Project Development & Documentation (PDD) focuses on the integration and documentation of building systems, material selection, and material assemblies into a project. You should be able to demonstrate an understanding of and abilities in integration of civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and specialty systems into overall project design and documentation. 

Project Development & Documentation Details
Items Test Duration Appointment Time
120 4 hr 15 min 5 hr

Project Development & Documentation Details Effective December 14, 2020
Items Test Duration Appointment Time
100 4 hr 5 min 5 hr

Preparing for Project Development & Documentation? You can find more details, sample questions, and suggested references in our ARE 5.0 Handbook, and prep series video. 

Note: there are currently two versions of the ARE 5.0 Handbook. Be sure to access the correct version: 

  • ARE 5.0 Handbook  Effective Now - December 14, 2020 
  • ARE 5.0 Handbook  Effective December 14, 2020, and onward (features reduced item counts and updated appointment times)

PDD includes sections on the following content areas: 

  • Integration of Building Materials & Systems 
    • Analyze the integration of architectural systems and technologies to meet project goals 
    • Determine the size of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and components to meet project goals 
    • Determine the size of structural systems to meet project goals 
    • Integrate specialty systems such as acoustics, lighting, fire suppression, conveying, security, and communications to meet project goals 
    • Determine how to detail the integration of multiple building systems and technologies 
    • Coordinate mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, and specialty systems and technologies
       
  • Construction Documentation 
    • Determine appropriate documentation of building design 
    • Determine appropriate documentation of site features 
    • Determine appropriate documentation of detailed building drawings within individual architectural systems 
    • Apply standards required to assemble a set of clear and coordinated construction documentation 
    • Determine impact of project changes on documentation requirements and methods to communicate those changes to owner and design team
       
  • Project Manual & Specifications 
    • Identify and prioritize components required to write, maintain, and refine project manual 
    • Identify and prioritize components required to write, maintain, and refine project specifications 
    • Coordinate specifications with construction documentation
       
  • Codes & Regulations 
    • Determine adherence to building regulatory requirements (IBC) at detail level 
    • Determine adherence with specialty regulatory requirements at the detail level 
       
  • Construction Cost Estimates 
    • Analyze construction cost estimates to confirm alignment with project design