ARE Bootcamp Reviews

5 Rating 64 Reviews

About Young Architect:

Young Architect began collecting customer reviews on Reviews.io in June 2025.

About Young Architect:

Since 2013, we've helped over 20,000 emerging architects on their path to licensure. Through our coaching and online programs, we've created 200+ hours of video content and 1,000+ practice questions, designed to support your success.

Our flagship program, the ARE Boot Camp, offers an innovative approach to preparing for the ARE:

Learn exactly what to study, when to study it, and how to align your preparation with NCARB’s objectives. It’s a method found nowhere else, and a big reason why Young Architect continues to be a leader in the ARE test-prep industry.

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Kodiak Spydell

Verified Reviewer

“I am posting this review after taking the ARE Boot Camp, run by Young Architects' Michael Riscica. At this point, I have passed all 6 national exams, and am studying for my CSE. Passed all 6 first try. Only other study materials I used was Amber Book online course for 2 months - one month prior to taking my Professional Practice exams, and one month prior to taking my PPD & PDD exams. I would highly recommend both. I have seen a few people posting questions in the ARE 5.0 Community about whether or not Boot Camp is "worth it". See my points below about my experience with the camp, and you can determine that for yourself. 1) Boot Camp teaches you how to study This is, to me, the most important part of Boot Camp. If you aren't fresh out of a learning environment, Boot Camp is an amazing tool to help you break down the overwhelming amount of information that is available. It took me many, many years after completing my undergrad to earn all of my NCARB hours. By the time I was eligible to take the tests, I hadn't actually "studied" for anything in over half a decade. This course very quickly brought me back to a learning/study mindset and that is something that I absolutely needed. 2) Boot Camp gives you a community After college, I assumed I would end up at some large firms and make archi-friends. That never happened. Somehow, I have only ended up at 5-person max. sized firms. I have always been the youngest by a decade or more, without any peers who were trying to become licensed like I was. I felt completely alone in this process, and it made me feel like it almost wasn't worth pursuing the license. Luckily, after I completed my NCARB hours and got my eligibility to test, I became a little less apathetic and decided as long as I had gotten this far, I might as well just see it to through to the end. Once I joined Boot Camp and began to experience a real archi-community, I quickly realized I could have never accomplished this massive undertaking all on my own. I am the kind of person who likes being on a "team" with a common goal. Having people to discuss these very industry-specific topics with, who understand (or who want to understand) why this is all important, has reinvigorated my passion for architecture in ways that I did not expect. If this is something you are lacking in your path towards licensure, I couldn't recommend Boot Camp more. 3) Boot Camp is a fairly expensive up-front cost If you are struggling to decide if Boot Camp is an expense worth the money... So did I. I figured I could probably just learn this stuff from free quizzes and other study materials online. Then, after realizing that those were just giving me small portions of the knowledge I would need, I decided it might be worth actually paying for something. But what? Black Spectacles? Designer Hacks? Amber Book? Once I decided that learning all of this on my own was not working, I decided to cough up the dough and try out the Boot Camp. It is not cheap for a 10-week course. This may be the reason many people shy away from it. Boot Camp price includes a variety of study materials that you cannot find elsewhere, and you get to keep using them after the 10 weeks which is great. BUT, on top of that, you will have to pay for your own physical study materials (for example, the Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice). Additionally, if you choose to use the Meetups (a vital tool exclusive to Boot Camp) after you take your 1st test, there is a small monthly fee for that. There are many, many costs to become an architect. To me, Boot Camp one is worth every penny. You are paying for a mindset of future success, and a community that is rich with a vast array of knowledge. If you don't think you can afford this course, think of it this way: Your time is money, and this course will likely help you to waste less of both. 4) Boot Camp is not easy Mike isn't giving you any shortcuts... He won't take the test for you. What he is giving you is a mindset that learning this stuff is worth it. His materials DO make the difficult concepts a little easier to grasp. BUT, as he will constantly remind you, YOU are the one who has to do the work. YOU are the one who has to put in the time and the effort to learn all of this information. If you aren't ready to dedicate the next couple years of your life to committing to a learning/studying mindset, Boot Camp actually isn't worth it in my opinion. Boot Camp is only worth what you put in. So, join if you want to be a better Architect, if you want to learn, or if you need someone to remind you of what this whole licensure process is about. (P.S. for anyone wondering. Mike is a very normal guy who just wants to help out. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to him. I was intimidated to do this prior to joining Boot Camp, but you shouldn't be)”

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Posted 2 months ago

Dorothy Morrow

Verified Reviewer

“I've recommended YA to a lot of colleagues and explained the great success I found with the program for Group Accountability and finding study partners at the same point in the process and level of knowledge. For the rigor of a syllabus, weekly meetings / Drills/ meetups and being a concise way to hit the study materials hard for a mostly known period. I passed all of the exams on the first try using the YA Bootcamps and finished in just under a year!”

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Posted 2 months ago

Dyuthi Prakash

Verified Reviewer

“I’d recommend the Bootcamp for anyone who feels stuck in the ARE process. I’ve found that there isn’t a shortcut to studying for these exams, and the Bootcamp helps you identify your weak areas and gaps that help you get across that finish line. The community Mike has created is one-of-a-kind and is so positive and keeps you going when you just want to get away from all of it. It really is a great opportunity to create a network that beneficial even post-licensure.”

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Posted 2 months ago

Megan Stenzel

Verified Reviewer

“Joining this ARE bootcamp was one of the best decisions I made during my licensure process. Not only did it provide structure, accountability, and clear content breakdowns, but the real magic was in how it connected me to others on the same path. Studying for the AREs can feel isolating, but this bootcamp builds a genuine sense of community. Through small group sessions, study chats, and weekly check-ins, I found a network of peers who were supportive, driven, and always willing to share resources, tips, and encouragement. It felt like I had teammates in a process that’s usually solo. The instructors truly care and create a space where asking questions feels safe and encouraged. If you're looking for a way to stay motivated and not feel alone in the ARE grind, this is the place. I not only passed exams—I made lasting connections.”

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Posted 2 months ago

Joseph Hounarmand

Verified Reviewer

“I recommend the young architect bootcamp over the others, reasons why. You study what you need to study, your not studying someone eles interpretation of the study materials, also your apart of a community. Micahel and his team have created a really great thing at the Young architect”

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Posted 3 months ago

Susan Movassagh

Verified Reviewer

“ARE Bootcamp has been a game-changer for me. After multiple failed attempts and struggling to balance a full-time job, parenting, and a long commute, I had almost lost hope of ever passing my exams. But joining the Bootcamp gave me the structure, motivation, and support I needed to succeed. Mike Risica’s guidance on time management, study planning, and use of resources combined with weekly check-ins, study logs, and the accountability of the Bootcamp community helped me pass several exams. Being surrounded by other professionals on the same journey made a huge difference in staying focused and not giving up. I highly recommend joining the ARE Bootcamp if you’re looking for a proven path forward in your licensure journey.”

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Posted 3 months ago

Isha Fathmath

Verified Reviewer

“The ARE Bootcamp by Young Architect has been a game-changer for me. As someone who really benefits from structure and accountability, this program gave me the direction I was missing in my study process. The study plan was clear and manageable, and the meetups and community kept me motivated every step of the way. It felt great to be part of a group that truly understood the ups and downs of preparing for the exams. I don’t think I could have stayed as focused or consistent without it.”

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Posted 3 months ago

Kevin Concolino

Verified Reviewer

“This ARE Bootcamp changed my life! Before I met Michael and his team, I tried taking the AREs on my own and failed miserably. I scoured suggested resources, flashcards, YouTube videos, online forums, etc. and felt as prepared as I possibly could be with the resources I had found. Unfortunately on test day I showed up and it felt like I was taking a different exam than I had studied for. I got my score report back and it was dismal. I felt so discouraged and overwhelmed that I was not sure I was ever going to be able to get through the AREs. After putting the tests off for a few years, a work colleague who was also considering joining the bootcamp referred me to Michael. Michael was very responsive, especially given our different time zones, and took the time to walk me through what makes the bootcamp so unique and successful. I emphasized my biggest concern was that I did not know where to start - what should I spend my time studying? What do I need to know? What are the best resources? Should I spend hours making my own flashcards? Ultimately I needed a coach who would answer my many questions and guide me through the test preparation process. Not only did Michael and his team do that, but they provided me with so much more! Through structured syllabuses, practice questions, check-ins, meetups, and a community of peers going through the same thing, I now had more support than I could have hoped for. Michael, his team, and this new community supported me through my ARE journey as I was able to pass nearly every exam on my first attempt. Now, I am now a California licensed architect - something I had been dreaming about since I was 5 years old! Thank you Young Architect, ARE Bootcamp, my fellow bootcampers, and Michael Riscica!”

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Posted 3 months ago