Amber Book Announces Course Updates to Reflect the Latest NCARB Standards

Updates include Enhanced Accessibility Standards, Innovations in Mass Timber Construction, Streamlined Building Frontage Calculations, and Replacing Quantitative Fill in the Blank Questions

Today, Amber Book, a leader in architectural examination preparation, announces an update to its Architect Registration Examination (ARE) prep course. This update incorporates the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ (NCARB) transition from referencing the International Building Code (IBC) 2018 to IBC 2021, ensuring that the Amber Book course content remains at the forefront of ARE content and education needs. Additionally, NCARB is removing the Quantitative Fill In The Blank question type from their exams. For those who are in the middle of taking the Amber Book practice exams, Amber Book will be updating those on March ^1st at 12 a.m. EST to replace them with multiple choice variation.

Key Updates to the Building Codes:

• Accessibility Improvements: In a major step towards inclusivity, the course now includes changes from the ICC's update to the A117.1-2017 standards, replacing the previous A117.1-2009. Notably, the clear floor space requirements have been expanded from 48x30 inches to 52x30 inches. Additionally, the guidelines for circular and T-shaped turning spaces have been elaborated, offering more detailed guidance for overlaps of knee and toe clearances. These modifications are designed to ensure that accessible spaces are more accommodating for individuals using power mobility devices, catering to those with severe mobility limitations.

• Innovations in Mass Timber Construction: Reflecting the latest in construction innovation, the course covers the expanded Type IV construction categories. This includes the introduction of subtypes A, B, C, and HT, each designed to provide varying levels of protection for mass timber elements, from additional protection comparable to Type I-A and I-B constructions to allowances for unprotected mass timber elements in Type IV-C.

• Simplified Frontage Increase Calculation: The update simplifies the determination of frontage area increase for buildings, moving from a complex formula to a streamlined table. This change, while making calculations easier, also considers the need for flexibility in maximizing area increases for certain projects.

Exciting Changes in Building Use and Safety:

(While these changes in building use and safety are interesting, they don't necessarily impact the ARE.)

• Puzzle Rooms and Micro-Distilleries: In a nod to modern trends, the course now includes the ICC's specific provisions for puzzle rooms, offering a technical definition and requirements that recognize their unique nature. Additionally, updates to the handling of distilling, brewing, and alcohol storage operations move these activities out of the H occupancy classification, allowing for more relaxed requirements. This shift is particularly beneficial for micro-brewing and micro-distilling operations, making code compliance more accessible and fostering growth in these creative industries.

These updates to the Amber Book ARE prep course ensure that our content is in line with the most current standards but also reflect our commitment to providing comprehensive, practical, and innovative educational resources for aspiring architects. By integrating these changes, Amber Book continues to support the next generation of architects in navigating the complexities of building codes and regulations, empowering them to design safer, more accessible, and innovative spaces for our communities.