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ARE 5.0 Exam Prep

ARE Study Materials Designed for Every Type of Learner

The complete, NCARB-aligned ARE® prep system—built to help you pass every division with confidence. Guaranteed.

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There is a science to learning.
There is an optimal way to study. 

 

2x Faster Licensure

Black Spectacles members report completing licensure in half the time of the NCARB average.

Black Spectacles (Speed to Pass)

40% Higher Pass Rate

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

Black Spectacles (Pass Rate)

ARE 5.0 exam prep for all six divisions

Everything that you need to pass the ARE exams in record time

Your ARE Expert Subscription includes everything that you need to pass the exams including:

Our study materials were built with a committee of licensed architects from across the country to ensure you're studying the right content. Learning Scientists also helped make the material easy to follow and well-organized into a learning experience that is optimized for you to remember that material, so you can pass the ARE on the first try.
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The easy button for passing the ARE:
The BKS Guided Study Process

Imagine if you just told us when your exam was, and we built you a daily study plan with all of the study materials organized and optimized, so all you needed to do was login, and complete your daily studying.  That’s the Guided Study Process!  We built it so you can be sure to arrive on exam day fully prepared and confident to pass.


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ARE 5.0 test prep videos designed to help you pass on your first try

Black Spectacles ARE 5.0 test prep videos use 3D animations and motion graphics to simplify complex concepts into visuals you can instantly grasp. The engaging format makes learning easier, helping you lock in knowledge and recall it with confidence on exam day.

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ARE 5.0 test prep videos designed to help you pass on your first try
Practice Exam

ARE 5.0 practice exams as close to the NCARB exams as you can get

Black Spectacles ARE 5.0 practice exams look, feel, and function just like the real exam, so you know exactly what to expect. You’ll practice with NCARB-style questions, the same tools (whiteboard, calculator, PDF viewer), and under timed conditions, so pacing becomes second nature.



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ARE 5.0 flashcards to help you retain and recall on exam day

Reinforce key terms and concepts with over 1,400 ARE 5.0 digital flashcards, designed by architects and learning experts to help you study smarter, retain knowledge, and pass with confidence.

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ARE 5.0 quizzes designed to help you pass on your first try

ARE 5.0 quizzes designed to help you pass on your first try

Lock in the material with quick, targeted quizzes aligned to NCARB objectives, complete with instant feedback and clear explanations so you can study in minutes and retain knowledge for exam day.





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Learn through realistic, NCARB-inspired case studies with Real-World Practice

Black Spectacles Real-World Practice mirrors the complexity of real-world architectural situations, helping you apply your knowledge in context — just like you will on the ARE and in practice.




Learn more about Real-World Practice
Learn through realistic, NCARB-inspired case studies with Real-World Practice
Study anytime, anywhere with the Black Spectacles Mobile App

Study anytime, anywhere with the Black Spectacles Mobile App

Download video lectures for offline viewing*, review flashcards, and take quizzes on the go.

*Offline mode is available exclusively to Expert members.

So effective, we guarantee you’ll pass

Your Expert membership includes our guarantee.  It’s an insurance policy for your exam studies.  No other provider puts their money where their mouth is and stands behind their study materials like Black Spectacles- in the unlikely event that you don’t pass, we’ll actually buy you an NCARB seat credit so you can take the exam again, pass, and get it over with!

Failing Exams is expensive. Invest in the right resource the first time and pass on your first try, we guarantee it!

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Pass the ARE Guarantee

Join Tens of Thousands of Architects & Designers Who Trust Black Spectacles to Advance Their Careers

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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
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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
Failing Exams is expensive. Invest in the right resource the first time and pass the ARE 5.0 exams on your first try, we guarantee it.
 
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How Thousands of Architects Have Passed with Black Spectacles

What is included
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Group Management & Reporting
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Video Content
Basic Video Lectures w/ 3d and 2d graphics
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Workbooks
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Practice Exams
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Up to 3 Practice Exam ‘forms’
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Practice Exams look and feel like the real Exam
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Quizzes & Flashcards
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Quizzes with ability to review results
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Digital Flashcards
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Interactive Learning & Support
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ARE Community
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