ARE 5.0 PPD exam guide
ARE 5.0 PPD Exam: Project Planning and Design
Understand the PPD exam format, five content areas and design decisions. Start with free guidance while the ReasonSpan™ program is in development.
Reviewed for the current ReasonSpan™ exam profile · Updated October 18, 2026What does PPD test?
Project Planning and Design asks you to compare preliminary building and site designs. A workable answer must reconcile the program, site, regulations, building systems and budget. Knowing a system in isolation is only a starting point; practice explaining why it fits the stated project constraints.
Current exam format
These are NCARB exam details, separate from the ReasonSpan™ pilot inventory. Use the current Guidelines when scheduling and preparing; older study materials may describe a different case-study format.
| Exam feature | NCARB October 2026 guidance |
|---|---|
| Total questions | 100 |
| Testing time | 4 hours 5 minutes |
| Optional break allowance | 45 minutes |
| Appointment duration | 5 hours |
| Case studies | Up to 9, with up to 20 case-study items |
The five PPD content areas
The ranges describe typical exam forms, not a guaranteed question count for your appointment. Combine the blueprint with evidence from fresh practice when assigning your study time.
| Content area | Exam range |
|---|---|
| Environmental Conditions and Context | 10–16% |
| Codes and Regulations | 16–22% |
| Building Systems, Materials, and Assemblies | 19–25% |
| Project Integration of Program and Systems | 32–38% |
| Project Costs and Budgeting | 8–14% |
Turn the blueprint into decisions
- Site: compare orientation and access while checking slope, drainage and nearby uses.
- Codes: establish the controlling height, area, occupancy and egress conditions before comparing layouts.
- Systems: compare structural, mechanical and enclosure options against the same project requirements.
- Integration: test whether the selected systems and program fit together spatially and functionally.
- Cost: compare alternatives on a consistent scope and explain what must change when the budget cannot support the design.
Start with the official practice exam
NCARB provides a free PPD practice exam through your NCARB Record. Use it to experience the official interface and identify decisions that need further study. ReasonSpan™ questions are original educational exercises and are not NCARB exam items.
Sources and further reading
Exam requirements can change. Confirm current details with the organization that administers your exam and use the cited sources for the preparation principles summarized here.