Over 80% of the top architecture firms in the US
subscribe to Black Spectacles.
90-day Money-back Guarantee
Your satisfaction is guaranteed. If you’re not satisfied within 90 days with our ARE Exam prep, you’ll a full refund.
We're always looking and trying to make improvements and provide the best resources for our employees.
...But Black Spectacles is one that they just have outright asked for!
Ann Peters | Learning Development Manager, Senior Associate at Perkins & Will
A Strategic Choice leading
to Employee Retention
Licensure is a time in an architect’s career that we never forget. It’s devastating when you fail, joyful when you pass. After 6 years of school and 3 years of interning:- be the firm that helped your team get their license,- and they’ll never forget.
Licensed architects make fewer mistakes, represent your firm better, are more valuable to your firm and your clients, and you likely bill more for their time.
Investing $2,000 in one architect to get licensed, should generate a 10x return on investment of $20,000(3) in additional billings in the first year after they become licensed, and grow from there.
There’s a reason your team is asking
to study with for Black Spectacles.
In 2012, Black Spectacles pioneered a groundbreaking online learning platform for architecture,
setting a new standard for modern education.
Black Spectacles members report completing licensure in half the time of the NCARB average.
Our pass rate surpasses the national average by more than 40%
Cut your licensure time in half and earn recognition from
esteemed organizations like AIA and NCARB.
The AIA adopted Black Spectacles in 2015 as their ARE-Prep provider.
NCARB launched their Approved Test Prep Provider Program with Black Spectacles in 2018. NCARB approved all of BKS' test prep materials in 2019 under this program.
INC magazine recognized Black Spectacles as the 11th fastest growing education company in the United States in 2019.
AIA National recognized Black Spectacles as having a national impact on the profession of architecture by elevating our founder to the College of Fellows in 2020.
Start your team’s licensure journey now
Black Spectacles is an all-in-one solution that
your team can use 24/7.
We’ve built them all: world-class study plans, video lectures, quizzes, practice exams, flashcards, live workshops and Q&A.
Anywhere, anytime you can get an internet connection, your team can be studying our complete set of ARE 5.0 resources, on both desktop and mobile.
There is a science behind learning. That’s why we work with learning designers, curriculum developers, psychometricians and licensed architects to develop our learning curriculum, content and platform so that you and your team can be sure they’re learning the right information to pass the exams.
In one ear and out the other, no more! Black Spectacles’ learning content and platform work to reinforce every topic up to 15 times so you remember what you learned. Your teammates will walk into the exam with the confidence that they’re going to pass- that’s why our pass rate is as high as 85%, and our members report that we helped them save 1 year in studying compared to the national average.
Big firms, small firms and everyone in-between- we’ve built a group management platform that makes it easy to add and remove members, who can manage their own account access. You’ll also get reporting that proves they are using this great benefit you’re providing for them.
Start your team’s licensure journey now
Here's how group licenses work
Group licenses provide access for more of your employees at a lower cost compared to purchasing individual licenses- save as much as 97%!
Choose monthly or yearly pricing
Choose the number of seats for your license.
• For example, with an Expert 2-seat license, 2 people can study simultaneously. If a 3rd person logged in, access would become available when someone logs out.
Choose a license tier that aligns with your firm's needs: Expert, Pro or Premium
Make your purchase
Add members to your group licenses, who get email invitations for account setup and to start studying immediately!
Start your team’s licensure journey now
Get 12 Months For The Price Of 10-Save 17%!
Group Management & Reporting
90-days Money-back Guarantee
Your satisfaction is guaranteed – receive a full refund if not satisfied within 90 days.
EasyMember Management & CSV Upload
Easily manage accounts in your group membership.
Group Reporting Dashboard
Monitor & track your group's progress with a user-friendly reporting dashboard.
Automated Monthly Reports
Receive automated reports for convenient progress tracking and updates.
Learning Content
Video Lectures & Lecture Slides
Access comprehensive video lectures with downloadable lecture slides for enhanced learning.
Practice Exams
ARE 5.0 practice exams with the rigor of NCARB, made to feel like the real thing.
Quizzes
In addition to practice exams, gain access to two different kinds of quizzes: section quizzes & quiz breaks.
Scenario / Practical Application Videos
Learn from real-world scenarios through Practical Application Videos.
Digital Flashcards
Flashcards designed to help master key terms & concepts found on the ARE exams.
Study Guides
A structured study plan that provides clear guidance on what & when to study.
Virtual Workshops
Weekly live video workshops for each division hosted every Sunday at 2PM Central.
