Black SpectaclesReviews of blackspectacles.com

Black Spectacles is a great resource for anyone looking to complete the ARE. Their study resources, videos, flashcards and schedules are extremely thorough and helpful. Their coaching program is very professional and well organized. In addition, Black Spectacles has great learning videos on digital design software to improve everyone's skills.

Black Specs was extremely helpful in preparing to pass the ARE 5.0 exams. I used the service in passing all six exam sections. And I have no formal architectural education, so that is really saying something. To be clear, Black Specs was not my only resource. I recommend supplementing with other test prep books and study materials to gain an in-depth knowledge of the topics needed to pass the exams. In my opinion, the flash cards and practice exams are the most useful tools offered by Black Spectacles. By introducing you to a plethora of terminology and concepts, the flash cards give you a chance to answer test questions correctly, even if you don't happen to be well versed in that particular subject area. The Practice Exams are a very accurate representation of the ARE 5.0. I consistently felt like my Practice Exam scores were a proper gauge of my test readiness. On top of that, Black Specs now offers (3) totally unique test forms for each ARE division. If you are affected by test anxiety, the best solution is repeated practice. I would encourage you take the practice tests seriously. Closed book, scratch paper only, block out distractions, phone, etc. When the time comes to take the actual test, you can be calm and relaxed because you've already been through the process multiple times. I didn't find the video content quite as useful, mainly because I felt like they touched briefly on many topics, but failed to go into adequate detail for some of the subject matter. One nice feature though is that the video player allows you watch in x1.25, x1.5, or x2 speed, so you can get through them a little faster if you can keep up. Still, if you have the time, I'd recommend watching the video content to introduce you to topics you're not familiar with.

Black Spectacles is fantastic and was a major major help in getting me through 5 of the 6 exams. I have one left to go. Black Spectacles and the primary sources listed in the Ncarb ARE handbook are the only things I used to study. The videos were a great clarifier in the material you’ll be tested on. I highly recommend investing in the Premium access for the practice exams - they imitate the very format of the ncarb exam. I took them over and and over again to practice. Many of the questions were near or almost the same what I was tested in. When signing up it was hard at first to justify the membership cost. However given the exams are $235 each, not passing one is the equivalent of 1.5 months of B. Specs. Well worth it, and also well worth feeling that there was support in navigating very challenging and mystifying licensure exams.

Black Spectacles was the most accurate study guide I used compared to the actual AREs. The videos and practice tests covered relevant information to not only the tests but my experience with the practice of Architecture as well. Excellent, accurate, and affordable. Money and time well spent.

I would highly recommend this program. They have a vast amount of focused information in a format that is both easy to digest, as well as convenient to use. I can say that if it were not for the information provided by Black Spectacles, I don't think I would have been able to prepare myself as well as I did for the ARE exams. Some slight distractions in life threw me off course a bit, but after finding my way back, and finding this program, I was able to properly prepare myself and pass my last tests on my first attempts.

I cannot fully express the degree to which this curriculum has improved my day to day proficiency at the office. Not only am I more confident to pursue licensure, but I'm also more confident in my everyday quality of work because I can see my growth already; I've been subscribed for less than two months and in that time I've experienced a fidelity of concepts between the curriculum (the lectures, practice tests, and flashcards), to my working knowledge and decision making in our Architectural practice. I have no doubt that the time and resources that I've dedicated to my studies will serve me well beyond licensure. Black Spectacles has distilled a great deal of information and experience into a practicable tutoring service that *will* help you, licensure or not.

I took my first exam based on books/google/notes... and failed. A friend mentioned Black Spectacles so I thought why not. Lectures are a great starting point but you should study up more and I LOVE the practice exams. They look JUST like the real thing and helps me get mentally prepared for test day. I’ve subscribed before my last 4 exams and passed them all on the first try! I’ll be using Black Spectacles for me last 2! Recommend it!

The best investment I have made in my professional career! Provided me with the curriculum and schedule to be successful on every exam the first time testing!