Completing the Architect Registration Exam – ARE 5.0 – is mandatory in the United States in order to become a licensed architect. Should everyone with an architecture degree do it? Not necessarily. Is it beneficial for your career, regardless of your type of aspirations in your professional life? Absolutely. Above all, whether you pass all the exams or not – you will if you do not quit – the knowledge you will acquire in the process will help you immensely in your career, whatever that may be.
In conclusion, let us put all the cards on the table: it is an expensive, tiresome, frustrating, and daunting experience but the rewards make up for all the blood, sweat and tears. Mostly tears.