Take your career to the next level and become a licensed architect. The Architecture Registration Exam (ARE), created by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, aims to evaluate your knowledge and skills in architecture. The ARE is a multiple division exam designed to assess specifics of architectural integrity, soundness, and the health of a building. Ultimately, the ARE aims to make sure public health, safety, and welfare are integrated into every building.
That’s what you get with Expert ARE prep.
For every division of ARE® 5.0, we have you covered. Black Spectacles study materials are based on what you’ll see on the real exam.
This is the newest division to the ARE, focusing on how to own, run, and manage a firm. Know the ins & outs of staffing needs, managing budgets, and acquiring & keeping clients.
Learn moreIn this division you’ll be required to know the beginnings of a project. Understand the specifics of contracts, managing consultants and teams, and quality control.
Learn moreThis division focuses on project evaluation. You’ll need to be able to identify project requirements, project type analysis, economic issues, and others for this division.
Learn moreThe first stages of site and building design are covered in this division. You’ll need to know design concepts, codes & regulations, materials & assemblies for this section.
Learn moreThis division will cover post-design and preparing construction documents. Building systems integration, project manuals, IBC, and others will be included in this section.
Learn moreThis division is centered around the final stages of a project. You’ll need to know contract administration, project evaluation, project closeout, and others.
Learn moreWe cover all NCARB exam objectives so you’ll feel confident and prepared come exam day. Watch video lectures, take practice exams and review flashcards anywhere you have an Internet connection.
Over 120 hours of video lectures, all built in alignment with NCARB’s exam objectives. You’ll learn from veteran architect Mike Newman, one of the most engaging and informative instructors in the biz.
We bring projects to life - literally. Watch videos of architects explaining where projects are in real-time as they relate back to each exam objective. We even take you inside the wall using animations so you can get a true “full picture” and the best understanding possible.
Our practice exams simulate the look, feel and time constraints of the real exam and include 3 distinct forms to practice from. We use the same process as NCARB to design our ARE® practice questions. Questions are developed and vetted by test question experts. Become more familiar with the exam’s format, questions and case studies.
Brush up on content, words and objectives. Each card links to a video lecture if you want to dive deeper. Shuffle the deck, mark flashcards as mastered, and create your own.
Gain clarity and assurance with the concepts you’re studying in a live video format. Hone skills with in-depth, targeted group exercises guided by a licensed architect every Sunday for 2 hours. These activities focus on the topics candidates struggle with the most. Our Virtual Workshops include time for a Q&A with a licensed architect to reinforce and personalize the topics reviewed in that week’s virtual session.
With your membership, gain access to all 6 divisions simultaneously so you can crank up your ARE studying and save money by taking all the exams in a shortened amount of time! If your life can’t accommodate that right now, sign up for a 6 or 12 month membership and get up to 2 months free. We know everyone has a different learning and studying style, which is why all of Black Spectacles materials are flexible and at your fingertips wherever and whenever you can find an internet connection. So which will it be - the tortoise or the hare? Choose from one of our four membership options and mold your path to passing the ARE to your personal preference.
Everything should come with a test drive, including your study materials! Click the button below to get an inside look at your dashboard and test out our videos, practice exams, and flashcards. We want you to love what you’re using to tackle the ARE.
“Just this week we had someone physically get their license from the state, and I know that she used Black Spectacles as a resource.”