I am a firm believer in the IDP program as a good tool to measure experience needed for the ARE...BUT there are several portions of the ARE that are better suited to be taken right after graduation.  I recommend these only because in my 13 years of experience I have never relied on my skills alone to run structure calculations for liability reasons.  I also never was asked to know the historical significance an agora.  Portions of the ARE that cover these kind of questions are more apt to be passed when allowed to be taken right after graduation only because it is fresher in your mind and 3 + year have not passed.  All others are application of skills expected to be learned on the job.