When I set out to tackle the Architect Registration Exams (AREs), I had a hard deadline: I was moving to Italy in eight months. That deadline shaped my mindset and my strategy. I wasn’t aiming for perfection—I was aiming for progress, consistency, and completion.

Here’s the approach that worked for me and might work for you too:

I Followed Amber Book—Exactly

I committed to the Amber Book’s 4-month study plan, which breaks down to about 12 hours per week. That translated into:

• 6 hours spread across 3 weekday evenings
• 6 hours on Saturdays

This schedule was manageable and sustainable. Amber Book also offers a 2-month, 20-hour/week plan, but I found the 12-hour version more realistic for maintaining balance (and still having time to exercise and rest).

I Took Handwritten Notes

While watching the videos, I took notes by hand. This helped me stay engaged and retain information better. I often paused or rewound the videos—especially the dense ones—to make sure I truly understood the material.

I Waited to Take the Exams

I didn’t start testing until I had completed the entire Amber Book course. Why? Because the content overlaps across exams. For example, you might see PPD/PDD-type questions on PcM. Having the full picture helped me feel more confident across the board.

My Exam Schedule

Once I finished the course, I took:

• Two exams per week for three weeks (I liked Monday and Friday exams—it gave me three consecutive workdays with light evening studying followed by four consecutive study-focused days each week.)

Any exams I didn’t pass, I retook after the mandatory 60-day wait. This approach helped me move through the process quickly and efficiently.

What Didn’t Go Perfectly

I failed PDD twice before passing it on the third try. It was the only exam I had to retake. After the second fail, I added supplemental study materials specific to that test. Everything else I passed on the first attempt.

Mindset Matters

I treated this like a short-term sprint with long-term benefits. I replaced mindless scrolling and TV time with study time. I tried to keep Sundays free for rest, but I stayed flexible when needed.

Final Thoughts

I’m not a professional test prep expert, so I didn’t try to reinvent the wheel. I trusted the process laid out by Amber Book and stuck to it. That structure, combined with consistency and a clear deadline, made all the difference.

If you’re preparing for the AREs, find a plan that fits your life—and stick to it. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep going.

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