Thanks all! And concur, celebrations are in order.
He graduated in 2017 with a BArch - which is a five year advanced degree which sort of eliminates the need/benefit to pursuing a Masters. Since college, he's been with the DC office of a global firm and has worked mostly on hospitals, an atrium for a mass transit hub, and some commercial buildings.
The ARE is series of 6 compulsory exams that customarily take 3-7 years to finish and, once passed, allow you to apply for a license. You also drop the "apprentice" label. His last two years have been akin to pursuing a night school degree while holding down a full-time job. He is immensely relieved and excited -and we are thrilled for him.