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

ARE 5.0

10 Tips for Surviving and Conquering Exam Day | Black Spectacles

Learn 10 tips for surviving and conquering exam day for the ARE 5.0.

ARE 5.0

How NCARB Develops ARE Items and Cut Scores | Black Spectacles

Did you know that NCARB follows an extensive process for developing each item, or question? Learn how NCARB develops ARE items and cut scores.

ARE 5.0

Tips to Incorporate Flashcards Into Your ARE Study Process | Black Spectacles

Learn how to incorporate flashcards into your ARE Study Process with Black Spectacles.

Architect Education

How to Approach Each Item Type on the ARE 5.0 | Black Spectacles

Learn how to approach the Multiple Choice, Check-All-That-Apply, Hotspot, Drag-and-Place and Case Studies Item Types on the ARE 5.0 exam.

Architect Education

How to Become a Licensed Architect in 2025 | Black Spectacles

Discover the benefits of licensure and follow this comprehensive guide to becoming a licensed architect in 2025. Steps on earning a degree and...

Firms

Spectacular Firm Career Showcase

Join the Spectacular Firm Career Showcase where the nation’s top design firms will connect directly with hundreds of Architects & Designers across...

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

ARE 5.0

ARE Exam Day: Your 5-Step Survival Guide

You've studied hard. Now it's time to actually take the ARE. Here are 5 tips to help you prepare on exam day to give yourself the best chance of...

Firms

Five Keys to Recruiting and Retaining Young Architect Talent

How can you find—and keep—young architect talent? Here are 5 key ways.

Firms

5 Ways HR Managers Can Build a Culture of Learning in Firms

Learn 5 ways HR managers and firms can help support their candidates on the path to licensure by creating a culture of learning at work.

ARE 5.0

How to Avoid Burnout in the ARE Marathon

Learn three tips to help you avoid burnout while studying for the ARE.

ARE 5.0

What Should I Do After Failing the ARE?

Almost everyone fails the ARE, but almost no one knows what to do about it after. Learn tips and strategies for how to move forward after failing.

ARE 5.0

What Comes After Passing the ARE?

Congratulations on passing the ARE! Now you may be wondering what the next steps are. Discover the best tips to help you transition to career life.

ARE 5.0

3 Reasons Why Firms Should Sponsor ARE 5.0 Exam Prep

Helping your staff achieve licensure benefits both of you. Here are 4 reasons you should sponsor ARE exam prep for your employees.

NCARB

What to Know About the ARE 5.0 Exam

What’s on the ARE and how do you prepare to take it? Here's an in-depth look at everything you need to know for taking (and passing!) the ARE 5.0.

Firms

Is the Architecture Industry Encouraging Job Hopping?

Is the architecture industry creating a culture that inadvertently encourages job hopping? We dive into 4 things firms can do to retain their top...

Architect Education

Accredited vs. Non-Accredited Architecture Schools: What’s the Difference?

Should you go to an accredited or non-accredited architecture school? Black Spectacles breaks down the benefits of these types of architecture...

NCARB

In What Order Should I Take the ARE 5.0?

What’s the best order to take the ARE 5.0 exam? Here are some of the most common approaches and our recommendations for what order to take the ARE...

ARE 5.0

10 Pros and Cons of Being a Licensed Architect

From the financial benefits to the responsibilities that come with the job, Black Spectacles explores the pros and cons of getting your architect...

ARE 5.0

Top-Ranked U.S. Architecture Schools: The 10 Best Bachelor of Architecture Programs

Black Spectacles takes a closer look at the 2024-2025 best architecture schools in the US for bachelor of architecture (B.Arch) undergraduate degrees.

ARE 5.0

Top 10 Masters of Architecture Programs in the US

Black Spectacles takes a closer look at the top 10 best architecture schools in the US for Master of Architecture (M.Arch) graduate degrees.

ARE 5.0

How to Get Your Architecture Firm to Pay for ARE 5.0 Prep

As an architect, you have the drive to reach your goals. This guide will help you get your firm to pay for Black Spectacles test prep so you can pass...

NCARB

5 Best IPAL Programs to Fast-Track Your Architecture License

Black Spectacles explores 5 of the top IPAL programs that fast-track your path to becoming a licensed architect, with schools like USC, BAC, and more.

ARE 5.0

Architecture and the Recession: The Benefits of Licensure

How can you make yourself a valuable employee, even in times of economic uncertainty? By getting your license.

NCARB

NCARB Retires Rolling Clock Policy

NCARB has retired their rolling clock policy, moving toward a more equitable and fair score validity model. What does this mean for you?

Architect Education

Carrying it Forward: The Power of Mentorship in Architecture

How to find a mentor in architecture, why these relationships matter, and how strong community ties can help enrich your career.

ARE 5.0

How to Identify the Right ARE 5.0 Study Materials for your Learning Style

How to choose the right ARE 5.0 study materials for your learning style

ARE 5.0

ARE Tutoring vs. Online Test Prep: Which is Right for You?

What are the benefits of online test prep for the ARE 5.0? Learn more about the differences between tutoring and online prep.

NCARB

NCARB Technical Issues: What You Need to Know

What to do if you were impacted by NCARB's technical issues during your exam, and how to study going forward.

ARE 5.0

What is the ARE?

What is the ARE? The ultimate guide to the Architect Registration Exam (ARE®) 5.0 and how to become a licensed architect.

spectacular

A Letter from our CEO & Founder on Building upon the Black Spectacles Mission

A letter from CEO & Founder Marc Teer, FAIA on Black Spectacles' bigger mission: introducing an architecture job board and Spectacular, the...

Architect Education

Architect Continuing Education: What Does it Mean and How Can Your Firm Support it?

Read on for details on NCARB’s program and to learn how your firm can play a valuable role in supporting continuing education for architects.

ARE 5.0

Adult Learning and ARE Prep: 4 Considerations

Whether you’re a new architecture grad who is ready to start your career or a currently employed individual seeking licensure, here's what you need...

Celebrating Black Voices in Architecture

Black Spectacles is dedicated to amplifying Black voices in architecture, from Black history in architecture to resources for future Black...

Architect Education

Architecture Career Path: A Framework for Your Career Transition

We have you covered with the steps you need to build a solid career path and prepare to become a successful, registered architect.

Company News

Black Spectacles Honored in 2022 Best Places To Work Awards by Built In

black spectacles named best chicago company to work for and best small chicago company to work for in best places to work awards 2022 by built in

ARE 5.0

What Makes ARE Prep Different From Other Exams You’ve Taken?

Preparing for the ARE includes detailed planning, research, and targeted practice. Here's what makes architect exam prep different from other exams.

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.

Why You Should Get Licensed in 2021

NCARB reports licensure numbers down in 2020 due to COVID-19. Here are four reasons why you should take the ARE this year and get licensed in 2021.

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.

3 Best Techniques for Creating Solids in Dynamo

Learn the 3 best techniques for creating solids in Dynamo from our resident architect, Chris Hopstock.

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.

Cast Perfect Shadows on Your Model with the Vray Sun

Master Vray and SketchUp with our free 3D rendering with Vray for SketchUp and Rhino 5 tutorial.

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

Add a Little Fun into your Rendering with V-Ray Toon Effect

Learn about applying the Vray Toon Effect in Vray 3.2 for 3ds Max in this free Black Spectacles tutorial.

Company News

Black Spectacles Named to Three Best Place to Work Lists by Built In

black spectacles named best remote company to work for, best small chicago company to work for, best chicago place to work for

Pass the ARE. We guarantee it.

black spectacles guarantees you pass the are

Black Spectacles Practice Exams Align with NCARB ARE Updates

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

Company News

Black Spectacles Founder Earns AIA-Chicago Distinguished Service Award

black spectacles wins aia-chicago 2020 distinguished service award

Company News

Black Spectacles is Great Place to Work-Certified for the Second Year

Black Spectacles is Great Place to Work-Certified for the second time

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.

Take Your Renderings to the Next Level in Photoshop

Rendered channels into photoshop free tutorial

Make More Realistic Models with Reflexivity

Reflection glossiness settings vray sketchup free trial

HGA: How One Firm is Keeping Their Resources Available

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

Rhino Materials Made Easy

Creating clear glass material in Rhino free tutorial.

Company News

Great Place to Work Names Black Spectacles as a Best Chicago Workplace

Black Spectacles is a 2020 Best Workplaces in Chicago by Great Place to Work®

Company News

Black Spectacles Founder & CEO Marc Teer Joins AIA College of Fellows

AIA College of Fellows honors Black Spectacles Founder and CEO, Marc Teer

Company News

Black Spectacles Earns Great Place to Work Certification

Black Spectacles is Great Place to Work-Certified.

Company News

Black Spectacles Named an Inc. 5000 America's Fastest Growing Company

Black Spectacles is one of America's fastest-growing companies, according to Inc. 5000.

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.

Pass Practice Management in 30 Days with our Free Day-By-Day Study Guide | PM 30 Day

Master Practice Management with our free 30 day study guide. Including tips from recently licensed architects.

Pass the PDD Exam in 30 Days with our Free Day-By-Day Guide | PDD 30 Day

Pass PDD using our free 30-day study guide. Includes tips from licensed architect and structural engineer.

ARE 5.0

Pass the PPD exam in 25 days with our free day-by-day guide

Download our free ARE 5.0 PPD study guide. This day-by-day guide has links to our PPD video lectures, practice exams, and flashcards.

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.

The Secret to Becoming an Architect Faster

4 tips for becoming an architect faster through your Architectural Experience Program AXP (formerly the IDP) & the Architect Registration Exam (ARE).

The Top 5 Books & Resources Architects Need to Pass the ARE

Resources to pass 7 sections the Architecture Registration Exam- Mechanical Electrical Equipment for Buildings, AIA Handbook for Professional...

Building a Room Tag with Separate Labels – Revit 2016 Free Tutorial

Learn how to build a room tag with separate labels in Revit 2016 in this free Black Spectacles tutorial.

Make Your Renderings Camera Ready

Learn about setting the Camera and Environment Options in Rhino 5 for Vray 3.2 in this free tutorial.

How to Smooth Out Jagged Edges on Diagonals in Vray for SketchUp

Learn about the image sampler and antialiasing settings in Vray 3.2 Sketchup 2016 and Rhino 5 in this free tutorial.

ARE Live: Case Studies on ARE 5.0

This is part 7 of an episode of Black Spectacles' ARE Live podcast on the Architect Registration Exam – case studies, a new question type on ARE 5.0

The Easiest Way to Turn a Surface Into a Solid in Dynamo

Learn about creating a surface by patch, and turning that surface into a solid in Dynamo in this free Black Spectacles tutorial.

Create Polycurves Like a Pro in Dynamo

Learn how to create polycurves and put points on them in Dynamo in this free Black Spectacles tutorial.

Learn a Super Simple Way of Translating Geometry in Dynamo

Learn about number and integer sliders in Dynamo in this Black Spectacles free tutorial.

ARE Live: How Much Does it Cost to Become a Licensed Architect?

In this episode of the ARE Live podcast, Mike Newman walks listeners through the cost of becoming a licensed architect.

Learn How to Use the FilletEdge Command

In this free tutorial you will learn how to use the FilletEdge command. It is part of Black Spectacles’ Architectural Prototyping with Rhino 5 and...

How to Add Realistic Lighting and Shadows to Your 3D Rendering

Learn about creating a daylight system in Vray 3.2 for 3ds Max in this free tutorial.

What Can a Teapot Teach You About Rendering?

Learn how to use VRay Proxy to import geometry from an external mesh through this teapot example in Vray 3.2 for 3ds Max in this free tutorial.

Where can I download free Architecture Software?

Answers to where to download free Autodesk, Adobe, Trimble, McNeel Software for Architecture. Rhino, Grasshopper, Revit, Photoshop, 3ds Max, AutoCAD.