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30% Off
All Memberships (ends Nov. 30)
Study Smarter, Spend Less.

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Save 20% and choose the membership that guarantees you’ll pass the ARE

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Yearly
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Premium

Just the basics to get started.

Limited time $149.17
$119.34/mo

Billed at $1,432/year

ADD TO CART

ARE 5.0 Test Prep

Included For All 6 ARE Divisions:

Mobile App
Video lectures & digital workbooks
Practice exams
Quizzes
Customizable Flashcards
Study guides
The Black Spectacles Guided Study Process  
60-Day Study Challenges
Real-World Practice
Pass the ARE guarantee

PRO

Everything included in premium, plus a little extra.

Limited time $207.50
$166/mo

Billed at $1,992/year

ADD TO CART

ARE 5.0 Test Prep

Included For All 6 ARE Divisions:

Mobile App
Video lectures & digital workbooks
Practice exams
Quizzes
Customizable Flashcards
Study guides
The Black Spectacles Guided Study Process
60-Day Study Challenges
Real-World Practice
Pass the ARE guarantee
Most Popular

Expert

Our most extensive study plan to
guarantee you pass the ARE®.

Limited time $274.16
$219.33/mo

Billed at $2,632/year

ADD TO CART

ARE 5.0 Test Prep

Included For All 6 ARE Divisions:

Mobile App + Offline Video Playback
Video lectures & digital workbooks
Practice exams
Quizzes
Customizable Flashcards
Study guides
The Black Spectacles Guided Study Process  
60-Day Study Challenges
Real-World Practice
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



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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.

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40% Higher Pass Rate

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

national_average
★★★★★
Rated Excellent
Based on 209 verified reviews
★★★★★

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

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between Premium, Pro, and Expert?

Premium includes:

Pro is designed for candidates who want a structured path and faster progress. It includes everything in Premium, plus:

Expert is our most popular membership, offering our Pass the ARE Guarantee and advanced, real-world scenario-based learning. In addition to everything in Pro and Premium, Expert includes:

  • Real-World Practice: self-paced, scenario-based case study exercises that simulate real-world practice and strengthen your critical thinking for exam day.
  • The Pass the ARE Guarantee—if you don’t pass, we’ll cover your retake (terms apply)

Does Black Spectacles guarantee you’ll pass the ARE?

Yes. With our Pass the ARE Guarantee (available for Expert only), if you don’t pass after using our entire program, we’ll cover the cost of your retake. Terms apply.

How long does it take to pass the ARE using Black Spectacles?

The timeline varies by individual, but Black Spectacles learners pass the ARE 2x faster than NCARB’s national average.

Can I use Black Spectacles for all ARE divisions?

Yes. Our platform covers all six ARE 5.0 divisions:

  • Practice Management (PcM)
  • Project Management (PjM)
  • Programming & Analysis (PA)
  • Project Planning & Design (PPD)
  • Project Development & Documentation (PDD)
  • Construction & Evaluation (CE)

Can I study on my phone or tablet?

Yes. Black Spectacles has a mobile app, so you can study anytime, anywhere—whether you’re at your desk or on the go. And, with the expert membership, you can download video lectures for offline viewing.

Do I need prior experience before using Black Spectacles?

No. whether you’re just getting started, midway through your ARE journey, or retaking an exam, Black Spectacles provides the structure and guidance you need to succeed at every stage.

Can I cancel my subscription anytime?

Yes. You can cancel your subscription at any time directly through your account. Access will continue through the end of your billing period.

Do you offer discounts or payment plans?

We’re currently offering 20% off new or upgraded memberships until April 6, 2026. Click here to start studying.

Know others ready to start their ARE journey? Join our referral program—you’ll earn $50 for every successful referral, and they’ll get 15% off their membership.

Does Black Spectacles offer CSE prep (California Supplemental Exam)?

Yes. In addition to ARE prep, Black Spectacles offers CSE prep to help you get licensed in California. View CSE.