Articles and resources to help pass the ARE and thrive in your career

Black Spectacles is NCARB’s First-Ever Approved Test Prep Provider

First and only NCARB Approved Test Prep Provider for all 6 divisions of ARE 5.0

Fresh Construction & Evaluation Materials to Help You Pass the ARE

Black Spectacles ARE test prep gets an upgrade with new Construction & Evaluation video lectures and quizzes.

ARE Live Recap: ARE 5.0 Study Plan

Create a study plan for the ARE with a Learning Designer, complete with a study guide handout and full instruction from an expert during ARE Live.

Which Architecture Firms to Work For

Learn about the varying types of architecture firms and which are the best architecture firms to work at.

How to Get Licensed by Summer

Pass the ARE by summer with our Black Spectacles ARE Test Prep and our free ARE resources.

Getting Freelance Work as an Architect

Find freedom and get freelance work as an architect. We outline the pros of freelance work for architects and how to protect yourself in the process.

How to Get a Job in Architecture

Industry experts educate on how to get a job in architecture.

The Best Resources to Help You Pass the ARE Online

A collection of Black Spectacles and NCARB resources to help you pass the ARE 5.0 online

Firms

Ways Firms Can Provide Continuing Education

Ways architects access continuing education through their firm.

ARE 5.0

The Top 10 Tips for Passing the ARE

A compilation of all of our resources pointing to the most important tips and strategies for passing the ARE, from ARE experts and architects.

5 of the Best Architect Internships You Should Apply to This Summer

If you want to be a licensed architect, it’s time to say goodbye to the beach and hello to an architecture summer internship.

How to Find a Mentor in Architecture

How to find a mentor in architecture: when it comes to your AXP mentor program, look for a mentor with these 10 qualities and you can't go wrong.

ARE 5.0 Could Save You a Lot of Time

NCARB Releases test details and durations for the new version of the Architect Registration Exam, ARE 5.0, which will be available in late 2016.

Black Spectacles and NOMA Partner to Increase Equity in Architecture

Black Spectacles Partners with NOMA to Help Increase Equity in the Architecture Field

Pass the ARE. We guarantee it.

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Black Spectacles Practice Exams Align with NCARB ARE Updates

Black Spectacles ARE Practice Exam updates to reflect changes with NCARB ARE.

AIA Chapters Provide ARE 5.0 Cost Relief

AIA Chapters Help Cover ARE 5.0 Costs

Keep Calm and Test On(line)

ARE 5.0 exam online is available, NCARB approved

5 Tips for Making Virtual Learning a Success

ARE virtual workshops successful

The Importance of Workplace Culture

Architecture career satisfaction and workplace culture

ARE Live Recap: Diversity in Architecture

How to support diversity in architecture.

5 Architecture & Engineering Firms Currently Hiring

Best architecture & engineering firms currently hiring.

HGA: How One Firm is Keeping Their Resources Available

Architect firms keep are test prep materials available to their staff.

Train with Three Unique Practice Exam Forms for All ARE 5.0 Divisions

Black Spectacles has 3 specific practice exam forms for each division of the ARE 5.0

8 Tips to Keep Calm and Pass the ARE

Licensed Architect and Licensed Mental Health Counselor discuss the best way to stay calm during the ARE.

The Top Tips About AIA Contracts on the ARE 5.0

Get the 9 best tips for remembering what you need to know about AIA contracts on the ARE.

Parents on How They Got Licensed and Made Time for Their Kids

Two parents tell us how they got licensed, promoted, and made time for their kids along the way.