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Black Spectacles and NOMA have partnered to provide a NOMA member benefit of discounted study resources, empowering underrepresented architects to advance in their careers.

The 2030 Challenge aims to double the number of licensed African American architects by 2030.

Through this partnership, available to all NOMA members, we aim to achieve the 2030 Challenge and help increase the number of licensed architects within NOMA's membership.

Start your licensure journey today!

Monthly
Yearly

Expert

Our most extensive study plan to help
you pass the ARE® with confidence.

$3,290/yr Save 64%
$1,200/yr
Billed annually

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Included For All 6 ARE Divisions:
Video lectures & lecture slides
Practice exams
Quizzes
Practical application videos
Digital Flashcards
Study guides
Virtual workshops
Mobile App + Offline Video Playback


*This pricing package does not include the Pass the ARE® guarantee.

There is a science to learning.
There is an optimal way to study. 

 

2x Faster Licensure

Your pain? We understand. This is why we do what we do, and can provide you with an experience like no other.

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40% Higher Pass Rate

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

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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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Join Tens of Thousands of Architects & Designers 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:

Can I pause my plan if I need to take a break?

Our plans can't be paused or stopped before a billing cycle is over. However, if you're looking for more flexibility in your test prep, we recommend opting for a monthly membership. You can always stop the next auto-renew through your member profile if you need to take a break. 

Can I purchase access for just a few days?

No; the shortest membership we offer is one month, and is available at every subscription tier. Keeping your success in mind, we can't recommend less than one month of studying leading up to your exam date. 

Can I change my plan later?

Yes! You can upgrade at any time through your account settings. You’ll only be charged to upgrade the time remaining in the current billing period.

I don't need access to all 6 divisions. Can I purchase just one at a time?

All subscription tiers include study material for all 6 divisions of the ARE. Our pricing is based on the kinds of study materials you'll have access to, like virtual workshops, practice exams, or study guides—not the number of divisions. You get access to all divisions at no additional cost, so take advantage!