Dominate Project Development & Documentation

The first-ever ARE® 5.0 Project Development & Documentation study materials to receive the NCARB stamp of approval. Prep with video lectures, practice exams and flashcards. Prepare on your own schedule, or in one of our structured groups, or with a private tutor. All materials are designed by ARE veterans and built in alignment with NCARB’s exam objectives.

About Project Development & Documentation

Once design development is complete, it’s time to prepare construction documents. This requires a deep understanding of how building systems, materials and assemblies integrate. This ARE division covers building materials and systems, construction documentation and project manuals. You’ll get up to speed on cost estimates, site features and IBC requirements.

PDD Division Study Materials & Resources

Video Lectures

ARE veteran Mike Newman walks through everything you need to know for the PDD exam. Go deep into specialty systems, project specifications and design team and owner communication. He’ll even showcase the PDD exam objectives in practice with a real-life project.

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Practical Applications

Get the whole picture as you deep-dive into the specifics. Follow along with the presenter as she explains the use of EIFS and Interior Building Coordination involved in the construction of community church. Available with your Pro Subscription.

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Practice Exams

Get into PDD test taking mode with our practice exams, modeled after NCARB’s same objectives. With similar questions and the same format, and 3 forms to practice from, it feels like the real deal. Get tested on construction estimates, security systems and conveyor systems.

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Digital Flashcards

Master the difference between wall types, wrap your head around what a SIP is, and review glazing types. Study our flashcards to get an in-depth understanding of PDD concepts and vocabulary. They’re all stored on your phone so you can study anytime, anywhere.

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Virtual Workshops

In Project Development & Documentation Virtual Workshops find comfort your studies are focused in the right direction, and learn further about wall section details, HVAC system types and more in this division. Led by a licensed architect, engage in virtual, interactive group exercises that hone in on the top four PDD topics candidates report struggling with. After the exercise, continue to reinforce those skills in a live Q&A - an opportunity to ask any ARE-related questions with a licenced architect. Virtual Workshops run in a 4-week cycle, with no start or end date. Once your membership starts, you can hop into the cycle, and in 4 weeks you’ll cover all the topics. If you elect to stay for more than one month, you’ll review the same topics again, but with new exercises - so you can really ensure you’ve mastered these concepts. And remember, with your Black Spectacles membership, you get access to content for all six divisions, so you can switch over to a different exam’s workshops at any time. Available with your Expert Subscription.

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Choose Your Membership

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.

Try It Out First

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.

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Testimonial

“Black Spectacles helped me achieve licensure about as fast as I could do it, I finished in 6 months. I’ve recommended Black Spectacles to everyone in the office who is taking the ARE.”

- Justin Schwartzhoff, GGLO

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NCARB Approved Test Prep

Black Spectacles is the first and only NCARB Approved Test Prep Provider for all 6 divisions of ARE 5.0.

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