ARE Prep Resources

ARE Lending Library

A library of Brightwood (Kaplan) 5.0 guides and other study materials are available at the BSA offices for BSA members to borrow -- please see here for a full list of materials and more information.

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Scholarships & Other Resources

BosNOMA Scholarship

Are you a current NOMA and/or NOMAS member in the Greater Boston Area? For those who meet the eligibility criteria, the BosNOMA ARE Scholarship scholarship will cover the cost of one ARE exam. Selection will take place each quarter through a lottery system.

The full eligibility criteria and application can be found here.

BSA Future Architect Scholarship (FAS)

The BSA Future Architect Scholarship program (FAS) entitles those working toward licensure to a waiver for BSA dues for a period of five years while testing. New graduate applicants are already able to claim one free year of BSA/AIA membership. Those participating in a free new graduate year of membership (graduated in the last 18 months) are qualified to receive four years of waived BSA dues under the FAS program. All FAS applicants will still be required to pay the AIA National portion of annual membership dues. Documentation is required.

Email [email protected] for comprehensive information and an application form.

Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship

The Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship recognizes the significant contributions of emerging professionals at early stages in their careers and helps defray the costs associated with the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Developed by the AIA National Associates Committee, the scholarship honors the memory of late friend and colleague, Jason Pettigrew, Assoc. AIA.

The full eligibility criteria and application can be found here.

NCARB & State Licensure

NCARB offers a lot of resources for getting through the exams and testing updates.

• Review information on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Board of Registration of Architects.
• Review NCARB's Licensing Requirement Tool, which is you can sort by question or state.
• Establish an NCARB Record to enable you to start your licensing journey.
• Review the NCARB ARE 5.0 Guidelines to understand your eligibility, how to take your exams, and overall background about the AREs.
• Find your NCARB Licensing Advisor, who can provide you with individual guidance on your path to licensure.

AIA Resources

NCARB offers a lot of resources for getting through the exams and testing updates:

• Check out the AIA Bookstore where members from AIA and AIAS can purchase books at a discounted rate.
• Join the conversation online. Check out the National Associates Committee online forum where you can chat with other Associate members on the path to licensure.

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Success Teams

** Please note that BSA Success Teams are currently on pause. We will be announcing more information about the future of Success Teams soon! **

Success Teams at the Boston Society of Architects/AIA (BSA) offer the opportunity to learn from and share with your peers and future colleagues as you prepare for the Architect Registration Examination ® (ARE®).

During a kickoff meeting, we introduce you to the program and to a NCARB professional who will act as your ARE expert and study teams are formed. Each team coordinates their own schedule to study together, sharing resources and tips to keep everyone on track. Joining a team means agreeing to meet with and support your team members through the completion of their exam series. kickoff meetings are held quarterly. Email [email protected] to add yourself to the interest list so you will be notified once the next meeting is scheduled.

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BSA Student Memberships

The Boston Society of Architects (BSA) welcomes current students who do not hold an architecture license interested in architecture and the built environment to become more involved with the amazing committees, programs, events, learning, and networking that the BSA can offer—all for free!

• Peer level access to more than 40 BSA committees, task forces and networks focusing on specific topics of interest to you
• Networking events including peers & emerging professionals all the up to firm principals and emeriti.
• Access to our members-only directories on architects.org
• Access to BSA newsletters and event calendar listings providing industry updates, news and information to help members excel in the profession
• Access to Job listings and internship opportunities
• Free or discounted attendance at BSA in-person and virtual events and workshops
• Discounted admission to daily Boston Architecture Cruises
• 25% off AIA Contract Documents

Learn more about student memberships here.

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