If you are preparing for the Examination for Architects in Canada, you have probably found both Intern Exam Prep (IEP) and Examitect. They are two of the few tools built only for the ExAC, so either one will feel more relevant than a general flashcard app. This is an honest look at what each emphasizes, where they overlap, and where they differ, so you can spend your study budget well.
Two tools built for the same exam
Most study apps are general purpose. IEP and Examitect are not. Both focus on the ExAC and the Canadian references behind it, including the National Building Code (NBC 2020), the National Energy Code (NECB 2020), the Canadian Handbook of Practice (CHOP), the CCDC contracts, and the RAIC documents. That shared focus is the headline. The differences are in format and emphasis.
What Examitect offers
Examitect is a dedicated ExAC platform best known for its bank of practice questions, flashcards, and reference summaries. If the way you like to study is to drill questions and review flashcards repeatedly, that question-led and card-led approach is its strength. It is a credible, ExAC-specific option, and many candidates have used it.
What Intern Exam Prep offers
IEP is built around comprehensive, curated and guided study notes that walk you through each topic in plain language, paired with a bank of 400+ practice questions that explain the reasoning behind every answer, not just the correct letter. It also offers audio products so you can keep studying while commuting or away from a screen, with coverage mapped across all four ExAC sections. In short, IEP leans toward understanding first, then testing that understanding.
IEP vs Examitect at a glance
| Feature | Intern Exam Prep | Examitect |
|---|---|---|
| Built only for the ExAC | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian codes & references | Yes | Yes |
| Curated, guided study notes | Core focus | Offered |
| Practice questions with reasoning | 400+, detailed for every answer | Yes |
| Audio learning products | Yes | Not a focus |
| Flashcards | Not a focus | Yes |
| Content style | Expert-curated and guided | Expert-curated |
| Best for | Guided notes, reasoned practice, audio | Question and flashcard drilling |
This comparison reflects IEP's own product and publicly available information about other tools at the time of writing. Features change, and "Not a focus" means a feature is not a highlighted part of that product based on public information, not a guarantee it is absent. Check each provider's current offering before you decide.
Where each one fits
Neither tool is "better" for everyone. They suit different study styles, and the honest answer depends on how you learn best.
| Choose IEP if you want | Choose Examitect if you want |
|---|---|
| Guided notes that teach a topic before testing it | A large, question-first drilling experience |
| The reasoning behind every answer, not just the key | Flashcard-based repetition you can cycle quickly |
| To study by audio while away from a screen | A familiar question-and-card workflow |
Can you use both?
There is no rule that says you must pick one. Some candidates use IEP's guided notes and audio to build understanding, then drill questions to pressure-test it. If your budget allows and you learn well from variety, combining a notes-and-reasoning tool with a question-and-card tool can cover both understanding and recall. If you would rather keep things simple and focused, choose the one whose primary format matches how you study.
Key takeaways
- IEP and Examitect are both ExAC-specific, so either beats a generic study app for relevance.
- IEP leads with guided study notes, reasoned questions, and audio learning.
- Examitect leads with question drilling and flashcards.
- Match the tool to your study style, and consider combining them if budget allows.