Jun 12

Ultimate ExAC 2025 Prep Guide: Time‑Saving Tips & Tricks 🕒

Preparing for the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC) is no small feat, especially in 2025, where expectations are higher than ever. With more content and stricter timelines, mastering time management is crucial. This guide shares proven strategies and helpful tips to maximize your efficiency before and during the ExAC.

🏗️ What Is the ExAC?

The ExAC is a practice-based examination designed to assess the skills and knowledge you’ve gained throughout your internship. It reflects what you should have learned in real-world project delivery, from pre-design to post-construction. There are four exam sections, each focused on different aspects of architectural practice:

  1. Section 1 – Programming, Site & Environmental Analysis, Cost & Feasibility

  2. Section 2 – Building Code (NBC 2020), Life Safety, Sustainability

  3. Section 3 – Final Project Documentation, Contract Drawings & Specs

  4. Section 4 – Construction Phase Services, Professional Practice & Contract


🏢 ExAC Preparation at the Office

The best way to prepare? Experience as much as you can. Here's what you can focus on while in practice:

  • Involve yourself in every project type—residential, commercial, institutional. Exposure is key.

  • Participate in all project phases—even if you shadow after hours. Understanding pre-design through close-out gives you a well-rounded edge.

  • Review IFC sets from past projects to learn how design becomes reality.

  • Study contracts and specs. Understanding RAIC Document 6, 9, and CCDC 2 documents is essential for Sections 3 and 4.

  • Be part of code reviews. Whether for Part 3 or Part 9 buildings, experience navigating NBC 2020 will directly boost your Section 2 performance.


🏠 ExAC Preparation at Home

When time is tight, efficiency is everything. Here’s how to stay ahead of your exam schedule.

1. Build a Reverse Calendar

Start with your exam date and build backwards:

  • Allocate 2 weeks for each section

  • Reserve 2 extra weeks for NBC and code drills

  • Final week = flashcard + mock exams + rest

2. Use the 3-2-1 Rule

Each study session:

  • 3 flashcards

  • 2 video lessons or code drills

  • 1 practice question or case study

3. Tag & Practice NBC

For Section 2:

  • Use color-coded sticky tabs

  • Practice questions by code part

  • Get familiar with Part 3, 5, 9, and the index

4. Create Weekly Goals

Set small weekly targets:

  • E.g., "Finish CHOP Chapters 1–3" or "Complete 4 hours of webinar content"

🧠 Pro Tip: Use the SIMPLY ExAM Study Planner to track your time and progress.


💻 Time Management Tips
for Studying

While every intern has a different study style, there are proven ways to stay productive and retain what you learn outside the office.

📚 Key References You Must Know:

Here’s a curated list of references to prioritize:

  • National Building Code of Canada (NBC) 2020

  • Building Construction Illustrated, Ching – Excellent for Sections 1 and 3.

  • Architectural Graphic Standards – A staple for details and drawings.

  • Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects (CHOP) – The latest edition is covered throughout SIMPLY ExAM webinars.

  • Mastering the Business of Architecture (OAA Vol. 2 & 3A) – Excellent insight into business operations, especially for Section 4.

  • RAIC Documents 6 & 9 – Know them well.

  • CCDC Documents – CCDC 2 is a must; others are good context.

  • Cost Data Sets – Hanscomb, RSMeans, and Yardsticks for Section 1 practice.

  • The rest of the ExAC references listed on the ExAC website shall be noted as well.

💡 SIMPLY TIP: SIMPLY ExAM provides fast-track summaries of all these references—perfect for focused studying without reading 2,000+ pages.

🎯 How to Approach ExAC Questions

No one knows the real questions, but here's how to prepare:

❓ Types of Questions to Expect:

  • Multiple Choice

  • Matching / Pairing

  • Step Sequencing

  • Fill in the Blank

  • Short Answer

  • Extended Answer

💡 Effective Strategy:

  • Start with Short/Extended Answer Questions – They carry more points. Allocate specific time blocks.

  • Use the Flag and Move method – Mark questions that need more time and return later.

  • Don’t Leave Any Question Blank – Guess if you must; you may score partial points.

📝 Practice Sources:

  • SIMPLY ExAM’s Homework After Every Webinar
  • ARE Practice Questions (AIA-based, but very helpful)

  • Provincial Code Exam Samples

  • Member Forums for shared notes & study groups

🧪 Exam Day Time Management: Your Success Blueprint

🔍 Read the Exam First

  • Spend 1–2 minutes reading through question types.

  • Identify which ones need more thought.

⏱️ Budget Your Time

If Section 1 has 60 questions in 2 hours:

  • Allow 1.5 minutes/question

  • Spend more time on short answer, less on matching

📘 Code Efficiency

  • Use the NBC Index FIRST before flipping

  • Tags help, but knowing how to navigate fast matters more

✅ Final Checks

  • If done early, review everything

  • If short on time, guess don’t skip

  • Remember: every mark counts

💬 After the Exam

You did it! Regardless of outcome, completing the ExAC is a huge milestone. Take time to:

  • Reflect on what you learned

  • Share your experience with others (but not ExAC content)

  • Leave a review if SIMPLY ExAM helped you succeed

  • Enjoy a break—you earned it

🧰 How SIMPLY ExAM Helps You Prepare Smarter

SIMPLY ExAM is trusted by hundreds of Canadian interns each year. Here’s what you’ll get with our 2025 package:

  • ✅ Over 45 hours of webinars covering all 4 sections

  • ✅ Exclusive access to NBC code navigation strategies

  • ✅ Homework and sectional quizzes to test knowledge

  • ✅ Access to study forums and peer networks

  • ✅ Flashcards, summaries, and time planners for effective prep

  • ✅ Tips on tackling short and long answer questions


📍Final Word

Passing the ExAC in 2025 isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about preparation, time management, and the confidence to execute under pressure. With SIMPLY ExAM, you’re not alone on the journey.

Ready to start?
👉 Visit SIMPLYExAM.ca and explore our Full Bundle, Section-Specific Packages, and Free Study Tools.


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