Complete Guide to Passing the Architect Licensure Exam (ALE)
The Architect Licensure Examination (ALE) is one of the most challenging yet rewarding professional exams in the Philippines. It requires a unique blend of artistic vision, technical precision, and legal knowledge. Whether you are a fresh graduate or a re-taker, this guide provides a structured approach to help you secure that license.
Mastering the Three Major Areas
The ALE is divided into three main subject clusters. Understanding the weight of each is crucial for your review strategy:
1. History & Theory of Architecture; Professional Practice; Building Utilities (30%)
Strategy: Memorization is key here. Focus on the History of Architecture (identifying styles, famous architects, Filipino heritage) and Professional Practice (RA 9266, Code of Ethics, SPP Documents). For Utilities, understand the basic principles of plumbing and electrical systems. This is often considered the "Day 1 Morning" subject.
2. Structural Design; Building Materials & Construction (30%)
Strategy: This is the technical hurdle. For Structures, master the basic formulas (Stress, Strain, Moment) and concepts (Tension vs. Compression). You don't need to be a structural engineer, but you must know the logic. For Materials, familiarize yourself with standard sizes, commercial names, and construction methods.
3. Architectural Design & Site Planning (40%)
Strategy: The heaviest weight! This applies Rule 7 and 8 of the National Building Code (NBC). Practice solving design problems: computing AMBF, PSO, ISA, and setbacks. Mastery of the NBC (PD 1096) and BP 344 (Accessibility Law) is non-negotiable.
Suggested Review Timeline
| Phase | Focus Area | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 (Foundation) | Building Laws & Codes | Read PD 1096 (NBC) and RA 9266 cover to cover. Create summary notes for Rule 7 & 8. |
| Phase 2 (Memorization) | History & Practice | Flashcards for architectural styles, famous buildings, and UAP documents. |
| Phase 3 (Technical) | Structures & Utilities | Solve 5-10 structural problems daily. Diagram plumbing and electrical layouts. |
| Phase 4 (Application) | Design Problems | Simulate the 10-hour design exam. Practice manual drafting and rapid schematic planning. |
Must-Know Laws Checklist
Ensure you have read and understood these laws. They appear in almost every subject area:
PD 1096
National Building Code of the Philippines. Focus heavily on Rule 7 (Classification) and Rule 8 (Light & Ventilation).
RA 9266
The Architecture Act of 2004. Defines the practice, scope, and licensure of architecture.
BP 344
Accessibility Law. Memorize ramp slopes, door widths, and toilet dimensions for PWDs.
RA 9514
Fire Code of the Philippines. Know the exit distances, stair widths, and occupancy loads.
Tips for the Design Problem (Day 2)
The design problem is the make-or-break portion. It tests your ability to synthesize laws, planning, and aesthetics under pressure.
- 1. Analyze the Problem Statement: Read the design brief at least twice. Identify the client, user type, location, and specific constraints.
- 2. Check the Site: Identify the orientation (North), road access, and slopes. This dictates your building layout.
- 3. Solve Constraints First: Calculate the Allowable Maximum Building Footprint (AMBF) immediately. Do not design a building larger than allowed!
- 4. Function Over Form: In the board exam, a functional plan that meets the code usually scores higher than a beautiful but non-compliant design.
- 5. Time Management: Don't get stuck on details. Block out your spaces first. Finish the major requirements (Floor Plans, Elevations, Sections) before refining.
Exam Day Strategies & Pro Tips
Day 1: Theory & Written Exam
- Morning Session: History, Theory, Professional Practice
- Afternoon Session: Building Utilities, Building Materials
- Pro Tip: For History questions, remember chronological order: Egyptian → Greek → Roman → Byzantine → Romanesque → Gothic → Renaissance → Baroque → Modern
- Pro Tip: In Professional Practice, focus on UAP Document 301-305 (Architect-Client Agreement), fees computation (Rule 3), and scope of services
- Pro Tip: For Utilities, memorize pipe sizes: 3/4" (lavatory), 4" (WC), trap seal depths, and electrical circuit capacities
Day 2: Design Problem
- Duration: Usually 8-10 hours of drafting
- Materials: Bring extra pencils, erasers, triangles, and scales
- First 30 Minutes: Read the problem 3x, list all requirements, calculate AMBF/PSO/ISA, and sketch bubble diagrams
- Hour 1-3: Complete ground floor plan with all required rooms and dimensions
- Hour 4-6: Upper floors, sections, and one elevation
- Hour 7-8: Remaining elevations, schedules, and final checking
Critical Formulas to Memorize
AMBF (Allowable Maximum Building Footprint)
AMBF = TLA x PSO
Where TLA = Total Lot Area, PSO = Percentage of Site Occupancy (per Rule 8)
ISA (Impervious Surface Area)
ISA = TLA x 0.90 (max)
Maximum 90% for residential; includes buildings, driveways, and paved areas
TGFA (Total Gross Floor Area)
TGFA = AMBF x No. of Floors
Check against FAR (Floor Area Ratio) limits for the zone
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- X Exceeding AMBF limits - automatic major deduction
- X Missing required setbacks (front, side, rear)
- X Stairway width less than 1.20m for public buildings
- X Not providing PWD ramps and accessible toilets
- X Corridor width less than required (1.80m for schools)
- X Forgetting to indicate North arrow and scale
- X Door swings blocking corridors or not opening outward for exits
- X Incomplete schedules (doors, windows, rooms)
BP 344 (Accessibility Law) Quick Reference
These dimensions appear frequently in the design problem. Memorize them!
Recommended Study Resources
For History & Theory
- - Ching: A Visual Dictionary
- - Salvan: Architectural Theories
- - History of Architecture by Fajardo
- - Time-Saver Standards
For Codes & Laws
- - PD 1096 (NBC) - Complete text
- - RA 9266 with IRR
- - BP 344 with guidelines
- - Fire Code (RA 9514)
For Structures & Utilities
- - NSCP 2015/2020
- - Mechanical & Electrical Code
- - Plumbing Code of PH
- - Fajardo: Simplified Methods
Build Your Future
Becoming a Registered and Licensed Architect (RLA) is a journey of endurance. Use this reviewer to sharpen your knowledge, identify your weak points, and build your confidence.
"Design your success. The license is just one blueprint away."