Project Planning & Design (PPD) - 2026
Design in Practice
The Project Planning & Design (PPD) exam tests your ability to design sites and buildings while balancing aesthetics, life safety, and mechanical and structural systems. You’ll face scenario-based questions that require generating design alternatives considering environmental, cultural, behavioral, technical, and economic factors. This five-hour exam challenges your critical design thinking to demonstrate effective project design, and our study package is built to guide you through it.
Our PPD study package is a comprehensive, affordable solution covering everything needed for this demanding division. It highlights the connections between topics and how they affect your decision-making, helping you understand exactly what the questions are asking. The study guide follows the structure of the NCARB exam and is written in clear, accessible language. The Audio Companion allows you to listen and follow along from anywhere, with real-life examples that make concepts memorable. The 3 Case Study Guide prepares you for the exam’s case studies with realistic project documents, while hundreds of digital flashcards and a timed exam simulator provide interactive practice, instant feedback, and scoring so you can assess your readiness.
Reviewed and approved by NCARB, this study package ensures you focus on the most important material to pass the PPD exam. Membership provides access from any device, allowing you to study anytime through a well-designed online portal.
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
- 235+ Mastery Topics – Dive into detailed, exam-specific concepts that go beyond surface-level summaries
- 5 Main Modules / 77 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
- 425 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
- 360 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 PPD Package
- Flexible Prep Options
Choose 1 month or 3 months to access the full PPD study package and plan your prep around your schedule. - All-in-One Study Package
Get everything you need—study guide, audio companion, case study guides, flashcards, and timed exam simulator—so you won’t need any extra materials. - Master Design & Planning
Develop the skills to generate design alternatives that balance aesthetics, life safety, and mechanical and structural systems, while tackling scenario-based questions with confidence. - Expert Guidance for Real Results
Created by architects who’ve passed the ARE, our package links design, technical, and decision-making concepts to help you understand exactly what the questions are asking. - Outstanding Value
Access the full suite of PPD study resources, including guides, audio, and exam simulation tools, for far less than competing options.
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 Project Planning and Design exam cover, and why is it considered one of the hardest ARE divisions?
PPD is one of the most content-heavy divisions in the entire ARE 5.0. The exam runs five hours and tests your ability to design sites and buildings while balancing aesthetics, life safety, mechanical systems, structural systems, and economic factors all at the same time. You will work through scenario-based questions that ask you to generate and evaluate design alternatives across a wide range of environmental, cultural, behavioral, and technical considerations. What makes it particularly demanding is the sheer amount of ground it covers. This course organizes that material across 5 modules and 77 topics with 235 plus mastery topics so you always know where you stand and what still needs attention.
I work in design every day. Will my experience be enough to get me through PPD, or do I need to put in serious study time?
Serious study time is still necessary, even for candidates with strong design backgrounds. PPD tests a specific, structured way of thinking through design decisions that goes well past what most architects deal with on a typical project. The exam expects you to evaluate mechanical systems, structural systems, and life safety requirements at a level of detail that many designers delegate to consultants in practice. On top of that, the five-hour exam format requires stamina and pacing that you can only build through timed practice. The course prepares you for both the content and the exam conditions, so your design experience becomes an asset rather than a false sense of security.
What study materials are included in the PPD package?
Your subscription includes an online study guide covering 235 plus mastery topics across 5 modules and 77 topics, an audio companion with over 8 hours of downloadable content, digital and printable flashcards organized by module, and an exam simulator with 360 NCARB-style practice questions, 272 case study questions, and a 425-question mini quiz bank. PPD has more content than any other division in the ARE, and the course reflects that, it is the most fully built-out package in the lineup. No extra materials are needed. Everything is included and accessible on any device from day one.
Should I take PPD alongside PA and PDD, or space them out?
A lot of candidates prep for PA, PPD, and PDD together because all three sit on the design and technical side of the ARE. The 6-month PA, PPD, and PDD combo bundle is built for exactly that approach and gives you full access to all three courses at a price that is still well under what most competitors charge for a single division. If you choose to space them out, many candidates start with PA since it covers the earliest project phase, then move into PPD, and finish with PDD. That order builds on itself naturally. The materials are available around the clock, so you can move at whatever pace your schedule allows.
How does the PPD course pricing compare to other ARE prep options?
The PPD 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. Given that PPD is one of the most content-heavy divisions in the ARE, the value here is especially strong. You get 235 plus mastery topics, a large question bank, case study prep, and an audio companion, all for less than half of what most competitors charge. The 6-month PA, PPD, and PDD combo bundle brings the per division cost down even further if you are prepping across all three design divisions at once.
