ARE studying material

This is an excellent book to skim through for preparation for the ARE. I definitely recommend Ching's two books: Building Codes Illustrated and Building Construction Illustrated. After spending several dollars on studying materials for the exam, I found that I got the most bang for my buck from: the two Ching books, David Ballast's Study Guides, Larry Paul's ARE Practice Exam, and Archiflash cards. These were the the most useful tools to get through the multiple choice sections as they most closely reflected the material covered on the exams.

For those who had trouble reading the code book

I have alot of trouble reading any codes: BOCA, UBC, SBC...etc. I find it difficult to understand the language. After getting this book last month, believe it or not, I find reading code such a PLEASANT experience. It summarizes all the main sections of IBC, those you browse thru the most, into easy to read format with clear and good graphic illustrations. This is the first time I don't feel confuse anymore when reading the code. For best result, read it with IBC 2000 side by side. It's good buy, highly recommend.

Up-to-date and clear

This books represents the latest and possibly the best attempt to explain the logic and art that goes into writing the new national model codes. It also explains through the insights of the authors how best to use the code and what to expect from it by way of future revisions and local interpertations. As a design professionsal I constantly struggle to explain to clients why, when life safety is involved, we cannot do certain things in buildings. This book will help inform both the professional and non professional interested user of the building code. Serveral attempts in the past have been made to cover this subject, but at the time there were several codes around the country. Now that we are catching up with the British in our understanding and use of fire science the IBC allows a new clearer understanding of what codes do. This book is simply the best effort in years to cover this material.