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Project Management (PjM)

ARE 5.0 Project Management (PjM) Study Guide

Learn to organize, manage, and coordinate architectural projects—including contracts, schedules, and team resources—with expert-led study materials designed for exam success.

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ARE 5.0 Project Management (PjM) Study Guide

PjM Pass Rates 48% Higher Than NCARB Average

Black Spectacles testers pass PjM 89% vs the NCARB average of 60%

Students who prepare with Black Spectacles pass the PjM exam at rates up to 48% higher than the national average.

Our proven study system combines practice exams that mirror the real NCARB exam, expert-led video lectures, quiz breaks built into each lesson, and flashcards directly tied to key lecture terms—so you can learn faster, retain more, and walk into test day with total confidence.

Black Spectacles testers pass PjM 89% vs the NCARB average of 60%

What is the Project Management (PjM) Exam?

The PjM division of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE 5.0) tests your ability to manage project execution — from contracts and budgets to staffing, scheduling, and consultant coordination.

Project Management (PjM)

Exam Format and Structure

The PjM exam focuses on project delivery and management tasks, assessing how well you can apply professional standards and coordinate all aspects of an architectural project.

Pass Rates and Statistics

National pass rates for PjM typically average around 60%, but Black Spectacles students consistently outperform this through focused, efficient study strategies.

Exam Duration and Question Types

You’ll have 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete 95 questions, including case studies, check-all-that-apply questions, and scenario-based items.

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What the PjM Exam Covers

1. Resource Management

Tests your ability to manage staff, consultants, and budgets to ensure efficient project delivery.

2. Project Work Planning

Covers creating schedules, scopes, and work plans that align with firm resources and project goals.

3. Contracts and Project Execution

Focuses on managing project agreements, including client and consultant contracts, and understanding roles and responsibilities during project delivery.

4. Quality Control

Assesses your understanding of risk management, document review, and communication strategies that support successful outcomes.

Project Management (PjM)

What's Unique about the PjM

Project Management focuses on the entire lifecycle of a signed project—from assembling your team to delivering completed work. Unlike Practice Management's focus on running a firm, PjM tests your ability to coordinate consultants, manage contracts, maintain schedules, and control quality throughout an actual project. The exam emphasizes applying contract knowledge to real project scenarios.

Black Spectacles Guided Study Process

Recommended Study Timeline

Most candidates spend 6–8 weeks preparing for PjM. Break your study plan into weekly goals and milestones using our built-in Guided Study Process to stay organized and on track.

  • Weeks 1-2: Focus on Sections 1-2 (Resource Management and Project Work Planning). Learn how to assemble project teams, develop work plans, and create project schedules. Use video lectures to understand Critical Path Method and flashcards to memorize scheduling terminology.

  • Weeks 3-4: Study Section 3 (Contracts)—the largest portion of the exam. Master AIA B101 (Owner-Architect Agreement) and A201 (Owner-Contractor Agreement). Our practical application videos break down complex contract language into exam-ready knowledge.

  • Weeks 5-6: Cover Sections 4-5 (Project Execution and Project Quality Control). Practice applying quality control procedures and managing project budgets using quizzes that test cross-sectional understanding.

  • Weeks 7-8: Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions. PjM questions often involve contract interpretation, so review AIA documents alongside your practice test results.

Recommended Study Timeline

Black Spectacles offers two ways to prepare:

  • Guided Study provides a structured plan aligned with your exam schedule, helping you stay focused with clear daily tasks and milestones.
  • Flexible Study gives you the freedom to move through the material at your own pace and in any order that fits your learning style.
Choose Your Study Mode: Guided Study or Flexible Study

Black Spectacles PjM Study Materials

Learn what study tactics to pass the ARE 5.0, how to take advantage of Black Spectacles suite of study materials and how to study to pass the ARE 5.0 exams.

Expert-Led Study Materials

Black Spectacles provides a complete ecosystem of study resources created by licensed architects who understand your challenges. Our comprehensive study platform includes:

Video Lectures  Video lectures that break down complex topics into manageable segments

Practice Exams Practice tests mirroring the actual exam format and difficulty

Digital Flashcards Digital flashcards for quick review sessions

Real-World Practice  Real-World Practices to help you work through difficult problems live, with the support of your peers and a registered architect coach.

Guided Study Process The Guided Study Process organizes your study content into daily, manageable study time, including breaks, that align with your exam date.

Start Studying for PjM Today!

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)

Ready to Pass the PjM Exam? 

Join thousands of candidates who’ve passed with Black Spectacles.
 
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Strategic Exam Order: Your Blueprint for Success

While NCARB allows candidates to take the divisions in any order, analysis of thousands of successful candidates reveals clear patterns for success. We recommend this strategic sequence:

Your Road to Licensure in 12 Months

Month 1

PcM

Month 2

PjM

Month 3

PA

Month 4

Break

Break

Retake

Retake

Month 5 - Month 6

PPD

Month 7 - Month 8

PDD

Month 9

Break

Break

Retake

Retake

Month 10

CE

Month 11

Break

Break

Retake

Retake

Month 12

Licensed Licensed

Frequently asked questions

How long should I study for the PjM exam?

Most candidates spend 6–8 weeks preparing, studying around 10–15 hours per week.

What is a passing score for the PjM exam?

NCARB uses a scaled score system. You’ll need to meet or exceed the passing threshold set for your version of the exam.

Is the PjM exam hard?

The PjM exam covers project execution, contracts, and coordination — areas that require both technical and managerial knowledge. With the right study tools, you can pass with confidence.

Can I take the PjM exam online?

Yes. NCARB offers both in-person and online proctored options for all ARE 5.0 divisions, including PjM.

How can Black Spectacles help me pass?

Black Spectacles provides a complete suite of ARE 5.0 study materials—featuring video lectures, practice exams, flashcards, and a guided study process designed to help you master every topic tested on the PjM exam.