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Save 20% & get everything you need to pass the California Supplemental Exam, Guaranteed

Expert - CSE

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

Limited time $249
$199.20/mo
Billed monthly

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Included with Expert - CSE:

Mobile App + Offline Video Playback
Video lectures & digital workbooks
Practice exam
Quizzes
Customizable Flashcards
The Black Spectacles Guided Study Process  
Pass the CSE guarantee

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. 
 

40% Higher Pass Rate

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

national_average

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

Frequently asked questions

What pass rates do Black Spectacles learners achieve on the CSE?

Black Spectacles learners self-report an 80% pass rate on the CSE, which is 20% higher than typical outcomes without a structured study approach.

Do I need additional resources beyond Black Spectacles CSE prep?

No. The Black Spectacles Expert CSE membership is designed as a comprehensive, all-in-one study system, so you don’t need additional resources. It covers the full CSE test plan with structured lessons, real-world scenario applications, and 130 practice questions that are aligned with the actual exam—helping you walk into test day with confidence to pass the CSE.

How does the CSE Guarantee work?

CSE Expert membership includes our Pass the CSE Guarantee—if you don’t pass, we’ll cover your exam retake so you can try again with confidence.

Can I cancel my subscription anytime?

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

Does the Expert CSE membership include access to ARE prep courses?

No. The Expert CSE membership is specifically designed to help you prepare for and pass the California Supplemental Exam (CSE). ARE prep courses are not included, but are available through separate Black Spectacles ARE memberships here.