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ARE 5.0 Exam Prep

The Black Spectacles
“Pass the ARE 5.0 Exam Prep Program”

Everything you need to pass the ARE the first time, guaranteed. ARE 5.0 exam prep for all six divisions.

Start Studying Today
The Black Spectacles “Pass the ARE 5.0 Exam Prep Program”
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Who has time to prep for ARE exams when you’re working architect-hours at a full time job?

Pass the ARE in record time, with our Pass the ARE Study Program, covering all six ARE 5.0 exams including, CE, PA, PcM, PjM, PPD and PDD.

We’re so confident that you’ll pass on the first try, in the unlikely event that you don’t, we’ll buy you a seat credit to retake your exam.

How architects find time to study for the ARE while working full-time

"I can see the rigor that Black Spectacles has put in developing all the content. It's almost like a companion for you going through the exams... I don't think there's anything that's as robust and holistic as Black Spectacles."

Jonathan Plass | Gensler

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.


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!

Start Studying Today
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Join Tens of Thousands of Architects Who Trust Black Spectacles to Advance Their Careers

★★★★★
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
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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Earn More. Achieve More.

A licensed architect makes $1 Million dollars more over the course of their career, compared to a non-licensed architect*. Get licensed as soon as you can to see that bump in your salary and cross the finish line so you can finally call yourself, “Architect”.

*Based on AIA’s 2024 Salary Survey

Start Studying Today
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How Thousands of Architects Have Passed with Black Spectacles

What is included
The Competition
Black Spectacles
Group Management & Reporting
Love It Guarantee
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Easy Member Management & CSV Upload
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Group Reporting Dashboard
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Automated Monthly Reports
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Pass Rate Reporting
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Video Content
Basic Video Lectures w/ 3d and 2d graphics
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Advanced Video Lectures
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Workbooks
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Practical Application Videos & Scenario Videos
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Closed Captions & Transcripts
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Practice Exams
1 Practice Exam ‘form’
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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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Review Practice Exam Results
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Quizzes & Flashcards
Basic quizzes
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Quizzes with ability to review results
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Digital Flashcards
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Interactive Learning & Support
Live Virtual Workshops
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Pass the ARE Guarantee
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ARE Community
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Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to study for the ARE 5.0?

The most effective way to study for the ARE 5.0 is to follow a structured plan that combines practice exams, video lectures, and active recall techniques. Black Spectacles uses a Guided Study Process built on learning science to help you study the right material at the right time—so you retain more and pass faster.

How long does it take to pass the ARE?

The timeline varies, but most candidates take around 12 months to complete all six divisions while working full-time using Black Spectacles. Members report completing licensure 2x faster than the NCARB national average by following a structured study plan and staying consistent. 

How hard is the ARE exam?

The ARE 5.0 is challenging because it tests both technical knowledge and real-world application. Many candidates struggle not because of difficulty, but because they lack a clear study strategy. Using realistic practice exams and a structured study system that Black Spectacles offers significantly improves pass rates and builds test day confidence.

What ARE divisions do I need to pass?

The ARE 5.0 includes six divisions:

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

Black Spectacles provides prep materials for all six divisions in one platform. Start studying today.

Are Black Spectacles practice exams like the real ARE exams?

Yes. Black Spectacles practice exams are designed to mirror the real exam format, timing, and difficulty, including NCARB-aligned questions and tools like the digital whiteboard and calculator. This helps you build confidence and reduce surprises on exam day.

Can I pass the ARE while working full-time?

Yes. Most ARE candidates study while working full-time. Black Spectacles is designed for busy architects, with mobile-friendly content, short quizzes, and structured study plans that help you stay consistent—even with a demanding schedule.

For more tips on balancing work and study, check out our blog: Time Management Tips for Working Professionals Studying for the ARE

Does Black Spectacles guarantee you’ll pass the ARE?

Yes. Black Spectacles offers a Pass the ARE Guarantee (available with our Expert membership), meaning if you don’t pass after using the program, we will cover the cost of your retake. This reduces the financial risk of exam prep and encourages candidates to invest in the right resources upfront.

What makes Black Spectacles different from other ARE prep courses?

Black Spectacles combines:

  • NCARB-approved study materials

  • A learning science-based study system

  • Practice exams that simulate the real test

  • A structured Guided Study Process

  • Pass the ARE Guarantee: The Only Insurance Policy for Your ARE Prep

  • The complete all-in-one ARE prep system

This integrated approach helps improve retention, increase pass rates, and reduce study time compared to piecing together multiple resources.

Can I study for the ARE on my phone?

Yes. Black Spectacles is fully mobile-friendly, allowing you to study anytime, anywhere—whether you’re commuting, traveling, or fitting in short study sessions during your day. View mobile app.

How many practice exams should I take for the ARE?

It’s recommended to take multiple full-length practice exams per division. Black Spectacles provides multiple practice exams and thousands of questions, allowing you to practice repeatedly, identify knowledge gaps, and build confidence before test day. Explore practice exams.

Do I need multiple study resources to pass the ARE?

No. A comprehensive program that includes lectures, practice exams, quizzes, and flashcards is often more effective than using multiple disconnected resources. Black Spectacles is designed as an all-in-one system so you can stay focused and avoid wasting time.