Building Systems (BS) ARE Mock Exam (Architect Registration Exam): ARE Overview, Exam Prep Tips, Multiple-Choice Questions and Graphic Vignettes, Solutions and Explanations

I purchased this book after failing the building systems exam. I think it's a good supplement to other study materials out there but it shouldn't be your only source when preparing for this exam (it even states that itself in the book). Even though I found it to be helpful I did have a few issues with some of the content. First off, the statement that NCARB made a mistake about one of the lighting calculation formulas is not true. I actually came to the same conclusion after taking the exam (and before I purchased this book) and almost filed a complaint with NCARB until I reread the available formulas on the exam. The second formula listed on the reference sheet has all the variables needed to properly calculate the number of fixtures needed. It has been reorganized to isolate footcandles rather than number of fixtures but it uses all the same information. This is just simple algebra to manipulate the formula to find the correct number of fixtures. In defense of NCARB, it is not their responsibility to make sure that each candidate knows algebra. Also the question could easily ask you to solve for a different variable (footcandles, area, etc.) other than number of fixtures, so I'd have to say that they have given you all the reference material you need to correctly solve this problem.Secondly it also has a statement that most people fail this exam and other sections due to major errors on the vignette and not due to poor performance on the multiple choice section. I'm not proud to admit it but I passed the vignette but failed the exam due to the multiple choice section. I'm aware that the word "most" was used but I feel that this was a bit misleading. Hopefully most candidates know that a passing score is dependent on passing both the Multiple choice and the vignette. A strong vignette score doesn't compensate for a low score in the multiple choice section.On the plus side I think the wording of this guide is more in tune to what you actually will experience when taking the exam. There have been multiple times I have been asked a question I knew the answer to but was confused because it was worded differently than the way I studied it.

I used the book to study for the Building Systems exam and I found it to be very helpful. This book is wonderfully put together. I was so impressed with the BDCS book that after passing the test I decided to go the Gang Chen route again.This book really helped me understand the formulas. Every test prior I never really felt I understand how to do the formulas very well, this book broke them down in a very digestable manner and I was able to use each formula with a lot of confidence on the exam.Building Systems was my last exam. I am an Architect now. Thank you Gang Chen. your books are great and I recommend them to all my friends taking the exam. I wish you published these books several years prior and you could have been of more assistance to my prior exams.

I have purchased the entire series of this book for the exams. I am using them in conjunction with the Kaplan study material. I found all of the extra information unnecessary and really only use the question and answer section for preparation. This series does a good job with the practice questions focusing on a more code based approach which I have found the Kaplan books lack. Together they seem to give a good balanced approach to studying and have successfully gotten me through the first three exams.

This was a tremendous help during my pursuit of obtaining my ARE license. The questions within the book are ideal for preparation of the ARE and offer a wonderful description of the answer and the common mistakes or misconceptions by most ARE candidates. Additionally the book offers additional study content via website links or books to further assist with understanding some of the basic concepts required to pass the BS exam.

I took SPD and SD before and they both were fail. Recently, after I reviewed other's feedback I bought both CDS and BS "Mock Exam" from Mr. Chen and I got Pass on both exams in my first try! Though I studied more for both CDS and BS in terms of time and material range, but I have to say it is a GREAT SUPPLEMENTARY RESOURCE to have Mr. Chen's book to broaden your understanding of various concepts through the "Mock Exam" questions. Thanks a lot Mr. Chen!

This book helped me a lot because of the writings in the front that gives suggestions on how to study for the ARE exam.Then the questions and the diagrams were good and the whole thing just seemed more intelligent than the Kaplan ones.

DO NOT RECOMMEND FOR STUDYING ARE!This book basically rewords the questions from the NCARB sample questions. It does not introduce any new topics. I actually found questions that were wrong. For example, it states that lighting is not a source of heat gain in a building. It most definitely is according to MEEB reference. In fact, another question asks what percentage of heat is given off by different light fixture types...I stopped reading, as I cannot trust the source. The question and answers are also organized awkwardly- The question and answer structure of some of the questions are nothing like the real exam.This book was a waste of money, I wish I could have returned it. Really disappointing!

The questions are nothing lije the real test! Many explanation don't make any sense.