This is the written component of the examination and comprises five divisions with fifty multiple choice questions in each area. The questions shall be scientifically based with only one possible answer to avoid conflicts of subjectivity. There are based upon basic knowledge that should have been acquired during the candidate’s internship and education. This component of the B.A.R.E focuses on the individual aspects of the architectural profession (Programming, Planning & Practice, Structural Systems, Construction Systems, Building Services and Construction Documents and Services). These five exams test the candidate’s understanding of the individual building blocks of the profession upon which sound, practical architectural decisions are made. Log in to the member's lounge to gain full access to a list of suggested study references.

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The outline of the examination is as follows:

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1. PROGRAMMING, PLANNING & PRACTICE 

There are fifty questions in this division with one hour allowed for this exam. This division evaluates the candidate’s ability to apply project development knowledge and skills relating to four general areas:

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• PROGRAMMING & ANALYSIS: Assess client needs and requirements to develop the master plan and program. Document design objectives including site characteristics, spatial and functional relationships, and building systems considerations. Establish preliminary project scope, phasing, budget, and schedule.

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• ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, & ECONOMIC ISSUES: Obtain and review site and building surveys. Assess physical, environmental, social, and economic issues and project impact. Develop project concepts utilizing sustainable principles, alternative energy systems, and new material technologies. Apply basic design principles and historic precedent.

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• CODES & REGULATIONS: Identify, analyze, and incorporate Building codes, Specialty codes, Town Planning regulations, Environmental Protection Department regulations, and other regulatory requirements. Manage regulatory approval process.

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• PROJECT & PRACTICE MANAGEMENT: Develop scope of services and project delivery method. Assess project budget and financing. Identify project team members including consultants. Document project meetings. Manage project schedule and design progress. Assist with construction procurement. Manage legal issues relating to practice - including fees, insurance and professional services contracts.

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The following is an example of a past exam question from this division.

What is the primary goal in designing good pedestrian circulation?

 

A. speed
B. safety
C. economy

D. permanence

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2. STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS 

There are fifty questions in this division with one hour allowed for this exam. This division evaluates the candidate’s ability to identify and incorporate general structural and lateral force principles in the design and construction of buildings. The exam will evaluate the candidate’s ability to perform the following:

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• GENERAL STRUCTURES: Apply general structural principles to the design and construction of buildings. Analyze the implications of design decisions in the selection of systems, materials, and construction details related to general structural design. Incorporate building codes, specialty codes, and other regulatory requirements in the design of general structural systems.

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• LATERAL FORCES (general, seismic and wind): Apply lateral forces principles to the design and construction of buildings. Analyze the implications of design decisions in the selection of systems, materials, and construction details related to lateral forces. Incorporate building codes, specialty codes, and other regulatory requirements related to lateral forces.

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The following is an example of a past exam question from this division.

Which structural member most likely would require superficial fireproofing?

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1. Reinforced concrete block wall

2. concrete beam

3. steel column

4. prestressed concrete slab

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3. CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS 

There are fifty questions in this division with one hour allowed for this exam. This division evaluates the candidate’s ability to analyze the implication of design decisions in the selection of systems, materials, and methods incorporated in building design and construction. The exam will evaluate the candidate’s ability to perform the following:

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• Identify the properties and characteristics of masonry structural and finish materials.

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• Identify the properties and characteristics of structural and miscellaneous metals.

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• Identify the properties and characteristics of wood structures, rough carpentry, finish carpentry, and millwork assemblies.

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•   Identify the properties and characteristics of concrete structures and finishes.

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• Identify the properties and characteristics of miscellaneous systems, assemblies, membranes, claddings, coatings, and finish materials (e.g. plastics, composites, glass, paints, protective coatings, etc.).

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• Analyze and select adhesives, accessories, equipment, and fittings.

 

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The following is an example of past exam question from this division.

Wired glass is generally required when what is a concern?

 

A. privacy

B. sound attenuation

C. fire

D. wind loading

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4. BUILDING SERVICES

There are fifty questions in this division with one hour allowed for this exam. This division evaluates the candidate’s ability to evaluate, select, and integrate mechanical, electrical and specialty systems in building design and construction. The exam will evaluate the candidate’s ability to perform the following:

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•   CODES & REGULATIONS: Incorporate building codes, specialty codes, and other regulatory requirements in the design mechanical, electrical, and specialty systems.

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•   ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: Apply sustainable design principles to the selection, design and construction of building systems.

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•   PLUMBING: Evaluate and select materials and construction details related to plumbing systems.

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•   HVAC: Evaluate and select materials and construction details related to heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems.

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•   ELECTRICAL: Evaluate and select materials and construction details related to electrical systems.

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•  LIGHTING: Evaluate and select materials and construction details related to natural and artificial lighting systems.

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•  SPECIALTIES: Evaluate and select materials and construction details related to Acoustics, Conveying Systems, Communications & Security, Fire Detection & Suppression.

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Following is an example of past exam question from this division.

Where does a stack vent within a plumbing system generally terminate?

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1. the roof

2. the water storage tank

3. the suck well

4. the manhole

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5. CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENT & SERVICES

There are fifty questions in this division with one hour allowed for this exam. This division evaluates the candidate’s ability to apply project management and professional practice knowledge and skills, including the preparation of contract documents and contract administration. . The exam will evaluate the candidate’s ability to perform the following:

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• CODES & REGULATIONS: Incorporate building codes, specialty codes, zoning, and other regulatory requirements in construction documents and services.

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• ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: Incorporate sustainable design principles, adaptive reuse concepts, alternative energy systems, new material technologies and hazardous material mitigation in construction documents.

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• CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS & PROJECT MANUAL: Prepare and coordinate construction drawings including building systems, product selection, and constructability. Prepare, coordinate, and review general and supplementary conditions and technical specifications.

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• PROJECT & PRACTICE MANAGEMENT: Prepare estimates of probable construction cost. Consider cost implications of design decisions. Prepare and manage project schedule and coordinate all contract documents including those of consultants. Establish project delivery method. Provide contract administration documentation and services. Review and administer professional services and construction contracts. Consider issues pertaining to practice including risk management and professional and business ethics.

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Following is an example of past exam question from this division.

When would you issue a change order?

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1. during the schematic design stage

2. during the construction document stage

3. before the award of the contract

4. after the award of the contract

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