Study Materials To Help You Pass ARE 5.0® Project Planning & Design

Our ARE® 5.0 Project Planning & Design (PPD) study materials are the first-ever to be approved by NCARB. Prepare for the exam 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 Planning & Design

Project Planning & Design (PPD) covers a project’s schematic design phase — the first stages of site and building design. Our NCARB-approved study materials dig into building systems, materials and assemblies. We cover how to determine environmental conditions and understand project costs. Wrap your head around sustainable principles, governing codes and regulations and integrating building codes.

PPD Division Study Materials & Resources

Video Lectures

Instructor Mike Newman comprehensively (and non boring-ly) covers all PPD exam objectives. He explains special systems, neighborhood context and program requirements. At the end of each lecture, stay tuned for Practical Applications videos to see how a real-life project relates back to the exam.

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Practical Applications

Become a PPD aficionado as you learn about building materials and structures. Watch as an architect describes the site analysis and structural systems involved in their project for pavilion project in Dallas, Texas.

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Practice Exams

Our practice exams mirror the real PPD division exam and cover the same objectives. We use the same types of questions, and topics cover structural systems, firewalls and budgetary requirements. Unpack every question with additional material that ties back to exam objectives.

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Digital Flashcards

Master these flashcards, and you’ll be well-versed in everything from azimuths and rough grading to metes and bounds. Flashcards offer a comprehensive dive into all things Project Planning & Design. It’s easy to add your own cards to the mix. All on your phone, so you can study anywhere.

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Choose How You Want To Study

Study On Your Own

Already have a plan of attack? Sign up for one of our ARE Prep Subscriptions and get access to what you need. You can use all of our tools anytime, anywhere. Watch videos while cooking dinner, take an exam with your coffee, and review flashcards on your evening commute. Your study materials are always at your fingertips.

Group Coaching

Looking for a plan & help? Apply for our Group Coaching program to get the structure, support, and accountability you need to tackle the ARE. Use your day-by-day syllabus, dedicated coach, and committed peers to master all 6 divisions. Our PRO subscription is included so you have access to lectures, practical applications, practice exams, and flashcards.

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Private Tutoring

Totally frustrated and feeling stuck? Our Private Tutors are here to help. Your tutor will give you guidance to ensure you understand the concepts and know what to study. You’ll work one-on-one with your private tutor to get individualized learning that draws on real life experience so you can walk in feeling confident. Add on our PRO access to get lectures, practical applications, practice exams, and flashcards.

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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

“The interface is very close to the NCARB Exam interface. We are all visual people so being visually connected is more helpful to me.”

- Gordon Lee, Leo A Daly

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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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