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

I had failed this exam 4 times prior to getting this book. Each time I missed either the ramp or the stair vignette. I had zero clue as to what I was doing wrong. I read Ballast, Kaplan and random things on the forum but for the life of me couldn't pin point where I was missing it until I read THIS BOOK! Gang did an excellent job breaking down each vignette. (I'm even embarrassed to say I even studied Dorf - the God of vignettes) I remember going through the ramp and reading Gang's book and saying Ohhhh like 4 or 5 times. I read his book several times until I became comfortable with the information. I went in on test day and it was a breeze. I remember walking out of there thinking I couldn't believe I struggled so much before. The tips in here are priceless! I strongly recommend this book, ESPECIALLY if you are struggling with the vignettes like me!!!

This book helped me pass this division of the ARE. Anyone preparing for these tests knows how hard and far reaching this particular division is - you can study for months for the multiple choice and then you are left cramming for the graphic portion. I used this book to get more practice in for the graphic portion. The graphic section was helpful in a step by step approach on how to solve the graphic vignettes. When I wasn't sure I would use the free NCARB program with the book to get to the solutions and this help solidify the process in my head. I also liked the reference websites that were given throughout the book. These websites were useful for further study. Good luck to all of you taking this test!

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.

I found Gang Chens book very helpful for studying for the BDCS exam. His practice tests were very close to the actual questions on the exam. The answers and explanations were extremely helpful for discovering where I needed more study.Vignette information was very good. Especially for such an vignette extensive exam.I must admit I did get very frustrated by getting an answer wrong on his practice exam, because I didn't read the question thoroughly. This book reemphasized something I already knew about my test taking. I need to slow down and thoroughly read the questions and think about what they are asking for.Thanks Gang Chen! I decided to buy your building systems book for my next (and last) exam.

I find this book very very helpful for the BDCS exam! I have passed on the exam on my first try and this book was huge portion of the preparation. He goes into every details of all the steps for the vignette questions which the NCARB does not always do in their exam guide. I believe this book is one of the rare sources available out there that does explain what you need to do in the exam step by step. The practice multiple choice question was also helpful. He even replies to my questions regarding the book and the exam in general by email!. Very kind person and Very helpful book. Highly recommended.

Most of the content is valuable but the real reason I bought this was to get more study questions. However there were only 85 question present in this book. I was hoping for more questions. The PPI question book has 225+\- questions for only &20 more and seem to be harder questions in my opinion. The vignette section is decent but not the real reason I bought this book.

This book did exactly like the others said. It it immensely helpful with the explanation of the 3 vignettes. There are so many codes to incorporate, but Chen simplifies it into a methodical process. Bought it and just found out I passed. I would recommend.

I found his straight-forward and clear style to be very refreshing, especially considering this exam's content. He breaks down the vignettes into steps that help you understand them and gives you the confidence needed. Also he has been a great help answering questions on the arefourm cant thank you enough. This is a great book Highly recommended!!!!!!!!!! Well worth the money