Choose the membership that guarantees you'll pass the ARE
Monthly
Yearly
Premium
Just the basics to get started.
$149.17/mo
Billed at $1,790/yr
$179/mo
Billed monthly
Included For All 6 ARE Divisions:
Video lectures and digital workbooks
Practice exams
Quizzes
Practical application videos
Digital Flashcards
Study guides
The Black Specatcles Guided Study Process
Virtual workshops
Pass the ARE guarantee
PRO
Everything included in premium, plus a little extra.
$207.50/mo
Billed at $2,490/yr
$249/mo
Billed monthly
Included For All 6 ARE Divisions:
Video lectures and digital workbooks
Practice exams
Quizzes
Practical application videos
Digital Flashcards
Study guides
The Black Specatcles Guided Study Process
Virtual workshops
Pass the ARE guarantee
Most Popular
Expert
Our most extensive study plan to
guarantee you pass the ARE®.
$274.16/mo
Billed at $3,290/yr
$329/mo
Billed monthly
Included For All 6 ARE Divisions:
Video lectures and digital workbooks
Practice exams
Quizzes
Practical application videos
Digital Flashcards
Study guides
The Black Specatcles Guided Study Process
Virtual workshops
Pass the ARE guarantee
*We've estimated your monthly cost based on the option you choose above. Any applicable taxes are not included and will be reflected on your price depending on the state you reside in at checkout.
Proof that Black Spectacles' test prep is the gold standard for passing the ARE
- Last year 2,300 of our members answered our ‘did you pass’ survey, and 82% of them said that they passed, which is 50% higher than the national average.
- 75% of the top 100 firms in the world trust Black Spectacles for their staff.
- The AIA acknowledged our work as making an powerful, national impact on the profession of architecture by recognizing our founder & CEO, Marc Teer with one of the AIA’s highest honors- Fellowship
NCARB reviewed and approved our test prep materials with their Approved Test Prep Provider program in 2019. - Black Spectacles was the first test prep provider to get all 6 of our courses reviewed and approved by NCARB.
- Over 150 people have rated BKS as 4.5 stars out of 5 via Trustpilot
There is a science to learning.
There is an optimal way to study.
2x Faster Licensure
Your pain? We understand. This is why we do what we do, and can provide you with an experience like no other.

40% Higher Pass Rate
Our pass rate surpasses the national average by more than 40%

★★★★★
The test questions are difficult which…
“The test questions are difficult which is great and are in the same NCARB flavor”… “I like the fact I pass CE and I was able to transfer over my membership to PjM. All and all great product and would use it again for PcM.”
carolina suarez
★★★★★
expert subscription… WORTH IT
“I purchased the expert subscription because I needed as much support as I could find. To my avail, the video material was reaffirming and the virtual workshops served as good check-in communities to confirm thought strategies in weak subjects.”
CF
★★★★★
Quality practice exams and quizzes
“The ARE is overwhelming. Black Spectacles helped focus my studies with quality practice exams and quizzes. Each question has answer explanations and study material suggestions that I found valuable in my success.”
Patrick