm
Bundle and Save – 6 Months Combo: PcM/PjM/CE
6 Months of Full Access
Prepare with the first three divisions most candidates start with: Practice Management, Project Management, and Construction & Evaluation
Designed for Motivated Candidates
A smart choice if you want flexibility and affordability without locking into 12 months
Flexible Payments
Pay in full or split into two easy installments
Complete Study Toolkit
Online study guides, audio companions, flashcards, mini quizzes, and full-length practice exams for each division
Study Anywhere
24/7 access from day one, plus downloadable MP3s and printable flashcards for offline use
Better Value
Black Spectacles costs $1,645 per year and Amber Book $2,460 per year—our package includes more for a fraction of the price
Built for Architects, by Architects
Focused, practical, and affordable, without the overwhelm
Bundle and Save – 6 Months Combo: PA/PPD/PDD
6 Months of Full Access
Prepare with the second three divisions most candidates start with: Programming & Analysis, Project Planning & Design, and Project Development & Documentation
Designed for Motivated Candidates
Perfect if you’re already on your way and need an affordable, flexible plan without locking into a year.
Flexible Payments
Pay in full or split into two easy installments
Complete Study Toolkit
Online study guides, audio companions, flashcards, mini quizzes, and full-length practice exams for each division
Study Anywhere
24/7 access from day one, plus downloadable MP3s and printable flashcards for offline use
Better Value
Black Spectacles costs $1,645 per year and Amber Book $2,460 per year—our package includes more for a fraction of the price
Built for Architects, by Architects
Focused, practical, and affordable, without the overwhelm
Platinum Coaching - Become Licensed in 1 Year!
Platinum Coaching Program
We created Platinum Coaching after seeing how many ARE 5.0 candidates struggled with overthinking, second-guessing, and studying in circles. This program gives you a guided mentorship path designed to help you take—and pass—one exam every two months, with expert support every step of the way.
- Structured daily study plans that keep you on track
- On-demand coaching videos you can watch anytime
- Direct access via Slack for real-time community and mentor support
- Guidance from two licensed architects, each with 30+ years of experience
- Two live Zoom calls every week for discussion and review
- Unlimited Q&A support when you need answers fast
- One free one-on-one coaching session (a $100 value)
With the Platinum Pass Guarantee and our “Finish in a Year” system, you’ll have structure, accountability, and mentorship built in.
Stop trying to figure it out alone—we’ll guide you through it.
Starting Learning on Your Terms and Your Pace
Only Package You Need
Brains meet clarity-with a creative edge
Think Like an Architect
What Candidates Are Saying
Compare your readiness
Highest Pass Rates in the Industry!
71%
55%
Our mindset-based approach is designed for lasting understanding. Instead of cramming facts, you’ll uncover the deeper “why” behind how things work—giving you the clarity and confidence you need on exam day.
You already know architecture; you’ve been living it for years. What’s missing is the strategy to connect your experience with the way the exam is structured.
That’s where we come in. With mindset tools and judgment-building exercises built into every course, we help you stay calm, think clearly, and approach every question with purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the ARE Programming and Analysis exam test, and what makes it different from other ARE divisions?
The PA exam focuses on the early stages of a project, gathering information, analyzing site conditions, understanding zoning and code requirements, and translating client needs into a workable program. You will spend four hours answering scenario-based questions that test your ability to collect, evaluate, and apply project data. What sets PA apart from the other divisions is its emphasis on analytical thinking over technical knowledge. The exam is not asking you to design anything, it is asking you to show that you can identify the right questions to ask and organize information in a way that sets a project up for success. That problem-seeking mindset is something this course specifically trains you to develop.
What are bubble diagrams, relationship matrices, and site planning charts, and will the exam actually test me on them?
Yes, these tools are a real part of the PA exam. Bubble diagrams show spatial relationships between program elements. Relationship matrices help you evaluate how different spaces or functions need to connect or stay separate. Site planning charts organize site data like topography, orientation, access, and environmental factors. Together, they are the visual and analytical vocabulary of the programming phase. Many candidates have used versions of these tools on the job without knowing their formal names or how NCARB expects them to be applied. The course walks you through each one clearly so you can use them with confidence on exam day, not just recognize them.
What study materials are included in the PA package?
Your subscription includes an online study guide organized across 4 modules and 40 topics, an audio companion with over 8 hours of downloadable content, digital and printable flashcards organized by module, and an exam simulator loaded with 285 NCARB-style practice questions, 272 case study questions, and a 375-question mini quiz bank. The case study guide prepares you for the reference document portion of the exam, which requires you to move through project materials quickly and pull out the right information under timed conditions. Nothing extra is needed, the package covers everything the PA exam tests.
How does the PA course pricing stack up against other ARE prep options?
The PA package starts at $99 for one month and $177 for three months. Black Spectacles charges $249 per month, and Amber Book runs $410 per month. The materials here were put together by architects who have been through the ARE and know what the exam actually rewards. There is no filler, no unnecessary reading, and no surprise add-ons after you buy. If you are also working through PPD and PDD, the 6-month combo bundle covers all three divisions at a price that is still well under what most single-division competitors charge per month.
