Architect Registration Examination (ARE) Project Development and Documentation Syllabus

What is the U.S. National CAD Standard (NCS)?

A consensus standard (incorporating AIA CAD Layer Guidelines, Uniform Drawing System, and Plotting Guidelines) that standardizes drawing organization, sheet identification, layering, and symbols for consistency across projects.

What is a 'detail reference bubble/callout' used for on drawings?

A symbol that cross-references a portion of a drawing to an enlarged detail elsewhere, typically showing the detail number over the sheet number where it is drawn.

What is the difference between a plan, an elevation, and a section?

A plan is a horizontal cut viewed from above; an elevation is an orthographic view of a vertical face seen straight-on; a section is a vertical cut revealing the interior assembly and relationships between elements.

What is a 'wall section' versus a 'detail'?

A wall section is a vertical cut through an entire wall showing assembly from foundation to roof at a medium scale; a detail is a larger-scale enlargement of a specific condition (e.g., window head, sill, parapet) showing materials and connections precisely.

What does drawing 'scale' communicate, and which scale is larger: 1/4"=1'-0" or 3"=1'-0"?

Scale is the ratio of drawing size to real size. 3"=1'-0" is the larger (more detailed) scale, used for details; 1/4"=1'-0" is a smaller scale used for floor plans.

What is a 'keynote' on a construction drawing?

A standardized note system that labels drawing elements with a reference number/code (often tied to specification sections), reducing repetitive text and improving coordination with specs.

What is 'documenting building assemblies' meant to convey to the contractor?

The composition, sequence, dimensions, materials, and connections of each assembly so it can be constructed correctly — showing what goes where and how layers/components interface.

Why is a 'schedule' (door, window, finish, room) used in a drawing set?

To organize repetitive tabular information efficiently in one place, reducing clutter on plans/elevations and improving coordination and revision control of types and properties.

What is the architect's role in coordinating consultant documents?

To ensure structural, MEP, civil, landscape, and other consultants' drawings/specs are dimensionally and informationally consistent with the architectural set and with each other, resolving conflicts and gaps before issuance.

What is a common source of error when coordinating consultant drawings, and how is it mitigated?

Misaligned backgrounds (different grid/datum or out-of-date architectural backgrounds). It is mitigated by issuing current shared backgrounds, using a common coordinate/grid system, and overlay/clash checks.

Define 'quality control' (QC) in the context of document production.

The internal review process to verify accuracy, completeness, coordination, and compliance of the documents before issuance — catching conflicts, omissions, and errors (e.g., redline check sets).

Distinguish quality control (QC) from quality assurance (QA).

QA is the proactive system of standards, procedures, and training that prevents errors; QC is the reactive checking/inspection of the actual deliverables to detect and correct errors.

What is a common document-review technique for checking coordination across disciplines?

Overlay (or composite) checking — superimposing discipline sheets to verify alignment of grids, openings, penetrations, and dimensions; combined with cross-discipline 'pen-and-ink' redline reviews.

What is the purpose and basic structure of MasterFormat?

MasterFormat is the CSI/CSC standard for organizing specifications and project information by work results into numbered Divisions and Sections (currently 50 divisions), providing a consistent filing/retrieval system.

Which MasterFormat division covers 'General Requirements'?

Division 01 — General Requirements, which addresses administrative and procedural requirements common to all work (submittals, quality, temporary facilities, closeout).

What is the difference between MasterFormat and UniFormat?

MasterFormat organizes by work results/products (used for construction specs); UniFormat organizes by building systems/elements (e.g., foundations, shell, interiors) and is used for preliminary/elemental specs and cost estimating.

What is the standard three-part SectionFormat structure of a specification section?

Part 1 – General (administrative: scope, submittals, quality, references), Part 2 – Products (materials, equipment, fabrication), and Part 3 – Execution (installation, examination, field quality, cleaning).

Name the four primary types (methods) of specifying.

Descriptive, performance, proprietary, and reference standard specifications.

What is a 'descriptive specification'?

A spec that explicitly describes the properties of materials and methods of installation without naming a manufacturer — the architect specifies exactly what is required and assumes responsibility for performance.

What is a 'performance specification'?

A spec that states the required result and verifiable performance criteria (e.g., U-value, load, deflection) while leaving the means and methods to the contractor/manufacturer to achieve and prove.

What is a 'proprietary specification' and its main risk/benefit?

A spec that names specific manufacturers/products. Benefit: precise control of quality/aesthetics; risk: limits competition and may run afoul of public bidding rules (often mitigated by 'or equal' or listing multiple acceptable products).

What is a 'reference standard specification'?

A spec that requires compliance with an established industry standard (e.g., ASTM, ANSI, UL, ACI). It is concise but requires the architect to know the standard's actual content/requirements.

What is the difference between an 'open' and a 'closed' (or restrictive) proprietary specification?

An open proprietary spec names products but allows substitutions/'or equal,' preserving competition; a closed proprietary spec names a single required product with no substitutions permitted.

When drawings and specifications conflict, which generally governs (per typical AIA documents)?

Neither automatically governs by hierarchy in AIA A201; the documents are complementary and what is required by one is binding as if required by all. The contractor must request clarification (an RFI) from the architect, who resolves the conflict.

What is the basic rule for dividing information between drawings and specifications?

Drawings show quantity, location, size, and configuration (graphic/dimensional); specifications define quality — the type, standards, and acceptable materials/workmanship (written). Avoid duplicating the same info in both.

What is an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)?

A standardized, third-party-verified document (per ISO 14025/EN 15804) reporting a product's environmental impacts across its life cycle, based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) — a key material disclosure tool.

What is a Health Product Declaration (HPD)?

A standardized disclosure of a product's material contents and associated health hazards, supporting transparency and material ingredient credits in rating systems like LEED.

What is a 'Declare label' in material disclosure?

A 'nutrition label' for building products (from the International Living Future Institute) that lists ingredients, sourcing location, life expectancy, end-of-life options, and Red List compliance.

What is 'detailed code application' in the documentation phase?

Translating applicable building code requirements (occupancy, construction type, fire ratings, egress, etc.) into specific drawn and specified conditions — e.g., showing rated assemblies, listed assembly numbers, and required ratings on plans.

How is a fire-rated assembly typically documented on construction drawings?

By indicating the required hourly rating, referencing a tested/listed assembly (e.g., a UL design number or GA file number), and detailing the construction so the installed assembly matches the tested listing.

Under the 2010/2017 ADA Standards, what is the maximum running slope and maximum cross slope of an accessible ramp?

Maximum running slope 1:12 (8.33%) and maximum cross slope 1:48 (about 2%).

What is the ADA maximum height for a single ramp run and the required landing condition?

A ramp run may rise a maximum of 30 inches before requiring a level landing (minimum 60 inches long) at the top and bottom and at direction changes.

What is the minimum clear width and turning space for accessible (wheelchair) maneuvering per ADA?

Minimum 36 inches clear width for an accessible route, with a turning space of either a 60-inch-diameter circle or a T-shaped space within a 60-inch square.

How are accessibility requirements typically documented in the construction set?

Through enlarged accessible toilet room/clearance plans, mounting-height diagrams, accessible route and parking plans, and details/notes citing ADA/ANSI A117.1 dimensions and clearances.

What document/process demonstrates structural and MEP code compliance to authorities?

Stamped engineering drawings and calculations (structural calcs, energy/mechanical compliance forms such as COMcheck/Title 24, plumbing fixture counts, electrical load calcs) coordinated with and referenced in the permit submission set.

What is an 'Authority Having Jurisdiction' (AHJ)?

The organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, installation, or procedures (e.g., the local building official, fire marshal).

What is the typical permitting/AHJ review process for construction documents?

Completed CDs are submitted to the AHJ for plan review against applicable codes; the AHJ issues comments/corrections, the architect responds/revises, and upon approval a building permit is issued allowing construction to begin.

What is the difference between a 'building permit' plan-review submission and a full bid/CD set?

The permit set must demonstrate code compliance to the AHJ (life-safety, structural, MEP, accessibility) and may be a subset; the bid/CD set is the complete package needed to fully price and build the project. They are often the same set but serve different review audiences.

What is a 'general note' versus a 'specific (local) note' on drawings?

General notes apply broadly to an entire sheet or set (blanket requirements); specific/local notes (often keynotes) apply only to the particular element they point to. Conflicts are resolved in favor of the more specific note.