Young Architect Academy Reviews 

Young Architect is an amazing resource, especially the podcast! The podcast is free and provides so much valuable and practical information. I really enjoy listening to it, and I always feel like I’m using my time productively. Every episode gives me a better understanding of the topics discussed and leaves me with a lot of useful knowledge. Thank you for making such valuable content available for free!

I have tried all ARE test prep resources and can therefore say, Young Architect is the best!!!! Michael and his team offer support in a way that is superior to the others. Come on, Michael gives out his personal phone number. I have had several coaching calls with him. Who else is doing this? He is dedicated to offering the best study materials and it shows!

I've been listening to the podcasts and using the 2 pager notes for my ARE studies - it has been very valuable and the podcasts are well done, interesting not boring.

The Young Architect provides the structure, guidance, and support needed to stay on track toward your ARE goals while balancing a busy life, with amazing coaches, resources, and a supportive community that make the journey even better!

They give me a big picture of the important topics before I dive into the nitty-gritty details.

★★★★★ Five Stars — Got Me Through PcM, PjM, and CE.
The Young Architect ARE study guides were an absolute lifesaver for me through the Practice Management, Project Management, and Construction & Evaluation exams. These three divisions can feel like a slog of contracts, delivery methods, and case-study questions, but the videos broke everything down in a way that actually made sense.
For PcM, I finally got a handle on the different types of agreements and business structures without feeling like I was drowning in legal jargon. The PjM guide was great for untangling scheduling, cost control, and risk management concepts — topics that are easy to mix up if you're not in that world day-to-day. And for CE, Lorenzo did a fantastic job clarifying contract administration, submittals, and construction observation.
What I appreciated most was how each section connected the dots between the divisions — a lot of the content overlaps, and it was clear the guides were built with that in mind rather than treating each exam in isolation. The practice questions were invaluable, and the explanations behind each answer helped me understand the "why," not just memorize the "what."
Passed all three divisions using these as my primary resource, along with the Architects Handbook of Professional Practice, of course. If you're tackling the management/ administration side of the ARE, I can't recommend Young Architect enough.

Excellent information, support, and community. The mindset is not about just passing exams it’s about knowing the information so that you can be an effective and competent architect. I recommend 100% to anyone studying for the ARE.

I was taking the exams without much guidance by cramming weekends with lots of practice test the weekend before an exam. Bootcamp is tremendously helpful in providing a roadmap to understanding what is key to each exam. The podcast are informative and 2-pages great cheat notes. I'm starting my 8th week of the 10 week program and I could not be more happy with the investment.

Thank you YA team.

Having a structured study approach that was tailored to each division of the test, having an idea of what to expect along the way, and having it aligned with the objectives.

They offer really good two pagers!

ARE Podcast gives good idea about each division and section. And helps to clarify some basic concepts! I used them to listen while driving to retain exam vocabulary! Thank you Young Architect Team.

I really like the videos! You guys put it in ways that I can understand.

The method of instruction and graphics combined greatly help with memory of the concepts taught.

The way complex material is simplified has been one of the biggest reasons my experience has been so positive so far. When it comes to challenging topics like codes and building systems, having the material broken down into clear, easy-to-understand terms makes a huge difference. It has helped me better understand the concepts while also building my confidence as I work through the material.
Another standout aspect of the program is Michael’s availability and willingness to discuss my thoughts, answer questions, and provide guidance when I need it. That level of personal support goes above and beyond anything I have experienced with other study programs and has made the experience feel much more personalized and supportive.

I’m a big fan of Young Architect’s free podcasts. They provide really effective recaps of specific topics, which help me understand the logic behind them. They also encourage me to study more effectively.

An Investment That Made the Difference

I recently earned my CSI Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) certification, and I can honestly say that Young Architect Academy’s CDT 101 course played a significant role in helping me get there.

The CSI Project Delivery Practice Guide is an incredibly valuable resource, but it is also extensive and, at times, intimidating. YA’s Michael and Emily have a real talent for taking that information and breaking it down into concepts that are easier to understand, remember, and—most importantly—apply in the real world.

What I appreciated most was that the course went beyond simply preparing you to pass a test. It helped me understand why the information matters and how the various pieces of the construction process connect. That real-world perspective made a huge difference in how I approached the exam.

As someone who comes from a construction project coordination background rather than architecture, I especially appreciated having the material translated into practical terms. My one suggestion would be for YA to continue expanding its perspective beyond the architect's role. CDT candidates come from many areas of the industry—project administrators, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, and other construction professionals—and examples that intentionally reflect those different perspectives would make an already excellent course even more valuable.

The CDT exam is not easy, and I would not have wanted to tackle it without a structured resource like CDT 101. YA gave me the confidence, context, and foundation I needed to walk into that exam prepared—and I walked out a CDT-certified professional.

My (other) recommendation for YA courses would be more on Commissioning. Commissioning is a rapidly growing, quality-focused discipline in the U.S., driven by increasingly stringent energy codes, complex digital controls, decarbonization goals, and the industry's continued shift from isolated contractor handoffs toward integrated, verified, operational buildings. It would be WONDERFUL if they produced some courses covering this ever-expanding discipline!

If you're considering pursuing your CDT, I absolutely recommend making the investment in Young Architect Academy's CDT 101. It was one of the best decisions I made during my certification journey.

Thank you, Michael and Emily, for making a challenging process much more approachable and helping me reach this goal!

This podcast is very informative and easy to understand with clear diagram and key notes PDF file ready to download.

Listening to the podcast makes it much easier to understand the topic because it explains the details clearly and gives more information.

I like having a such a large library of study materials that makes learning more accessible and natural

The combination of exam-related coursework plus the multitude of practice questions has helped give me the knowledge to pass the ARE exams.