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The most effective ARE 5.0 exam prep, guaranteed.

Pass the first time or we'll pay for your retake.

 
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Give yourself the best chance to pass the ARE the first time

Black Spectacles members report passing ARE 5.0 at a 29% higher rate than the NCARB average.

SEE PASS RATES

ARE 5.0
Pass Rates

Black Spectacles Members
NCARB National Avg

 84%

 55%

Everything you need to pass the ARE® 5.0

  • Your subscription includes video lectures with motion graphics and 3D animation, practice exams that are as close to the real thing as you can get, flashcards, quizzes and live virtual workshops.
  • All of these study tools are organized with our Guided Study Process®, a daily study plan that shows you what to study each day based on your exam date.

Failing exams is expensive. Invest in the right resource the first time, and pass on your first try.

Guided study process

Guided Study Process

The Black Spectacles Guided Study Process

Your daily study plan shows you what to study each day and can be customized to align with your exam date. This way, you can be confident you’re pacing your studies correctly and won’t have to cram at the last minute.

Included in the following subscriptions:
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Practice exams

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Exams that looks and feel like the real thing

Put what you've learned to the test with our practice exams. We format our practice exams to exactly match the look and feel of the real ARE®, so you'll feel totally prepared come exam day.

Included in the following subscriptions:
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Video lectures

Video Lectures

World-class video lectures at your fingertips

Watch or listen to video lectures on your own schedule. Our on-demand content makes it easy for you to study whenever, wherever—so you can create a study plan that works for you. 

Included in the following subscriptions:
Expert Tier Membership Icons
 

 

Study guides

Study Guides-2

Set a study schedule

See your upcoming month laid out with our recommendation for what to study each day. Plus, get expert study and self-care tips to help prepare you for exam day. 

Included in the following subscriptions:
Pro tier membership icons

Practical applications

Practical Application

Apply what you've learned

Practical application videos take the theories you've been learning and put them into practice. See how concepts translate into real life—and into real structures.

Included in the following subscriptions:
Pro tier membership icons

 

Digital flashcards

Flash Cards

Practice till it's perfect

Use digital flashcards to memorize concepts, terms, and more. Mastered our existing library? Create custom flashcards for areas or ideas you want a little extra help with.

Included in the following subscriptions:
Pro tier membership icons

Virtual workshops

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Take advantage of hands-on learning

You shouldn't have to study alone. Each week, a licensed architect coach hosts a live virtual workshop to walk through tough problems and answer your questions—all in a group setting. 

Included in the following subscriptions:
Expert tier membership icons-2

 

Guided Study Process

The Black Spectacles Guided Study Process

Your daily study plan shows you what to study each day and can be customized to align with your exam date. This way, you can be confident you’re pacing your studies correctly and won’t have to cram at the last minute.

Included in the following subscriptions:
Pro tier membership icons
Practice Exams Image

Exams that looks and feel like the real thing

Put what you've learned to the test with our practice exams. We format our practice exams to exactly match the look and feel of the real ARE®, so you'll feel totally prepared come exam day.

Included in the following subscriptions:
Expert Tier Membership Icons
Video Lectures

World-class video lectures at your fingertips

Watch or listen to video lectures on your own schedule. Our on-demand content makes it easy for you to study whenever, wherever—so you can create a study plan that works for you. 

Included in the following subscriptions:
Expert Tier Membership Icons
 

 

Study Guides-2

Set a study schedule

See your upcoming month laid out with our recommendation for what to study each day. Plus, get expert study and self-care tips to help prepare you for exam day. 

Included in the following subscriptions:
Pro tier membership icons
Practical Application

Apply what you've learned

Practical application videos take the theories you've been learning and put them into practice. See how concepts translate into real life—and into real structures.

Included in the following subscriptions:
Pro tier membership icons

 

Flash Cards

Practice till it's perfect

Use digital flashcards to memorize concepts, terms, and more. Mastered our existing library? Create custom flashcards for areas or ideas you want a little extra help with.

Included in the following subscriptions:
Pro tier membership icons
Virtual Workshops Image

Take advantage of hands-on learning

You shouldn't have to study alone. Each week, a licensed architect coach hosts a live virtual workshop to walk through tough problems and answer your questions—all in a group setting. 

Included in the following subscriptions:
Expert tier membership icons-2

 

More architects trust Black Spectacles for their ARE 5.0 prep than any provider (25,000+)

Get licensed with the first NCARB-approved ARE test prep provider for all 6 divisions of ARE 5.0

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Join a thriving ARE 5.0 Exam community

Preparing for the ARE is a huge undertaking—and you shouldn't have to prepare alone. Get support, guidance, advice, and study tips in our community from licensed architects and your peers who know exactly what you're going through. 

VISIT THE COMMUNITY
ARE Community

Frequently asked questions

Which ARE division should I start with?

Everyone learns differently, so to make this decision, we advise you to become familiar with the NCARB Guidelines and to listen to our ARE Live episode on ARE testing order and strategy.

Do you offer a free trial?

While we do not have a free trial for our ARE 5.0 prep, you can watch select Video Lectures for free in the Preview Dashboard.

After my purchase is complete, when does my access to the study material start?

Your access will begin immediately after your purchase, so you can get started right away. Access cannot be delayed or paused.

Can I upgrade my subscription after trying it out for a few weeks?

Yes! You can upgrade at any time through your member profile. You’ll only be charged for upgrading the remaining time in the current billing period.

Is there direct 1-1 help available, like private tutors?

While we do not offer individual tutoring, we invite all members to utilize the ARE Community for additional study help. Our ARE Community is designed for members and architects to respond to each other organically on all things ARE.

Can I buy a subscription for a single ARE division?

Subscription tiers always include access to study content for all 6 divisions at no extra cost. We do not sell subscriptions for a single ARE division.

Will my study history be saved if I cancel my subscription and come back later?

Yes! All of your study progress and account information is saved. When you’re ready to tackle your next exam, sign in and purchase a new subscription. You’ll be able to continue where you left off.

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