Q&A: Just Passed Argus Exam
Hopefully I can help answer any questions regarding the certification exam/preparation for anyone who needs it.
Trending Content - Real Estate Forum
Career Resources
WSO Free Modeling Series - Now Open Through
June 30, 2026
9 Free Financial Modeling Lessons
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
+Bonus: Get 27 financial modeling templates in swipe file
+Bonus: Get 27 financial modeling templates in swipe file
High Finance Applications
Guaranteed
Get at least one offer GUARANTEED
- 1:1 support
- 92% success rate
- 2,000+ mentor network
- Unlimited Live bootcamps
- AI for resume + LinkedIn
- Networking automation tools
- HireVue simulation tool
- Full course library
- Private Slack community
- 20hrs of mocks
- + much more...
How much do you feel the exam was relevant to actually knowing how to use the program?
I am Argus DCF certified, and although I have not had a real reason to become Argus AE certified since I don’t use it in my job, a complaint of mine during the DCF test was that the test itself had really nothing to do with whether or not I knew the program.
Hah, also as a funny aside, I failed the first time I took the DCF test. I was flipping between tabs and accidentally x’ed out of the test. Auto-fail, even though I was near the end.
Is it worth even doing? I'd like to do REPE or REIB at some point and want to add to the resume. It's obviously no CFA charter, but will it help me in terms of landing interviews/offers?
If you're going to be working in the office world, most definitely.
Do you mean working literally in an office or working with Office space as an RE asset class
Hah, office as an asset class, my man
Asset class - also this advice applies to retail as well.
The exam is pretty focused on knowing how to use the program. While the case study section isn't too tricky, if you haven't played around with the program enough you may find yourself with little time or incorrect cash flows just from one small input.
If you knew nothing about RE, but played with the program enough you might get close to a 60-70%. Having any basic real estate knowledge probably puts most testers over the 70% minimum.
how do I go about signing up for it? When I go to the ARGUS website there are too many choices/options to choose from and I don't know which one to select.
Also, how long did it take for you to study and take the exam? What was your study process? Am about to start FT training and want to do it alongside ARGUS
I signed up for ARGUS through my University. You can find information on signing up on your own here - https://www.altusgroup.com/argus/argus-enterprise-training
The e-learning is the class I took.
To study I did all the e-learning modules and ran through the extra case studies provided in the manual. I also flipped through some already made ARGUS quizlets.
All together it took probably 25-30 hours.
Before I took the test, I also printed out some notes w/ formulas on them for basic things like TI, LC and different recovery structures
I just started the cert through my university. Were the questions similar to the end of module questions? Those tripped me up because they are very software, function specific. Makes sense, but it can be hard for me to pay attention to the nitty gritty software related details.
How else did you prepare for the final exam?
Yes, the questions are similar.
During the exam you can have ARGUS open so you can check most your answers by flipping through tabs in old files which makes it easier.
Def have notes on recovery structures and some basic formulas easily accessible because there are several questions on each
What did you do to prepare? Did you just watch the e-learning videos and follow along or did you take notes as well?
If you’re newer to RE, definitely take notes on how to do certain calculations. If not, you could probably get away with just doing all the exercises and case studies.
argus
Velit illum natus praesentium. Quam natus nulla voluptate expedita dolorem a. Mollitia ex nobis ea vero ut. Natus corrupti voluptatem impedit voluptas quia.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...