I sat for the ARE 30 years after graduating with my BArch. I was working in the field, but just didn't want to take the time. Finally... in my 50s I bit the bullet and went for it.

Found a good forum online and engaged their help. This was for 4.0, so having to work with the dumbed down version of CAD was a huge challenge. For the structures and mechanical (building systems) tests, l traveled to NY for weekend classses at the Manhattan AIA center. These were invaluable. Both of these disciplines have changed so much since our schooldays, you do need to take good class to grasp some of the theoretical side to what's being done now and what the exams test. Practical, everyday real-life knowledge will not cut it with NCARB, you will need what you get from peofessors who are currently teaching in architecture schools. Both classes were excellent; one professor taught at VA Tech. the other at NCState.

In the end, it not only resulted in me getting my license, but our firm (my husband and I have had a small firm for 24 years) was better off because of my "updated" education.

Don't give up... press in and get it done!